Ford will soon be taking another big stride towards firming its position in India as the carmaker plans to launch a Fiesta-based compact SUV, the EcoSport, in early 2012. Rumour mills are agog that the EcoSport would come with a length of less than 4 metres to ensure that it qualifies as a small car according to government norms.
The EcoSport 5-seater is expected to carry a price tag of Rs. 6 lacs for the base variant, and Rs. 8 lacs for the top-end variant. It is believed that after its launch in the market, EcoSport would only be confronted by the likes of Premier Rio.
The compact SUV will share the ‘B’ platform with Fiesta hatchback international model, along with the design elements that form a part of the latter. The EcoSport is expected to feature chrome inserts on the front grille, a headlamp cluster which is found on the new Fiesta sedan and triangular fog lamps. Maintaining the standards of an SUV, the EcoSport would carry large wheels, flared wheel arches and high ground clearance to befit the off-road conditions.
The EcoSport may possess similar interior accessories as the Fiesta. However, in order to bring down the overall price, Ford is likely to compromise on gizmos like the voice activated controls facility given in the sedan. The SUV will have sufficient headroom, legroom and shoulder room on offer, along with a comparatively increased boot space.
The EcoSport is expected to assimilate engines found in the Figo and new Fiesta sedan. The petrol version of the compact SUV may be powered by a 1.2-litre engine that currently powers the Figo petrol car. This engine produces 71 hp of power and 102 Nm of torque. It is expected to carry a 5-speed manual transmission, with an ARAI-certified mileage of 15.6 kmpl.
The EcoSport diesel version is likely to come equipped with a 1.5-litre engine that powers the Fiesta sedan. This turbocharged 1.5-litre motor is inter-cooled and generates an 89.7 hp of peak power and 204 Nm of maximum torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission and delivers a mileage of 23.5 kmpl as per ARAI ratings.
The Fiesta-based SUV is believed to be a part of the American car maker’s ‘One Ford’ strategy, wherein the company will manufacture products for worldwide rather than for limited markets.
Like the Figo, the EcoSport will also be manufactured at the Chennai plant of Ford and exported to South Africa and other markets in the Asia-Pacific.
Thus, it remains to be seen whether the EcoSport will be able to grab the attention of buyers of premium hatchbacks or entry-level sedans in India.
