[rainmaster]

Originally Posted by 07CR

I will go against the tide, in saying this car actually still does not need a major revamp. What they need to do IMO-
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Originally Posted by karan86

Looking at these images, If I was in the market for a compact SUV, I would wait until they launch this. Reason? Till date, no other sub 4m compact SUV can match the Ecosport's ride and handling qualities.

Originally Posted by arindambasu13

The Ecosport is still one of the most handsome and cleanly proportioned SUVs in the market, despite the onslaught of newer players in the segment.

Completely agree with 07CR , Karan and arindambasu.Ford Ecosport as a package still holds good when compared with competition. It definitely needs some minor updates to shine in middle of new entries to compact SUV.

Ford need to make following minor updates for Ecosport

• Bring back SYNC 3, Android Auto and Apple carplay from Trend variant
• Introduce Automatic again from Trend variant
• Isofix child seat mounts from Trend Variant
• Instead on protruding in to your face dashboard layout , make clean simple dashboard layout, can liberate lot of space. Current dashboard occupies lot of real estate.

Major Updates which might happen in 2023 not expecting this year’s facelift

• Introduce 1.5 Ford EcoBlue diesel engines six speed manual/auto , add some more shoulder room at back seat.

Already discussed in an another Ford thread, south of 10 lakhs, Ecosport Titanium variant is the most value for money car in compact SUV segment. If you compare with Nexon XMS Diesel / XUV 300 W6 retailing around same ball park, which misses out lot of necessary features like height adjustable driver seat, height adjustable rear headrest, reverse camera, rear wiper/washer/defogger and good to have features like alloy wheels, automatic climate control and day night rear view mirror. With the addition of Electronic Brake Assist, Traction control, Electronic Stability control and Hill Launch assist to Titanium variant, Ecosport had again become value for money in sub compact segment.

Due to Covid situation, delayed my new car purchase to replace Figo till this year end. Only two cars were in contention, Kushaq and Ecosport were main competitors and due to premium pricing, dropped Kushaq from the list. Even without any facelift or addition of new features, planned to buy Diesel Ecosport Titanium in current avatar at current price. Minor facelift is a welcoming news for me. Hope Ford doesn’t delete some useful features to compensate price hike in upcoming facelift model.

[SibiGeorge]

Ecosport is a still good-looking car. But I feel that it is more common now and has aged a lot. They should have changed something to make it look better/stylish.

They should do something to change the look of the car, not just adding new features, though it matters.

Few suggestions:
1) Changing the mounting locations of the rear spare wheel, move it sideways
2) Stylish FRP cover for the spare wheel
3) Lighting arrangement changes
4) Side and Rear lines to be modified to give a fresh look.

[Fastdriver]

I think it needs the sixth gear and LED lights. Current HID light on the S trim is also good but it takes time to glow to its full brightness.

[gururajrv]

Ford has a cataract problem in their vision. They’re flocking their old horse which is understandable. This reminds me of a great saying “Die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villian”

[jithin23]

Originally Posted by Benoit

If this engine makes it to the ecosport in the 125 PS/300Nm configuration with a manual gearbox, a year after launch(for the niggles), I am buying it without looking else where.

One tip: If you're going for a Ford, go for it within the first 6 months because that's when it'll be loaded to the gills else every quarter to 6 months, they'll cut features before you or the dealer even realize it.

Originally Posted by Benoit

The Ecosport 1.5 TDCI is no slouch, but I feel it doesn't feel as sporty as it does in the figo(obviously due to the weight advantage). Also, Ecosport is the only diesel SUV with a 5 speed gearbox. Ecosport needs this engine and a 6 speed gear box.

The present TDCi is almost end of life and although it does deserve a 6 speed gear box, it will not make much sense given the lifecycle of the engine. However the 5 speed DV5 gearbox coupled with heavy clutch makes driving difficult in city traffic. The IB5 Gearbox in freestyle is smoother than the DV5.

[veyron_head]

Ford's got my money if they did two things: A.) Offer a proper torque converter Diesel Auto b.) Offer that diesel auto in the S Variant with Sync 3.

But I will predict - Ford won't do both a and b listed above and will let Ecosport die over time. They couldn't seem to care less about our market.

[Lowflyer23]

First batch (2013) EcoSport owner : Arrey ab toh nayi le aao Bhai!

Meanwhile Ford : CHUP CHAAP kaam Chala!

[07CR]

Originally Posted by SibiGeorge

Ecosport is a still good-looking car. But I feel that it is more common now and has aged a lot. They should have changed something to make it look better/stylish.

They should do something to change the look of the car, not just adding new features, though it matters.

Few suggestions:
1) Changing the mounting locations of the rear spare wheel, move it sideways
2) Stylish FRP cover for the spare wheel
3) Lighting arrangement changes

Just curious why change the position of wheel?
About the lights, they can change the rear lights to LED. The HID in S version is pretty good, maybe they could give the same to even Titanium

Originally Posted by Fastdriver

I think it needs the sixth gear and LED lights. Current HID light on the S trim is also good but it takes time to glow to its full brightness.

