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Ford EcoSport production model unveiled
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First images of the compact SUV's interior reveal a smart, roomy cabin
Three months after its global unveiling at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, Ford has showcased the production version of the all-new EcoSport at the Beijing Auto Show. The show car on display at Beijing is the top-of-the-line model EcoSport Titanium, painted in distinctive Mars Red and sporting 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels and a chrome grille. In terms of styling, it looks identical to the concept model barring minor changes like halogen headlamps in place of LEDs.
This is also the first time Ford has offered a peek into the EcoSport’s cabin, which borrows heavily from the Fiesta. Despite its compact dimensions, the EcoSport is spacious enough to seat five in comfort. The driving position is high and there are plenty of smart technologies such as Ford’s SYNC driver connect system with voice control, smart keyless entry, Ford Power Start, and a cooled bin in the glovebox.
Safety kit includes ABS, Electronic Stability Program and dual front airbags and side curtain airbags though the Indian spec could be stripped-down to keep costs under check. The SUV also boasts an array of driver-assist features such as Hill Launch Assist and rear parking sensors.
A number of powertrain options are on offer including Ford’s 1-litre, 3-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine that can put out 118PS of power and 125Nm of torque. A 1.5-litre diesel spec that powers the Fiesta is also on the anvil.
“The all-new EcoSport is designed and engineered specifically for customers in global growth markets using Ford’s global SUV engineering expertise and reflecting our commitments for quality, leading fuel economy, safety and smart technology,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development. “We’re delivering innovative products like this to drive our global growth.”
The EcoSport joins Ford’s family of small global vehicles, which will reach an annual production capacity of 20 lakh units by 2015. It will be manufactured in four locations across the world including Ford’s Chennai plant, Chongqing in China; Camaçari, Brazil; and Rayong, Thailand.
The compact SUV is expected to launch in India early 2013 and priced in the Rs 6 – Rs 10 lakh range, which should place it in competition with the Premier Rio in the lower end of the spectrum and, perhaps, the Renault Duster and Maruti XA-Alpha SUV when it hits production.
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sachin
this car compete with audi in looks and it's sales will tooooo much
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Mangesh
Make the After Sales Service like Maruti and no one will ever come close to Ford in India in terms of sales.
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Karthik Kumar
Only Hyundai comes close to the Maruti level of service centre spread, though perosnally the quality of service in Maruti has fallen wayyyy off.
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VS Yadav
Like the details given
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