[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

Not height, I meant (and said) ground clearance reduction through a revised suspension setup.

Reducing the GC keeping the body shell same would result in overall height reduction as well right?

[RavenAvi]

The Ford EcoSport facelift, due for a scheduled launch in the first half of 2016, sees a rendering by Autos Segredos.

Borrowing design cues from the new Ford Edge, the EcoSport facelift is speculated to come with a trapezoidal front grille, slimmer headlamp enclosures with projectors, and L-shaped foglamp sections.

SOURCE - Autos Segredos

[wilful]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

The Ford EcoSport facelift, due for a scheduled launch in the first half of 2016, sees a rendering by Autos Segredos.

Attachment 1364136

Borrowing design cues from the new Ford Edge, the EcoSport facelift is speculated to come with a trapezoidal front grille, slimmer headlamp enclosures with projectors, and L-shaped foglamp sections.

SOURCE - Autos Segredos

Looks like its got projectors.
A good facelift IMO.

[deetjohn]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

The Ford EcoSport facelift, due for a scheduled launch in the first half of 2016, sees a rendering by Autos Segredos.

The rendering looks good. The front looks all the more UVish with that grille.

[peterjim13]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

The Ford EcoSport facelift, due for a scheduled launch in the first half of 2016, sees a rendering by Autos Segredos

Looks good.

But this totally lost the Ecosport Identity with its large front grille gone.

Headlamps and LED strips looks awesome. !!

[Chetan_Rao]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Reducing the GC keeping the body shell same would result in overall height reduction as well right?

Overall standing height (ground-to-roof) will decrease, but in-cabin height (floor-to-roof) will remain the same. As long as the revised GC is enough to safely tackle bad roads, wouldn't a low(er) slung compact-SUV actually be more dynamically stable (assuming a well-designed suspension, of course)?

[ashua]

I do hope for ford's sake that they continue to offer the tailgate mounted spare (alongside this version) as it brings a certain balance to the otherwise tall and hatchback dimensioned car. One of the biggest factors going for the Ecosport is its big UVish image. Remove the spare from the back and you start losing that from the side and the back profile. It might continue to look good at the front but I feel it takes away more than it adds.

[Vik0728]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

The EcoSport facelift is speculated to come with a trapezoidal front grille, slimmer headlamp enclosures with projectors, and L-shaped foglamp sections.

If this rendering really makes it to the production, I think I would be interested in Ecosport. My wife has been wanting to own one from a long time now.

However, the biggest thought that I have been pondering over in the recent times :

"What is this latest Fascination with L-shaped fog lamps by designers ??"

Do all auto manufacturers consult a single design agency before facelifts ??

[Contrapunto]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

And SUV'ish looks were one of its primary competencies? This redesign takes a lot away from it. Looks are subjective for sure, but I guess some people would agree here.



People will have choices soon- with YBA, S-Cross, S101 and ix25, ruining the monopoly Ecosport had over the market. Some of the above might be priced above the Ecosport - but I think Ford also has a potential problem to deal with, not just the customers.

I'm curious though- what are the main advantages of the upcoming Ecosport compared to the existing one? I couldn't figure out many, except for a colour screen and better promised NVH. Better ride and handling is promised for Europe with 10mm less GC. But would it come to India? So in net effect- it would partially lose two of its biggest USPs- 1. SUV'ish looks and 2. GC. While gaining what?

You are spot on with all your assertions IMO. The marketplace is going to get mighty crowded very soon. Ford made some strategic missteps, it would be interesting to see how they react to the changing market realities

Choice 1- Do nothing. Tinker with discounts, decal-laden "exclusive" models et al
Choice 2- New variants. Bring one "lower variant", at least in the diesel range and maybe (I hope) a "higher" variant with EcoBoost + AT
Choice 3- Completely new range with this EcoSport without tailgate-mounted spare to run ALONG with the existing range under some nifty new moniker. Not sure how it works out financially. Surely they will need a new die for the floor-plate, something with the provision for the spare wheel in its usual place. Supply chain projections must be hell though. Considering the tough competitive scenario, Ford may not have the luxury of "producing-to-order" like they do now.

Choice 4/5/6- Forum members, what other choices do you think Ford has?

The future sure looks interesting.

[schakravarthy]

Got these over WhatsApp. Not sure about the source of the pics.

[Arjun Reddy]

Ford seems to be readying their facelift for the Ecosport.

Spotted on GST near Chennai.

Pictures shared by Yogashankiyan on Team Fiat Moto club.







Atleast from the outside there hardly seems any changes.

The spare wheel seems to have gone into the boot and a new alloy wheel design.

The rear Ford badging has been moved from bottom left of the hatch to a more central position.

Mods pls check and let me know if a similar thread already exists.

[Crazy_Bean]

Originally Posted by schakravarthy

Got these over WhatsApp. Not sure about the source of the pics.

Attachment 1389329



Attachment 1389330

Well. this is definitely the "Creta effect". Anyway, there is a high probability that this is an export model, Removing the rear wheel is not a wise decision for India (mentality and perception), hence the deduction.

The wheels are total droolmaal.

In Short, FORD, Give us those wheels, Sunroof, Auto lights/Wipers, cruise control and you have another sales bomber ready.

[coolboy007]

Ford would be better off not removing the rear mounted wheel as it has gelled well with the design and why fiddle with some thing which is liked by the masses and spoil a good looking car.

The alloy wheels look smokin hot, the previous design was good but these alloys look so much better. Give the auto lights/auto wipers, auto folding mirrors with puddle lights etc from the Fiesta, improve the ride a bit without spoiling dynamics and the facelift is good to go.

[supertinu]

I am really baffled with this design update from Ford. Cosmetically one of the main things that made Ecosport standout as a SUV despite its small size was the rear door mounted tyre. With that gone in my opinion it loses some of its SUV credentials or that whole look factor. Also practically with the wheel gone I hope its not in the boot which anyways can barely take one due to limited volume and space. Not giving a 5th wheel is also not a good idea given our road conditions and occasional punctures that do happen.

[keeprevving]

Yes, masses had accepted the design with the wheel at rear. In Europe, people actually do not like a wheel on the rear door, and to cater them, Ford has come up with this design. To beat Creta, Ford needs to do more with the design. May be they can use some lines from the upcoming Endeavor.

Originally Posted by supertinu

Also practically with the wheel gone I hope its not in the boot which anyways can barely take one due to limited volume and space. Not giving a 5th wheel is also not a good idea given our road conditions and occasional punctures that do happen.

I don't think Ford has omitted the 5th wheel. It will be there in the boot or under the body. No ways can they do such a blunder. If they have, then God save them!