Breaking! 2018 Ford EcoSport to be launched on 15 September

The current EcoSport has been long overdue for an update since its introduction in 2013. We already spotted the compact crossover being exported to the Brazilian market a few weeks back. Now we have a concrete information that the American carmaker will introduce the 2018 EcoSport in the country on 15 September.

The facelifted EcoSport was revealed internationally at the 2016 LA Auto Show. The facelifts bring in a fresh fascia and updated rear. The hexagonal grille is reworked, eliminating the thin strip atop the main grille which houses the blue oval on the current model. The front bumper is entirely redesigned with large squared-off fog lamps and LED DRLs. The headlights retain the shape, but they are now larger, lending the car a much-needed refreshment. The alloy wheels are also expected to get an attractive design with the facelift.

On the inside, the overall cabin will remain the same but with added features. This being a facelift and not an entirely new car, space and interior layout will be unchanged as well. The compact crossover comes loaded with features already, but the facelift might bring in added equipment and safety hardware.

The facelifted EcoSport will continue to use the 1.5-litre petrol and turbocharged diesel. The diesel produces 99bhp of power and 205Nm of torque mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The petrol variant, on the other hand, produces 110bhp and 140Nm and gets two transmission options – the five-speed manual and the six-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. Apart from these two, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost will also be available, which is the most powerful of the three, with 124bhp of power and 170Nm of torque and comes mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The EcoSport was the one which kick-started the compact SUV segment back in 2013. But now, this segment is dominated by Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza with other competitors like the Honda WR-V, Mahindra TUV300 and the upcoming Tata Nexon snapping at its heels. Stay tuned to CarWale for more developments on the facelifted Ford EcoSport.

Edit - The launch of the EcoSport facelift has been postponed to after the festival season. This is due to unavoidable circumstances. We will give you a confirmed date, once Ford India lets us know. We regret the inconvenience caused.