Ford launches new EcoSport starting from Rs 6.79 lakh onwards

Ford India, launched the new version of its popular compact sports utility vehicle EcoSport, priced between Rs. 6.79 lakh and Rs.10.44 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). 

Ford India has readied the new version of the EcoSport to wrest leadership from Hyundai's newly launched Creta and counter Mahindra's new TUV 300. Hyundai Motor India, which launched the Creta in July, has already got more than 54,000 bookings for the SUV and is making on an average 7,000 units a month.

Visual changes are negligible, apart from signature light guides in the headlamps, which will now also feature daytime running lights/fog lamps. The interiors benefit from chrome treatment on inner door handles, cluster ring and cluster appliqué, window regulator switches and air register tabs, while the steering wheel and handbrake lever are now trimmed in leather.

"Ahead of the festive season, we have made our clever, compact SUV even more stylish with a host of smart features and enhanced power to delight consumers," Ford India president and managing director Nigel Harris said in a statement. 

The new EcoSport comes in three engine options. The petrol variant powered by 1.5 litre engine is priced between Rs 6.79 lakh and Rs 9.93 lakh, while the other petrol option powered by Ford's 1 litre EcoBoost engine is available at a range of Rs 8.53 lakh and Rs 9.89 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The diesel variant powered by 1.5 litre engine with improved power is tagged at Rs 7.98 lakh to Rs 10.44 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). 

In the new face-lifted avatar of EcoSport, Ecoboost petrol engine will also be available on the mid-variant Trend+. 

Here’s the complete variant-wise list of the additional features that will be offered with updated Ford EcoSport:

• Ambiente: 12V Power socket and rear folding seats
• Trend: ABS+EBD
• Trend+ (New Variant): IN addition to the features offered on the Trend trim, this will get dual front airbags, auto aicon, distance to empty, outside temp display, econometer, average speed, avg fuel efficiency, fog lamps, chrome grille, roof rails, signature light guide for the headlamps.
• Titanium: Smart Key, Keyless entry, Push button start
• Titanium+: Auto wipers, auto headlamps, daytime running lights, interior chrome pack, leather-wrapped handbrake.

Ford India said among other features, the new EcoSport is equipped with rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and electrochromic mirror that automatically deflects a beam of light from trailing vehicles to minimise obstruction to drivers.

The new version of the EcoSport, along with a new Figo hatchback and the Aspire compact sedan, will improve Ford's position in the Indian market. 

Maruti Suzuki likely to Launch Facelift Ertiga by October 10.

After its launch in April 2012, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga hasn't received any face-lift. With the rising competition in the compact MPV space, it has become necessary for the Indo-Japanese car-maker to refresh it. 

The updated Maruti Suzuki Ertiga which is rumored to be in showrooms by October 10, 2015. The leaked pamphlet suggests that the new Maruti Ertiga will come with a seat belt reminder buzzer and driver airbag as standard. New L(O) and Z+ variants is also part of the lineup which includes LXi/LDi, VXi/VDi and ZXi/ZDi.

The updated version of the seven-seater MUV gets tweaks both to the exterior and interior and its diesel engine will also get the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) micro-hybrid system that was recently launched with the Ciaz hybrid. The SHVS will help the Ertiga face-lift return better fuel efficiency than the present models.

The most noteworthy changes given to the 2015 Ertiga face-lift are up front. The front of the vehicle looks slightly bolder with a new triple-slat chrome grille with revised air dam, revamped radiator grille, new bumper, fog lamp enclosures with chrome bezels, etc. Other styling elements are - 10-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels, revised tail-lamp cluster with new reflector elements, new bumper and a thick chrome garnish on the license plate.

The company has updated the vehicle's cabin too with dual-tone finished dashboard, brown seat fabric, steering wheel with silver inserts, etc. The 2015 Ertiga also features electrically-adjustable outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs), third row seats with 50:50 split, driver & front passenger airbags, one push power up driver-side window, etc.