2016 Ford EcoSport caught testing

Having launched the updated EcoSport internationally just last week, Ford India has commenced testing the facelifted version of the compact SUV in India. Bearing no camouflage, our reader Rahul Khanna caught the 2015 EcoSport facelift with minor changes to the exterior with the most significant being the omission of the spare wheel cover at the rear, seen on the international spec model.

The other upgrade visible are the trendy new alloy wheels that add some funk to the sub 4-metre crossover. With the spare wheel moved out, the tailgate now houses a registration plate enclosure that has moved up from the bumper, while the latter gets a black diffuser in its place. The ‘Ford’ logo has moved in the top centre from the left corner as seen on the current version.

The tailgate continues to open from the right side with the door handle integrated in the right tail light. With the spare wheel to be stored inside, boot capacity will take a hit marginal hit on the updated EcoSport. However Ford will offer the option of not having a spare wheel at all, giving buyers the option of opting for a puncture repair kit.

We could also not spot the blue tinged LED DRLs on the Indian test mule, that looked good on the international version. On the inside, expect the Ford EcoSport facelift to sport lesser buttons on the steering wheel and chrome bezels on the instrument cluster. The ground clearance will remain unchanged, but the suspension could be tweaked on the 2015 update.

Under the hood, Ford could give the India spec EcoSport a performance upgrade as well, boosting the power to 95 PS from the same 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine (currently produces 90 PS). The updated model is expected to drive better courtesy of the changes done to make it dynamically richer. Launched in 2013, Ford India had a dream run with the EcoSport, hardly being able to keep up with the demand.

Today though, the biggest threat to the crossover will be the upcoming Hyundai Creta and Maruti S-Cross that promise better performance and space over the American model. Introductory prices will be extremely competitive on the new offerings, which will give the American compact SUV a tough fight. Hence, an upgrade comes at the right time and can be expected to arrive around the festive season.