Ford EcoSport 2013-2015 Ford Ecosport 2013-2015 1.5 Ti VCT MT Trend

Ecosport 2013-2015 1.5 Ti VCT MT Trend Review

Ford India, the Indian wing of the American car manufacturing giant Ford, has officially introduced its first ever compact SUV Ford EcoSport . The company has unveiled this vehicle last year and has been teasing the SUV enthusiasts in India. It was a long wait for this compact SUV, which is finally ended. The all new Ford EcoSport has been introduced with both petrol and diesel fuel options, which will allow the customers to choose according to their requirements. There are overall three trim levels available in this Ford EcoSport line up among which, Ford Ecosport 1.5 TiVCT MT Trend trim is the mid range version that comes with a decent set of features inside. This mid range variant is powered by high performance 1.5-litre, 1499cc petrol engine that has the ability to generate 109.76bhp at 6300rpm and produce 140Nm of maximum torque at 4400rpm. Its engine is mated to an advanced 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that allows you to move on effortlessly. What really is impressive about this SUV is its sub 4-meter length that helped it to obtain tax benefits from the Indian government regulations. Ford India is producing the Ford EcoSport in India by obtaining 70 percent of the materials locally from the country to further diminish the manufacturing costs. It is also planning to export this SUV to over 40 countries globally from India. Presently, Ford is offering 2 years or 100,000 kilometers of warranty with this SUV, which can be extended further.

Exterior:

If you take a closer look at this SUV, you will be able to notice that, the all new Ford EcoSport comes with an captivating overall body design, which is certainly going to steal the hearts of many. The front fascia of this SUV is very attractive with aggressively designed head lamp cluster, a stylish grille and a bumper . This vehicle has got a body colored bumper, which is integrated with a large air dam. This air dam has got horizontal slats finished in silver garnish. While the front radiator grille of this variant has got Mid-Grey color garnish. The company's logo has been affixed to the front grille that brings more style and elegance to the front facade. You can also notice that there are black colored bumper claddings affixed to the bumper that gives a sporty look to this vehicle. Coming to the side profile, this mid range SUV trim has got body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. The all new Ford Ecosport 1.5 TiVCT MT Trend variant has flared up wheel arches, which have been fitted with 15 inch steel rims that are further equipped with 195/65 R15 tubeless tyres. Also the steel wheels are fitted with full wheel covers that adds to the style of the side profile. The rear end design of this SUV is also good with stylish tail lamps and body colored bumper, which are affixed with black colored bumper claddings. This vehicle comes with compact body design which has an overall length of 3999mm and 1765mm of width and 1708mm of overall width. On the other side, Ford EcoSport comes with an impressive wheel base of 2520mm that ensures spacious interior cabin. It will also ensure head room space along with leg room and shoulder space.

Interiors:

The cabin section of the all new Ford Ecosport 1.5 TiVCT MT Trend is very attractive and spacious. It is offered with dual-toned interior cabin with fabric upholstery. This mid range version in the Ford EcoSport series is offered with some decent set of features that includes under passenger seat storage, retractable and removable rear package tray, driver seat height adjustment, illuminated passengers vanity mirror, driver's foot rest, 60/40 foldable rear seats, and several other features. The interior design cues of this SUV has been extracted from the interior design of the Ford Fiesta sedan. The leg room space, shoulder space and head room space inside this compact SUV ensure comfortable seating for at least 5 passengers. There is 346 litres of storage space provided at the rear, which can be further extended to 705 litres by folding the rear seats.

Engine and Performance:

The Ford Ecosport 1.5 TiVCT MT Trend trim is offered with a 1.5-litre engine, which can displace about 1499cc . This commanding engine has the ability to make 109.76bhp at 6300rpm and 140Nm of peak torque output at 4400rpm. Its Twin Independent variable camshaft timing engine is mated to an advanced 5-speed manual transmission gearbox, which transmits the power through front wheels. This vehicle has got an impressive ground clearance of 200mm and 550mm water wading capability that ease driving.

Braking and Handling:

The company has equipped this mid level variant with a top class braking as well as a robust suspension system. The front wheels of this compact SUV has been fitted with ventilated disc brakes, while the rear wheels are fitted with reliable drum brakes . The company has also integrated this variant with anti lock braking system that reduces the risks of skidding, whenever sudden brakes are applied. The suspension mechanism for the front axle of this variant has been fitted with independent McPherson Strut type of suspension that is assisted by coil spring and anti-roll bar mechanism. On the other hand, the rear axle of this SUV is bestowed with a semi-independent twist beam type of suspension integrated with twin gas and oil filled shock absorbers. It is further assisted by a very responsive power steering wheel that comes with Pull Drift Compensation technology.

Safety Features:

This mid level variant of the compact SUV has been bestowed with quite a few safety features. Generally in the mid range variants, not many safety features incorporated. However, the safety features that the company has incorporated in this SUV are anti lock braking system, emergency brake hazard warning, remote central locking that safeguards this SUV , advanced engine immobilizer that protects this SUV from theft and few more like these.

Comfort features:

The company has incorporated some of the decent set of comfort and convenience features inside this Ford Ecosport 1.5 TiVCT MT Trend mid range trim. Its features include a manual air conditioner, power steering mounted audio controls, telescopic steering wheel with adjustable tilt , power adjustable external wing mirrors with turn indicators integrated on to it, power windows for all the doors, a sophisticated music player with Bluetooth connectivity and USB/AUX-In support, AM/FM radio and many more features. There are two speakers at the front and two speakers at the rear that enhances the music listening experience. There is no doubt that this compact SUV is going to lure many SUV enthusiasts and will contribute in increasing the sales of Ford in the country.

Pros: Stylish and sporty looks, high performance engine, decent cabin design.

Cons: More features could be added, no air bags, no rear parking sensor.