[Vish_Janu]

Originally Posted by RM Motorsports

Ford Dragon petrol engine family to debut in refreshed EcoSport this Diwali

All-new 1.5 litre 3-cylinder petrol to replace ‘Sigma’ 1.5 litre four-cylinder motor in refreshed Ecosport. 1.2 litre, three-cylinder to power future Fords.

Ford is all set to launch the heavily updated EcoSport this October in time for the festive season. More importantly, this compact SUV will also mark the debut of the all-new Dragon series of petrol engines which will power Ford’s future small car range. The big news is that India has been selected as a global production base for the Dragon range and an official announcement from Ford confirming this news is expected in the coming weeks.

For the Indian market, the Dragon range will initially consist of a three-cylinder engine in 1.5-litre and 1.2-litre displacements; The 1.5-litre unit, with an estimated power output of 120hp, will first be launched in the EcoSport facelift and will later power future Fords like a mid-size sedan being developed on an all-new platform (Code: B563) to rival the Honda City.

A 1.2 petrol will be the staple engine for the models that qualify for the ‘small car’ tax benefits and hence, is likely to power cars ranging from the next-gen Figo and Aspire (expected in 2019) to a new premium hatchback that is also being developed on the B563 platform. Lower variants of the EcoSport could also get the 1.2 motor.

Ford has not yet officially released details or specifications of the Dragon engine family but according to sources, it is a state-of-the-art motor designed to comfortably meet future emission norms.

The Dragon range is expected to come with technology like an integrated exhaust manifold, a rocker shaft with hydrodynamic bearings, a variable oil pump and dual-valve independent valve control. It also believed to feature individual ignition coils for each cylinder, spark plugs centralised in the combustion chamber and hydraulic tappets with rotor arms. This full-aluminium engine is believed to b over 10 percent lighter than the current four-cylinder Sigma motor.

To be manufactured in Ford India’s spanking new engine plant in Sanand, the high-tech, highly localised Dragon family should translate to cars that offer good performance and efficiency at a competitive price.

http://www.autocarindia.com/car-news...-diwali-405600

As I had revealed two weeks back. Good to see Team-BHP leading the way ahead of even auto mags

[Vish_Janu]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Is that a retracting screen? The design looks so much like the ones available from Pioneer etc.

Either ways, Ford has an upper edge with the HU. Looks like a floating 8 inch unit, as compared to the Nexon's 6.5 inch one.

Not a retracting screen, but an 8 incher yes!

[blueeyed]

Originally Posted by RM Motorsports

Ford Dragon petrol engine family to debut in refreshed EcoSport this Diwali

All-new 1.5 litre 3-cylinder petrol to replace 'Sigma' 1.5 litre four-cylinder motor in refreshed Ecosport. 1.2 litre, three-cylinder to power future Fords.

Ford is all set to launch the heavily updated EcoSport this October in time for the festive season. More importantly, this compact SUV will also mark the debut of the all-new Dragon series of petrol engines which will power Ford's future small car range. The big news is that India has been selected as a global production base for the Dragon range and an official announcement from Ford confirming this news is expected in the coming weeks.

For the Indian market, the Dragon range will initially consist of a three-cylinder engine in 1.5-litre and 1.2-litre displacements; The 1.5-litre unit, with an estimated power output of 120hp, will first be launched in the EcoSport facelift and will later power future Fords like a mid-size sedan being developed on an all-new platform (Code: B563) to rival the Honda City.

A 1.2 petrol will be the staple engine for the models that qualify for the 'small car' tax benefits and hence, is likely to power cars ranging from the next-gen Figo and Aspire (expected in 2019) to a new premium hatchback that is also being developed on the B563 platform. Lower variants of the EcoSport could also get the 1.2 motor.

Ford has not yet officially released details or specifications of the Dragon engine family but according to sources, it is a state-of-the-art motor designed to comfortably meet future emission norms.

The Dragon range is expected to come with technology like an integrated exhaust manifold, a rocker shaft with hydrodynamic bearings, a variable oil pump and dual-valve independent valve control. It also believed to feature individual ignition coils for each cylinder, spark plugs centralised in the combustion chamber and hydraulic tappets with rotor arms. This full-aluminium engine is believed to b over 10 percent lighter than the current four-cylinder Sigma motor.

To be manufactured in Ford India's spanking new engine plant in Sanand, the high-tech, highly localised Dragon family should translate to cars that offer good performance and efficiency at a competitive price.

http://www.autocarindia.com/car-news...-diwali-405600

Does this mean that we won't be getting the 1 litre turbocharged ecoboost engine anymore?
I really liked that engine and would be missed badly if they decide to ditch them in the new ecosport.

[bhpfaninblr]

Boosterjets have not been very successful in India with low sales owing to higher cost and low driveability in city. No wonder the 3 cylinder Dragon engine comes in place of Ecoboost. The turbo petrols will not be able to meet the stricter emission norms coming up (better to buy a small diesel now as they will be way too expensive post 2020). No wonder there is research and development on naturally aspirated petrols

125+ bhp for a 3 cylinder naturally aspirated petrol is simply amazing. Kudos Ford!

