Ford EcoSport Gets a Bold New Look for 2017

When the Ford EcoSport first hit Indian roads, it turned heads everywhere it went. Men, women and children couldn't help but be attracted to this friendly-looking car. Originally sharing on the same chassis and engine platform as the Fiesta and Fusion models, the EcoSport soon became a bestseller. Ever since, the vehicle has been manufactured in Thailand, Russia and Chennai in India and exported to other parts of the world where it continues to be popular.

This year, the ever-popular Ford EcoSport gets a facelift. Let's take a closer look at what's new and what has changed.

Presenting a Friendlier Face

For 2016, the vehicle gets a restyled front grill with the addition of re-profiled lamps, new bumper shape and different wheels. Since the front is get the treatment, the rear is also redesigned to match with a skid plate and larger tail lamps. Under the hood, resides the familiar engine options 1.0L EcoBoost, 1.5L Ti-VCT and 1.5L TDCi. The engines put out their power through a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

Inside, the already popular Microsoft Sync system that combines your phone and the car's internal audio and electronics in one coordinated interface that lets the driver do everything like answer calls without ever taking his hands off the steering wheel will be updated to a third-generation Sync system with an 8-inch color display screen, USB ports and power outlets. Safety features such as ABS, airbags and driver warning systems are still present, as are the 30-odd storage spaces distributed all over the passenger cabin. Since the location of the spare wheel on the tailgate has had favorable reactions in Asian markets, it is most likely to stay as it is.

For the first time, Ford is planning an all-wheel variant as part of the facelift for the EcoSport, however, it is not yet clear which markets the all-wheel drive version will be sold in. Given the road conditions here in India, we hope to get our hands on this handy new feature. Throughout the last year, there have been repeated sightings of the new-look EcoSport being spotted in South America. This is hardly surprising, given the fact that the EcoSport is a bestseller in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Mexico. Now all that remains is to see the Ford EcoSport on the road and await the long-term user reviews and reactions to the facelift.