Team-BHP - Ford EcoSport : Official Review

I got the leatherette seat covers put on my ecosport yesterday. Didn't check it properly and today I've noticed a problem with it.

The ISOFIX hooks to attach the Child car seat has been covered over! And the behind seat tethering hook too.

Now I know that I can use the seat belts to secure the car seat, but I would really like the safety of ISOFIX. In fact it was one of the reasons, I opted for ecosport.

The dealer says thats how the Ford approved seat covers are.

What do I do now? My son is super fidgety even in the car seat!

Should I cut slits in the leatherette to pass the hooks through? Is that a good idea. I know leatherette would tear if slit without reinforcement patch & stitch.

Kumar_Gautam, Try returning the cover if possible (Esp. if from Ford Dealer). I got my leatherite covers done at a local shop in Delhi, and the installer who did the bucket fit has made a cut for the isofix joints. If return is not accepted by dealer, Ask him to make the split.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kumar_gautam (Post 3984060)

I got the leatherette seat covers put on my ecosport yesterday. Didn't check it properly and today I've noticed a problem with it.
The ISOFIX hooks to attach the Child car seat has been covered over! And the behind seat tethering hook too.
What do I do now? My son is super fidgety even in the car seat!
Should I cut slits in the leatherette to pass the hooks through? Is that a good idea. I know leatherette would tear if slit without reinforcement patch & stitch.

Ask the dealer to fix the problem by redoing the work.
It is risky to meddle with leatherette

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecosport rules (Post 3984206)

Ask the dealer to fix the problem by redoing the work.
It is risky to meddle with leatherette

Which shop do you recommend for seat covers. My car seats have become dirty because of kids and I am planning to put leatherette seat covers. Is it worth getting it from fortune ford?

Quote:

Originally Posted by rana_kirti (Post 3982457)

Guys just got a ecosport AT.

It's got 30kms on the odo. I have to take to my workplace town which is 300 kms away.

1. Is it fine to drive a new engine for such a long drive in the beginning days?

2. Should I keep the car speed and engine rpm below a particular level?

3. How often should I stop in the 300 kms journey to cool the new engine/gearbox combo?

Thanks

First of all congrats on your new ride.

Whatever precautions you need to take (if any) will be clearly mentioned in your user manual. If you ask anyone about this, each person will have different opinion.
But Ford engineered and built the car, and they know about the car than anyone. And they have given those instructions in the user manual based on what they know.
So, just check the user manual, do as instructed, and enjoy your new ecosport.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kumar_gautam (Post 3984060)

The ISOFIX hooks to attach the Child car seat has been covered over!

Return those covers to the dealer. If they don't agree, escalate it with Ford. It is a safety hazard and Ford should understand that.
Don't do anything to the covers from your side. Get a proper skinning job done from a reputed car seat cover outlet from outside. They remove the existing skin on the seats and put up a new leatherette material. Not only it will fix your problem, it will also look and feel much better than what the dealership had given you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB311 (Post 3982268)

Fellow Ecosport'rs,

I normally Drive my car (Diesel Eco) between 2500-3500 RPM, just wanted to know, will this lead to an increased wear and tear ?

It will am sure. I've been living with the TDCI for Ecosport for over 2yrs and 45k kms and i shift just around 2000rpm. Of course i don't drive in the mountains since my usage is mostly the city but in everyday usage, 1500-2000rpm redlines it for me. Not sure why do you rev it beyond 2k cause the engine gets really gruff in lower gears at that rpm. The turbo spools and kicks in around 1500-1700rpm is what i've noticed until when the proceedings are slightly lazy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nilesh5417 (Post 3984443)

It will am sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB311 (Post 3982268)

I normally Drive my car (Diesel Eco) between 2500-3500 RPM, just wanted to know, will this lead to an increased wear and tear ?

Why would it affect the wear and tear? Of course it won't. It is no free revving petrol, so don't redline it, but keeping below 2000 rpm is just absurd. Till 3k rpm there is ample torque, and we aren't cabbies who punish the engine to get maximum FE. I drive my Fiesta in the right gear, upshifting when I feel it's good to upshift. 2500 rpm is just healthy for TDCi, no problem at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsashishsharma (Post 3984437)

I went to the dealership today and showed them the problem. The Sales Manager said they will escalate the issue to Ford. They've asked for a week's time to come up with a proper solution without damaging the seat covers. And I should expect a call back soon.

On a separate note, I got the essential kit today(floor mats & mud flaps). Don't like the floor mats much considering how easily dirt clings to them, and how hard they are to clean. What are recommendations on after market floor mats?

Also, I'm looking for some kind of an applique or scuff plate for the rear bumper(the part that is in line with the boot floor). Over the weekend I put my retreiver in and her nails have scratched the bumper a bit. The dealership didn't have any. Any thoughts on after market accessory?

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desmosedici (Post 3984981)

Thanks to Ecosport Rules for sharing his set of pics. Helped me fix the Kanglong Door Visors. Had to fidget a bit with the screws provided.

I am glad that you could fix the rain visors.clap:
Please do share some pictures.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Srinivas C (Post 3984243)

Which shop do you recommend for seat covers. My car is ñow dirtied badly by kids and am planning to put leatherette seat covers. Is it worth getting it from fortune ford?

You can check prices of seat covers at any of the Ford dealerships and also from a brand called "Autoform"

Autoform is available with most of the reputed car accessory stores

Quote:

Originally Posted by kumar_gautam (Post 3985913)

What are recommendations on after market floor mats?

Also, I'm looking for some kind of an applique or scuff plate for the rear bumper(the part that is in line with the boot floor). Over the weekend I put my retreiver in and her nails have scratched the bumper a bit. The dealership didn't have any. Any thoughts on after market accessory?

Thanks.

Kumar_gautam,

3D brand floor mats are the best. (Prevents dirt from reaching the carpet)
They are durable too.

What you are asking is a bumper protection plate.
There is a stainless steel ;stick on plate available in matt finish at a leading car accessories which will serve your purpose

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecosport rules (Post 3986021)

I am glad that you could fix the rain visors.clap:
Please do share some pictures.

I could attach only 1 pic. One of the screws fell off next morning while the car was being washed by the cleaner. Thankfully additional ones are supplied. However they are not a tight fit. I might remove these screws and get something else done. Thinking of some ideas.

Cheers,
Raj

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desmosedici (Post 3986122)

Raj
I think you mean "pins" fell off ?
Use a thin rubber washer or paper to insert pins,that would solve the problem

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB311 (Post 3982268)

Fellow Ecosport'rs,

I normally Drive my car (Diesel Eco) between 2500-3500 RPM, just wanted to know, will this lead to an increased wear and tear ?

It shouldn't be causing issues of any sort and definitely not increased wear and tear. However make sure that you drive in higher rpms only after proper run in of the engine. And yea, for diesels 3500rpm is definitely a little on the higher side IMHO.