Ford launched its compact SUV Eco Sport in India during New Delhi Auto Expo in 2012. It is considered one of the most preferred compact SUVs in India. It offers the features of SUV combined with comfort offered by sedan car.
Style
Sharp looking headlamps, large front grill, and that Ford logo in the front makes this SUV appear stylish and muscular. SUV’s 200 MM ground clearance and 16 inch wheels help this SUV to look better than its main competitor, Renault Duster.
Spare wheel is mounted at this SUV’s tail gate. This not only offers that SUV feel, but also assures that buyers can use this vehicle to explore those unexplored hilly areas and forests.
You can also use Eco Sport for traveling in Indian cities that have rough roads, lanes full of traffic, meddling bike riders, potholes, and busted drain lines.
Safety
Indian witnesses large number of road accidental deaths every year. But unfortunately, most of the cars made and sold in India do not even offer basic safety features like airbag. But the US auto maker proves itself different, and thus, Ford has loaded this compact SUV with some of the best safety features that Indian car buyers can think about.
It offers driver airbag, passenger airbag, side and curtain airbags, configurable speed alarm, anti-lock braking system with electronic stability control (ESC) and electronic brake assist (EBA) combined with traction control system.
Electric power assist steering is stable, responsive, and offers confidence while driving.
Some other impressive safety features are rear parking sensors, auto door unlock on crash, emergency break hazard warning, driver seat belt reminder system, child seat fitting points, and remote controlled central locking system.
Interiors
The multifunction display screen above the central console looks impressive. Its music system consists of CD player, radio player, and supports Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Four speakers fitted in various corners of the cabin will make sure that classical music sounds like classical music.
Centre console consists of simple temperature control buttons. Music system also seems easy to operate with those buttons. Driver’s instrument binnacle consists of basic speedometer and tachometer with fuel gauge.
Cup holders, cooled glove box, ample storage space to keep those maps and smartphone, along with two map reading lamps in the front, are good enough to take care of passengers small needs. You won’t struggle to keep your can of coke and smartphone away from each other. The cabin offers around 20 storage spaces including side door pockets.
Push start button with Ford’s logo will tempt you to press it for sure! Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel with controls for music player and phone system seems impressive. Music system and phone system can also be controlled with voice controls.
Its 346 liter boot storage is good enough for luggage and you can also adjust rear seats to make more storage space.
Engine
Ford Eco Sport offers three engine options. 1.0 liter ecoboost petrol engine offers mileage of around 18.88 KMPL according to the SUV maker. The 1.5 liter TDCi diesel engine offers mileage of 22.67 KMPL. You can also opt for 1.5 liter petrol engine if you are looking for bigger engine.
You can choose from 6-speed power shift automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission gear box. Currently, automatic gearbox is available only with 1.5 liter petrol engine variant.
Braking and Suspension
Independent McPherson strut combined with coil spring manage front suspension, while twin oil and gas filed shock absorbers combined with semi-independent twist beam manage the rear suspension for this SUV. Drum brakes in the rear and ventilated disc brakes in the front are good enough to control this SUV while driving in hilly areas and city’s traffic. Suspension and braking system is the same across all variants.
Competition
According to car experts and user reviews, Eco Sport picks up quickly compared to its main competitor, Renault’s Duster. Eco Sport is good for driving in city as well as highways. But Duster is recommended only for highways. Plus, Duster’s diesel engine is noisy when compared with Eco’s diesel engine. Renault’s suspension is also not as good as that offered by Ford.
Eco Sport is priced between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10 lakh. Price depends on the variant and all the applicable taxes.