The much awaited Ford EcoSport, as expected, was likely to be launched early in 2013. Ford dealers are saying that the official bookings of the EcoSport will open around March or April and the deliveries for the mini SUV are going to be commenced from August 2013. This is shocking news for car enthusiasts, as we were expecting the EcoSport to roll out early next year. Testing of uncamouflaged models of the EcoSport have been spotted several times lately which gave us a hint of an early launch in 2013.
The Ford EcoSport is based on the Fiesta platform featuring three-cylinder, 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine that produces 120 BHP of power output and 170 Nm of torque and a 1.5-litre diesel engine borrowed from the Fiesta, which produces 91 BHP of power and 204 Nm of torque. The petrol engine is coupled to a six-speed manual and dual clutch automatic transmission. The mini SUV measures less than 4-metres in length and is expected to hit the showrooms with a price tag of Rs. 7-9 lakhs.
We can’t guess the reasons behind this move from the manufacturer, as the Renault Duster and Mahindra Quanto are taking full advantage of this segment by selling in good volumes. Other manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki with its XA Alpha, Chevrolet with the Trax and Volkswagen with the Taigun are also in the race to position their models in this sweet spot. In the global market, Ford has sold out more units of the EcoSport than the Renault Duster but the Duster clawed back last month in Brazil.
Source – Team-BHP
