Ford has finally launched its refreshed EcoSport compact SUV with prices starting at Rs 7.31 lakh for the base Ambiente trim, going up to Rs 10.99 lakh for the top-spec Titanium+ variant (all prices ex-showroom, India). The manufacturer opened bookings for the compact SUV on November 5, 2017.

Despite the level of localisation increasing from 65 percent to a claimed 85 percent, the new model is about Rs 10,000 dearer than the pre-facelift EcoSport which was priced between Rs 7.21 lakh and Rs 10.92 lakh.

In terms of design, the facelifted EcoSport gets a new grille that is in line with Ford’s design language, projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, new 17-inch alloy wheels and new exterior colour options including a new shade of blue, orange and red.

On the inside, the refreshed EcoSport gets a touchscreen infotainment system on all variants, except for the base trim. It is mounted in the redesigned centre console and comes with Ford’s SYNC3 support system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cabin also features new seat upholstery, audio controls mounted on the three-spoke steering wheel, automatic climate control and dual USB ports.

Ford has provided a decent level of kit across the range including two airbags at the front and ABS with EBD. The petrol-automatic model also features paddleshifters, hill start assist, ESC and traction control, while the top-spec Titanium+ trim gets side and curtain airbags along with Isofix child-seat mounts at the rear.

The highlight of the new EcoSport, however, is that it is powered by a new 1.5-litre petrol motor from Ford’s Dragon series of engines. The three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol mill produces 123hp at 6,500rpm and 150Nm at 4,500rpm, and can be mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. The new EcoSport also offers the older model’s 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine that is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The petrol-manual has an ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 17kpl, the petrol-automatic is rated at 14.8kpl, while the diesel engine can go 23km on a litre of fuel.

A full road test will be necessary to see if the EcoSport will be able to win back its crown in the compact SUV segment where it rivals the newly launched Tata Nexon (Rs 5.85 lakh – Rs 9.45 lakh) and the Maruti Vitara Brezza (Rs 7.23 lakh – Rs 9.69 lakh).