[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

That said, the 6-speed dual-shift 'box in the Fiesta would work well with the 1-liter EcoBoost mill.

It should, but not sure if they have started selling this combination elsewhere.
IIRC, the 1.0L Ecoboost in the UK Focus has two options – 100ps with 5-speed MT, or 125ps with 6-speed MT. So if this is the combination which they are going to follow worldwide, the gearbox maybe dependant on the engine tune they choose for India.

I feel this buzz around the Ecoboost will be there only until the launch. Majority of the actual sales should be from the diesel variant (that too if priced well).
That said, I am really looking forward to the petrol avatar

[suhaas307]

^^ In the Ford India website, it says that the engine would be the 1 liter EcoBoost that produces 120 horses and 170 Newton Meters of torque. But it also says that the gearbox options would be the 5-speed manual and the 6-speed PowerShift (dual-clutch) transmission.

My father is seriously considering the EcoSport. He wants a small, nimble car for the city. Something that's small enough for tight parking spots and traffic-snarls, and large enough to accommodate 4 adults + luggage for a longish drive once a year, and golf-bags for his weekends at the KGA.

We would be interested only in a petrol car, so the EcoSport seems like the perfect fit for our garage and our family.

Let's hope Ford doesn't disappoint by pricing it exorbitantly. Anything under 12 lakhs, and we would be ready with our cheque-books.

Fingers crossed.

[mallumowgli]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

Let's hope Ford doesn't disappoint by pricing it exorbitantly. Anything under 12 lakhs, and we would be ready with our cheque-books.

Fingers crossed.

That's interesting..all the posts in this thread have indicated that pricing the Ecosport above Fiesta would be suicidal. All are looking forward to a price range of 7-9L. Ford will be happy to know that there are people willing to pay more

[motorworks]

Two things that I'm very apprehensive about:-

1) The price-> From day one, we have been hearing that the ecosport is going to be very competitive. How is this possible when the platform, interiors are all shared with the new fiesta? Agreed its going to have a 1 litre petrol engine and that is going to may be bring the cost down etc, but what about the diesel? Its still going to be the 1.4 TDCI from the Fiesta. Even with the excise benefit considered, how much difference is it going to make? If the ecosport can be sold for 7-8 lakhs with excise benefits, can't the new fiesta be sold for atleast 9-10 lakhs, inclusive of the excess amount incurred in excise? I mean ford has literally given up on the new fiesta now. It has not reduced the price drastically.
2) Length under 4 mtr-> Ok, excise duty benefit is substantial, but will that compromise the interior space? I mean the earlier dzire was more than 4 mtrs, 4.1 or 4.2 actually. And the new dzire which looks so awkard in the side profile is under 4 mtrs! So how much space will the eco sport actually have inside? I hope it doesnt end up looking like the premier rio in dimensions!

[suhaas307]

Originally Posted by mallumowgli

That's interesting..all the posts in this thread have indicated that pricing the Ecosport above Fiesta would be suicidal. All are looking forward to a price range of 7-9L. Ford will be happy to know that there are people willing to pay more

We're keeping in mind the exorbitant road-tax/registration that is slapped on cars in Karnataka. The difference between OTR prices in Karnataka and OTR prices in other States is rather substantial. And as we stay in Bangalore, we need to factor in that as well.

I have been trying to speculate the pricing, and going by Ford's past, I can't expect them to price it too competitively. Look at the Fiesta and how they've priced it. The EcoSport is based on the Fiesta, so my guess is that it should be around the Fiesta's price-figures.

Expecting it to be priced in the 6-9 lakh bracket is optimistic. One must remember that Ford might consider slapping a premium on the car in the name of technology, with the PowerShift 'box and EcoBoost engine and what not.

If Hyundai and Maruti can price the i20 and Swift at 8.5 lakhs a pop, I'm sure it wouldn't be a blunder if Ford prices the EcoSport in the 9-13 lakh bracket.

As I see it, Ford may go down two roads.

- Price it like they priced the Figo. Take advantage of the tax benefits and pass it onto the customer. Make it a VFM proposition. OR

- Price it at a premium like they've done with the Fiesta in the name of engineering and tech.

They're quite capable of going either way. So let's just hope for the best.

I for one would love to see an EcoSport parked in my garage in a years time. I think it's a wonderful product and just the kind of car our FE-conscious crowd and cramped streets need.