Originally Posted by blueeyed

Does this mean that we won't be getting the 1 litre turbocharged ecoboost engine anymore?
I really liked that engine and would be missed badly if they decide to ditch them in the new ecosport.

[aravind.anand]

Now, the interiors look good and the floating display with touchscreen will make the EcoSport on par with competition, and maybe have a slight edge too.

But hey! the interiors don't seem to be India friendly at all... Come on, where can owners place the idols now? The floating display would probably block the blessings. Hey Bhagwan!

[pathik]

Well, the biggest change I can see is that they are doing away with their terrible console (which honestly looks like a toy gadget in the current gen). This was the biggest turn-off for me when I went to TD Ecosport few weeks back.

[Highh5]

Ford uploaded a small video of the central ICE Console present in the Ecosport on Twitter. This looks better in my opinion then the upcoming Floating Dashboard Console.

Twitter Source

[pathik]

Originally Posted by Highh5

Ford uploaded a small video of the central ICE Console present in the Ecosport on Twitter.

Surely this is from the current-gen Ecosport right? It doesn't match with the spy shots posted here recently.

[procrj]

Originally Posted by bhpfaninblr

125+ bhp for a 3 cylinder naturally aspirated petrol is simply amazing. Kudos Ford!

Agreed. Will need to wait and see if they do launch it with 125 horses in India. Looks like the Ecosport is all set to take the sting out of Nexon even before its launched. But a 1L premium for the facelifted Ecosport might just end up driving more people to the Nexon corner.

Looks like 3 Cylinder engines are here to stay and will be interesting to see the reaction of auto enthusiasts as a lot of them think 3 cylinder engines are less refined vis a vis 4 cylinder engines. Having said that, it will interesting to see what changes ford has made to engine mounts, flywheel & transmission systems to maintain NVH levels and negate the inherent vibrations from a 3 Cylinder engine. Exciting times for a motorhead

P.S: Should we still be calling it a "facelift" if the engine is changed from a 4 Cylinder to a 3 Cylinder that delivers a lot more power?

[narayans80]

Any changes expected on the Ecosport's diesel power plant?

[Vish_Janu]

Here's another latest and detailed review of the new Ecosport with Dragon Engine, from Brazil, where it's launched.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZGXWXshmus

Use the YT auto-translate option to get passable english subtitles.

Interesting tidbits:

1) No upshift/downshift buttons on auto gear lever, as this one had paddle shifters

2) Mid models also has 8 inch SYNC 3, but top one has inbuilt GPS

3) That small screen between speedos looks nice and informative

4) Top model comes with projector xenons

5) Watch the key segment around 13 min mark, interesting tricks with windows closing/open

6) Also, this particular model strangely had a key start, not a button

7) Deep dashboard glove box, like Nexon, also illuminated. Unsure about it being cooled or not


Enjoy and hoping it reaches our shores soon.

[ani_meher]

Is there cruise control on AT models? I hope it is introduced in upcoming version, if not present in current one.

[ravib]

Originally Posted by ani_meher

Is there cruise control on AT models? I hope it is introduced in upcoming version, if not present in current one.

The current gen Platinum variant EcoSport does have Cruise Control already, which was launched in Jan'2017.

Originally Posted by Vish_Janu

Here's another latest and detailed review of the new Ecosport with Dragon Engine, from Brazil, where it's launched.


Enjoy and hoping it reaches our shores soon.

@Vish_Janu, Thanks again for sharing the video.
I may be wrong, but if i understood the translation correctly, looks like she is saying she was able to feel the vibration and engine noise inside passenger cabin area in 3 cylinder Dragon Engine. Or did she meant the other way? I will have to check with one of my friend in Brazil for correct translation.

-Ravi

[SchumiFan]

Originally Posted by ravib

The current gen Platinum variant EcoSport does have Cruise Control already, which was launched in Jan'2017.

Unfortunately there is no Platinum variant for Ecosport AT.

Originally Posted by ani_meher

Is there cruise control on AT models? I hope it is introduced in upcoming version, if not present in current one.

I really hope every Automatic car launched in the future comes with this feature. It is really required on long highways and being an Auto transmission, it fits like a glove.

[varunswnt]

Originally Posted by Vish_Janu

Enjoy and hoping it reaches our shores soon.

Any information from your sources regarding retuning of suspension for better compliant ride on bad roads?

I love Ecosport for what it offers and really looking forward to the updated version with interior changes. I liked it's high speed ride quality but at low speeds or on bad roads it feels stiff and creates a loud crashing sound in deep potholes or sharp speed breakers, I would love to have that muted thud in updated Ecosport without compromising on high speed ride and handling.

Thanks for sharing all the information on upcoming Ecosport.