FORD MOTORS-ECOSPORT:
Ford India Private Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company in India. Ford India Private Limited's headquarters are in Chengalpattu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.The company is rolling out the urban SUV Ford EcoSport in June 2013. It had announced a $142-million investment on this. With Ford EcoSport, the Chennai plant will ramp up to full capacity (200,000 units). Last year, production touched 127,000 units.
At present, the fleet of Ford in India comprises of a total of 5 models, namely Ford Figo, Ford Classic, Ford Ecosport, Ford Fiesta and Ford Endeavour. With such spectacular models to offer, the automaker ranks amongst the strongest game-players in the Indian automobile field.
LATEST ECOSPORT LAUNCH:
The Ford EcoSport is a mini sport utility vehicle (SUV), originally built in Brazil by Ford Brazil since 2003, at the Camacari plant. A second generation concept model was launched in 2012 and is intended to be also assembled in a new factory in Chennai, India and Vietnam.The EcoSport is one of Ford's best-seller models in Brazil, Argentina,Venezuela and Mexico.
DIESEL MODELS:
1.Ford Ecosport 1.5 DV5 MT Ambiente:
The diesel variants of this compact SUV have been equipped with a 4-cylinder based 1.5-litre DV5 diesel engine that comes with 1498 cc displacement capacity. This motor can churn out 89.8Bhp at 3750rpm, while generating a commanding torque output of 204Nm at just 2000 to 2750rpm. This engine torque is distributed to the front wheels via an advanced 5-speed manual gearbox.
2.Ford Ecosport 1.5 DV5 MT Trend:
This mid range diesel variant is blessed with all the features that are standard in Ambiente trim. Apart from those, it has anti-lock braking system, an emergency brake hazard warning function, front and rear power windows, steering mounted audio controls and so on.
3.Ford Ecosport 1.5 DV5 MT Titanium:
The features of this Titanium trim includes driver and passenger airbags, emergency assist, ISOFIX, configurable speed alarm in fuel computer, rear parking sensors and so on.
4.Ford Ecosport 1.5 DV5 MT Titanium Optional:
This is one of the top end variants that comes with all the Titanium range features as standard. In addition to those, it comes with optional features including a push button engine start, leather seats, smart key less entry, side and curtain airbags. The wheel arches of this trim have been fitted with a classy set of 16 inch alloy wheels that are further covered with 205/60 R16 sized tubeless radial tyres.
PETROL MODELS:
1.Ford Ecosport 1.5 Ti VCT MT Ambiente:
The company has equipped the petrol variants of this Ecosport SUV with a 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre, Ti-VCT based engine with 1499cc displacement capacity. This engine comes integrated with a direct fuel injection system that enables it to produce a power of 110Bhp at 6300rpm, while generating 140Nm of commanding torque at just 4400rpm.
2.Ford Ecosport 1.5 Ti VCT MT Trend:
Some other distinct aspects includes front and rear power windows, steering mounted audio controls, 60/40 rear split seats, driver's foot rest, illuminated passenger vanity mirror, retractable and removable rear package tray, driver seat height adjuster, under passenger seat storage and a few more features.
3.Ford Ecosport 1.5 Ti VCT MT Titanium:
This petrol Titanium trim is blessed with additional features including driver seat height adjuster with lumbar support, driver's seat armrest, sun glass holder, a 12V power socket, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob and so on. It also comes with a set of 16 inch diamond cut alloy wheels equipped with robust radial tyres.
4.Ford Ecosport 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium:
This variant comes with an advanced 1.0-litre, Ecoboost petrol engine that has 998cc displacement capacity. It comprises of just 3-cylinders, but can churn out a commanding power of 123.4Bhp at 6000rpm, while delivering 170Nm at just 1400 to 4500rpm.
5.Ford Ecosport 1.5 Ti VCT AT Titanium:
This variant is being equipped with the same 1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine, which is powering the other existing petrol variants. However, this motor is linked with a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox.
ADVANTAGES OF ECOSPORT:
- The fuel efficiency of the Ecosport is good, especially that of the diesel. It returns about 14-15km/l, j just like the Fiesta
- The most powerful engine on offer is the Eco Boost and it does feel like a 120bhp engine, and the figures are for real.
- The acceleration produced by the Ecosport is good and we like the way the Eco boost engine performs.
- The engine and performance of the Ecoboost and the other two engines is good. The Ecoboost definitely having an edge in performance.
- The Ecosport is loaded with several brownies and not just must haves like SYNC is something absolutely new to the Indian car market.
- Fords are known for their handling and the Ecosport is no different. The chassis is flexible and does drive well on bad roads and even on bends.
- The safety features on the Ecoboost is good and has six airbags, which no other SUV in this segment offers.