Ford has finally lifted the covers on its Nissan Juke rivalling compact SUV at the New Delhi Auto Expo. With its home motor show taking place next week in Detroit the decision to unveil the new EcoSport in India may seem strange but Ford plans to launch the SUV in emerging markets initially with the highly lucrative Indian market the first of those.
The EcoSport is Ford's latest 'Global Car' however; so we will get it too, with European sales likely to start in 2013.
Unlike the original EcoSport (sold exclusively in South America), which was little more than a Ford Fusion with raised suspension, the new model is a completely new car whose development was led by Ford's Development Centre in Camaçari, Brazil.
"The all-new Ford EcoSport reflects our commitment to serve our customers with the cars and trucks they truly want and value," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. "Our engineering team used their years of EcoSport experience to make every aspect of the next-generation EcoSport even stronger."
With its high ground clearance, integrated body cladding and high driving position the EcoSport looks the part of the SUV especially with the boot-mounted spare wheel. The styling of the car, with a small grille over a larger oval fascia, is a continuation of the current kinetic design theme rather than the new corporate look signalled by the Evos concept shown at Frankfurt.
"The new EcoSport is a significant milestone for our global product development process," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "It proves that great small-car models for growth markets can be created in growth markets, using One Ford to leverage our global design and engineering expertise."
When the EcoSport arrives in this part of the world it will be available with Ford's new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. This three-cylinder unit produces about 120hp.