It hardly takes 5 seconds! I wish they keep it, because it actually feels better in rainy conditions.

[PrasunBannerjee]

Originally Posted by Lowflyer23

First batch (2013) EcoSport owner : Arrey ab toh nayi le aao Bhai!

Meanwhile Ford : CHUP CHAAP kaam Chala!

Ecosport was still thoroughly updated. Imagine how Polo/Vento owners might be thinking

[Mango]

Originally Posted by Lowflyer23

First batch (2013) EcoSport owner : Arrey ab toh nayi le aao Bhai!

Meanwhile Ford : CHUP CHAAP kaam Chala!

This hurts more because our Ecosport was the first one delivered in India and it has been tough moving on, we were hoping to move to the next segment but nothing excites us and were genuinely waiting for Ford to launch the Puma in India which doesn't seem to be in sights for a long time. I guess we'll just change into another Ecosport at this point and hoping this update gets some more features instead of the usual ford mantra of deleting them.

[SibiGeorge]

Originally Posted by 07CR

Just curious why change the position of the wheel?

I fell for the looks of this car, mainly due to the rear-mounted spare wheel, back when we bought it in 2013. It was looking much different compared to other cars at that time. It was looking masculine/ butchy in addition to the higher boot space it provides. It gives the look of the proper SUV. Later on, even Fiat Avventura even took inspiration from this design.

I used to drool at the design of Ecosport whenever I see it ( back when there were no pseudo SUVs on the road). However, over all these years, the design did age a bit.

By changing the location of the rear-mounted wheel to one side, it will give a renewed look to the vehicle. Ford can even take a design cue from Old jeeps/Willy's with the asymmetric placement of the spare wheel. This gives a break from the entire design being symmetric from the front.

Of course, they will have to put in extra effort to balance the weights to get better dynamics.



They could move it closer to the hinge of the tailgate so that they will have a lesser moment on the hinge due to the weight of the wheel.

Asymmetric placement of the rear wheel will make it look less like a .. ehm.. a hair bun.


Needless to say, they have to carefully re-design it otherwise, it can turn ugly.

[fawad0222]

I own( actually my wife owns and regularly drive) a 2015 Ford Ecosport Petrol, Titanium. The most I like about the vehicle is the snarl of the engine, when you push the pedal. Its really an exhilarating and thrilling sound, I must say. IMHO, instead of the silhouette, most visual change should come from the back and rear 1/3rd, apart from adding some features which are par for the course and it can continue to excite for next few years easily.

[Lowflyer23]

Originally Posted by Mango

This hurts more because our Ecosport was the first one delivered in India and it has been tough moving on, we were hoping to move to the next segment but nothing excites us and were genuinely waiting for Ford to launch the Puma in India which doesn't seem to be in sights for a long time. I guess we'll just change into another Ecosport at this point and hoping this update gets some more features instead of the usual ford mantra of deleting them.

Bang on mate! What most EcoSport owners desire from an upgrade to their current steeds is the similar levels of dynamic prowess and build. We have waited for years and I was so happy when the spy pics of Ford's version of XUV 700 (then expected to be named 500) were released. Currently, only the Jeep Compass seems like a proper upgrade to an EcoSport and even that is on the expensive side.

Despite the huge demand in the mid size compact SUV segment it's shocking that only few brands have their offerings. Apart from the Korean twins, there is no proper diesel AT available in the segment (harrier is a segment higher) and few others here and there are on ventilator support.

[giri1.8]

Ford USA is in the news for all the right reasons, first the Bronco then the amazing Lightning F150 pickup truck.

Only way for Ford India to bounce back is to introduce such cars that target a particular set of buyers, who have long been ignored, just like Mahindra Thar. Hope they sort theirs finances out, else no hope for them to survive.

Twin turbo Endeavour will be a good start.

[karthikg87]

Having owned T+ AT Ecosport for 21 months now I would say the Ford has the following going for it.

1. Composed ride and handling at highway speeds
2. Brilliant mechanicals - Breaks, Steering, Engine&TC AT combo
3. Safety Features - 6 airbags, ESC, HA, EBD, TC etc.
4. Timeless exterior design - esp the front part
5. Build quality
6. Paint quality
7. ASS costs

And the following should be improved considerably.

1. Interior plastics quality - I wouldn't be surprised if plastics in this vehicle are used as construction material after EOL of the product.
2. Fit & Finish - I am staggered at the(lack of) fit & finish levels even after 8 years on the production line. It looks like Ford does not believe in continuous improvements.
3. Simply obnoxious touch screen without basic features like Android Auto & Apple Car Play - Serious miss in a 14L car
4. Old school antenna
5. Stiff ride quality on rough and city roads
6. More Torque and mileage- The car struggles to pull under load on highways
7. Boring rear hatch design
8. No NCAP ratings - Shame on you Ford! For all the talk of safety your website mentions thick wires but not NCAP rating under safety section.

Ford is a lazy lord that is trying to milk the cow for as long as it lives.
However I still believe this is a competitive product even 8 years after its launch and with a few refreshes on the interior and exterior it can easily sell 5k/month in India.