Facelifted Ford EcoSport Spied, Gets Mild Cosmetic Changes At The Front

The EcoSport has been around in India since 2013, and is yet to undergo a full-generation update

• This will be the EcoSport’s second facelift

• The new images show a significant change in the grille design.

• The boot-mounted spare wheel remains.

• Minor updates expected inside along with additional features.

• A new 6-speed manual transmission could be offered with the diesel engine.

• Launch likely around Diwali 2021.

• We don’t expect any major hike in price.

The Ford EcoSport could undergo another update in the coming months, going by a couple of new spy shots that have come to light. The SUV got a new variant a few months ago, but this update seems like it will be applicable across the range.

While images have been clicked from afar, it is pretty evident that most of the changes have been concentrated at the front. There is a new DRL design, and these lights are positioned around the fog lamp housing instead of in the headlights. The fog lamp housing has also been redone, along with the grille. From what we can gather, it seems like the grille will feature a mesh-like pattern and be all black, a change that, though not significant, will set it apart from the previous models. That said, we reserve our comment for now.

At the rear, there are no discernible changes, although the test mule was spotted with a new dual-spoke wheel design. Unlike the SE variant launched a few months ago, this test mule of the EcoSport featured a boot-mounted spare wheel.

We also expect slight tweaks to the EcoSport’s interior. Firstly, Ford could bring in a new 6-speed manual for the 1.5-litre diesel engine, considering it’s already available in Europe. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol is expected to remain as is, that is with the option of a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. 

Next, we could see a dual-tone paint scheme. The EcoSport currently sold in India gets a black roof, but it isn’t similar to dual-tone options other carmakers offer. With the update, we expect striking colour combinations, with the roof colour extending all the way down the A and C-pillars of the SUV. 

And finally, there is a slightly more rugged-looking variant of the EcoSport sold in Europe, featuring black cladding over the wheel wells. It’s called ‘Active’, and Ford could take this opportunity to bring it to India.

The EcoSport packs a decent amount of features, including an 8-inch touchscreen setup, a sunroof, and connected car technology. However, in comparison to the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue, it does fall short. Ford could choose to rectify this by offering features like LED headlamps, ventilated car seats, or even wireless smartphone charging.

The SUV currently retails between Rs 8.19 lakh and Rs 11.69 lakh (both ex-showroom). We don’t expect any serious hike in price with this update. 

The facelifted EcoSport will likely launch around Diwali this year and continue to rival the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Maruti Vitara Brezza/Toyota Urban Cruiser.

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