The world had been predicting the Ecosport to cost somewhere close the Duster, as that was the only picture known to us. However, Ford had a completely different game strategy. The company has spent a good one and half years to increase the local content on its new compact SUV. About 80-85% of the materials used on the Ecosport are built in India.
This has made it easier for Ford to reduce the cost and on the other hand even impress the buyers. Apart from the packing of space and stylish interiors on the Ecosport, the company has also assured the quality to be good. At the same time, the Ecosport gets the award-winning EcoBoost engine too. Ford has ensured that it will give the consumers sufficient reasons to buy the product, even without looking at the price. It is a completely feature packed vehicle.
On the other hand, the company has kept the duty norms in mind and tailored the length and engine capacities. This has made the Ecosport under 4 metres, getting it rid of the SUV and other excise duties. Due to these all reasons, Ford has been able to price the Ecosport at Rs 5.59lakhs for the base model (ex-showroom, New Delhi). This gives it an upper hand, not only with the existing competition— Duster— but also with other B+ hatchbacks and C/C+ sedans. So, a Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Honda Amaze, Renault Duster and a Honda City is likely to consider the Ecosport in its final list. The compact SUV is placed right above the Figo that targets a mix of B/B+ hatchbacks. Ford has also gone to the extent of introducing child parts on the Ecosport to reduce the maintenance cost of the product too. This means the Ecosport will be lighter on your pocket, with a better ownership experience.
The Ecosport comes with three engine options, one is the 1.5-litre diesel, while the other two are petrol. We aren’t sure as to how many will jump on the bandwagon and procure the EcoBoost, which is expensive than the diesel as petrol is still expensive in India, when compared to diesel. Even in Europe, people prefer diesel over turbo petrol even if the diesel engine costs the same. This is despite the fact that diesel is expensive than petrol. Hence, majority of the buyers will pick the 1.5-litre diesel, while some could settle for the petrol automatic.
Source : CarDekho - Ford Ecosport - Ford Ecosport sets a new benchmark