[selfdrive]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

I for one would love to see an EcoSport parked in my garage in a years time. I think it's a wonderful product and just the kind of car our FE-conscious crowd and cramped streets need.

Good, then I can look forward to your ownership review before I decide which car to put up on the classifieds!

To be honest, I would like to see how that 1,0 petrol mill performs on highways. If it matches the numbers for the 1.2 mill in the Jazz, then the ride comfort should seal the deal for me.

Any updates on the launch dates yet?

[AutoIndian]

Originally Posted by selfdrive

Any updates on the launch dates yet?

The latest we know that the India launch is not going to happen before Jan 2013. However expect it to get launched in Brazil & China at least a couple of months earlier.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

My father is seriously considering the EcoSport. He wants a small, nimble car for the city. Something that's small enough for tight parking spots and traffic-snarls, and large enough to accommodate 4 adults + luggage for a longish drive once a year, and golf-bags for his weekends at the KGA.

We would be interested only in a petrol car, so the EcoSport seems like the perfect fit for our garage and our family.

Let's hope Ford doesn't disappoint by pricing it exorbitantly. Anything under 12 lakhs, and we would be ready with our cheque-books.

Fingers crossed.

Cool, looking forward for your ownership review, pretty soon after the launch

I don’t expect Ford to price it in the 12 lakhs bracket – (1) For me, it’s a spruced up Fiesta hatch (which is positive remark by the way), and (2) I feel Ford may have more models planned in that price range (MPV/Cross-overs). My bet is on 7-9 lakhs ex-showroom, especially for the petrol range.

[Vid6639]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

I for one would love to see an EcoSport parked in my garage in a years time. I think it's a wonderful product and just the kind of car our FE-conscious crowd and cramped streets need.

Am I reading this right. Honda boy who has a Civic, a Jazz and is looking at a Brio is now considering a Ford to replace a Civic?

One ride in a Ford half way across the country can bring about so much of a change.

[suhaas307]

Originally Posted by selfdrive

Good, then I can look forward to your ownership review before I decide which car to put up on the classifieds!

Originally Posted by vb-san

Cool, looking forward for your ownership review, pretty soon after the launch

An ownership review will be constructed.

Originally Posted by selfdrive

To be honest, I would like to see how that 1,0 petrol mill performs on highways. If it matches the numbers for the 1.2 mill in the Jazz, then the ride comfort should seal the deal for me.

Any updates on the launch dates yet?

Exactly! We are happy with the Jazz's performance. it's more than adequate for city driving and could do with a little more for the highway. But all in all, it's a great drive. So the 1 liter EcoBoost should pack a punch and deliver on FE too.

Originally Posted by vb-san

I don’t expect Ford to price it in the 12 lakhs bracket – (1) For me, it’s a spruced up Fiesta hatch (which is positive remark by the way), and (2) I feel Ford may have more models planned in that price range (MPV/Cross-overs). My bet is on 7-9 lakhs ex-showroom, especially for the petrol range.

I so hope you're right, Biju.

Originally Posted by Vid6639

Am I reading this right. Honda boy who has a Civic, a Jazz and is looking at a Brio is now considering a Ford to replace a Civic?

One ride in a Ford half way across the country can bring about so much of a change.

*grins*

We always liked Ford, Vid. We've owned an Ikon 1.6 earlier. The Ford Cosworths are right up there in my personal list of most desirable cars. The Escort Cosworth, the Sierra Cosworth, the Sapphire Cosworth. All of 'em are wonderful cars!

And to be really honest, it was my dad who came to me the other day and told me that he wants the EcoSport! I was slightly taken aback and pleasantly surprised! I'm all for it though, because I think it's a brilliant package. A car with enough space for 4 and luggage, ground-clearance and a frugal + powerful petrol mill! We couldn't have asked for anything more.

But I must also say, the drive in your Figo made the decision even easier for me. *winks*

[man_and_machine]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

As I see it, Ford may go down two roads.

- Price it like they priced the Figo. Take advantage of the tax benefits and pass it onto the customer. Make it a VFM proposition. OR

- Price it at a premium like they've done with the Fiesta in the name of engineering and tech.

Product pricing (not restricted to autos) always goes with premium pricing for new tech. Its not really a premium, its about differentiating new platforms, user experiences, newer efficiencies and starting the starting the relevance cycle of the product. The recent example is the iPad 3. Its an incremental model, evolutionary and demands a premium over the outgoing model. Why? A part of the rise in price is due to the incremental features, but more is towards starting the relevance cycle of iPad 3 for another 2 (or so) years to come and stopping the relevance for iPad (remember the original model?).

Its a bad idea to place a new tech at a lower price (a very bad idea, then you will no longer be able to create a brand known for its innovation), The First CRDI car improved on milage and NVH, it would be have been a fantastic idea to sell them at a lower price than the then existing Diesel engines, but it never happened. Then the new tech does not get acceptable as a revolutionary change (the reason behind it would be, if it can cost the same, how different could it be).

Also you lose the band with to lower the price later when you need to (later).

Name one product that is an tech improvement and cost less than status quo.

I am not hopeful that Ford will be able to play a Figo with this (Figo was just smart packaging, not new tech with it).

But then, what is wrong with being optimistic on the price! I sure share the greed to be able to buy it with a smaller hole in my pocket!

[AutoIndian]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

An ownership review will be constructed.

This one would be one of the most awaited reviews on TBHP. My plan to get the Ecosport in my garage:
1. Follow closely the Ecosport launch in China, Brazil & then in India - Jan 2013
2. Once the TBHP Test Drive & Review on Ecosport is out, thoroughly evaluate it (half the decision will be made there) - Feb 2013
3. Keep a close track of your Ecosport ownership thread - May 2013 (Hope it will be published by that time), 25% decision would be made here.
4. Follow the Ecosport ownership threads of other TBHPians for one year at least.
5. Take a Test Drive & book the Ecosport - Jan 2014 (if it ticks all the right boxes).
6. Take delivery of my Ecosport - July 2014 (when my current ride would retire graciously after 10 years of service)

Originally Posted by man_and_machine

Product pricing (not restricted to autos) always goes with premium pricing for new tech. Its not really a premium, its about differentiating new platforms, user experiences, newer efficiencies and starting the starting the relevance cycle of the product.

I am not hopeful that Ford will be able to play a Figo with this (Figo was just smart packaging, not new tech with it).

But then, what is wrong with being optimistic on the price! I sure share the greed to be able to buy it with a smaller hole in my pocket!

Well said. However Ford got it wrong with the Fiesta, it was a premium pricing for not so new tech. Hope they have learnt their lesson & don't repeat the mistake with the Ecosport.

The MS XA Alpha based mini SUV is still a long way to go. It won't hit the roads at least till mid 2014, by which time the Duster & Ecosport would have already established themselves. I liked this phrase "price to size ratio" & no prizes for guessing here, the Ecosport would hit the bottom of the charts at least on this aspect. The VFM mindset of us Indians is a major factor in our car buying decision & it would be interesting to observe how Ford can manage to fit in that bracket.

[anumod]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

Indian traffic conditions may not warrant a 6th. This is after all a city-dweller's SUV and the EcoSport will be driven predominantly within city-limits. A 5th as overdrive should do just fine, I suppose.

Hi Suhaas,

Even though Ford is branding it as an urban SUV, but I am expecting it to be a driver's car and I am thinking of taking it to highway very often. So that is why I was looking for an overdrive gear.

From your perspective, just looking at a City car, it doesn't make to have the 6th gear ..

[M5_fan]

Hello guys,

Can you help me out with a couple of questions.

1. What is this overboost technology in the ecoboost engine? When i tried searching on google, i saw links about other cars that said that said overboost is happening in the turbo charger and it is harmful for the engine

2. Does anybody know the interior legroom and headroom figures?

Thanks.

PS - posting after a long time, i had misplaced my id and password and recently found it written on the back of an old notebook. Glad to be back.

[AutoIndian]

Originally Posted by M5_fan

1. What is this overboost technology in the ecoboost engine? When i tried searching on google, i saw links about other cars that said that said overboost is happening in the turbo charger and it is harmful for the engine

Why go to google when this matter has already been discussed in this very thread. Refer to pg 29 & 30 of this thread to know more @ overboost technology in the ecoboost engine

Originally Posted by M5_fan

2. Does anybody know the interior legroom and headroom figures?.

Ford has not yet revealed these details for the new Ecosport.