Within a little over a year since its launch, the rage Ford EcoSport has achieved the hundred thousand mark in sales. The number is arrived at by including both the domestic and export sales figures.
The compact SUV is exported to various markets worldwide including South Africa, Taiwan, Australia, and to quite a few European countries as well. Still, it’s the domestic sales of more than 60,000 units that has contributed more towards the vehicle’s attaining that milestone.
Vinay Piparsania, Executive Director, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford India, took the opportunity to assure everyone that the company has diligently worked with its suppliers to reduce the waiting period for most variants of the EcoSport. Moreover, the company plans to add a third shift at its Chennai plant to ensure even better availability ahead of the upcoming festive season.
The EcoSport is offered with three engine options – a diesel and two petrols. The 1.5-litre petrol produces 112 PS at 6,300 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. It’s mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and is available in three trim levels. This engine also comes with an automatic transmission (the only one in the range) but it comes in top-end Titanium trim only. EcoSport with this petrol engine is priced between six to nine lakh rupees. But you would require an extra bit of ‘something’ to get this car delivered to you!
The stonker of the range is the 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol engine that puts out 125PS at 6,000 rpm and 170Nm of torque between 1,400 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Comes only in fully-loaded Titanium spec and an optional pack with even more goodies is available too. Priced at around 8.5 to 9 lakh, this one rivals the top diesel variants of the EcoSport when it comes to the sticker price.
The sole diesel is a 1.5-litre TDCi unit that churns out 204 Nm of torque between 2,000 rpm to 2,750 rpm – the largest selling of the lot. The lower peak power output of 91 PS at 3,750 rpm has not seen owners complaining about it either. This is the EcoSport that most potential buyers have in mind when they enter the showroom, and it is priced between seven to ten lakh rupees.
The EcoSport has had a super run until now but with the competition squaring up from all corners, it will be interesting how would the company cope up. As a first, Ford India will have to bring the waiting periods down drastically for the car to prevent any rise in booking cancellations…
**All prices mentioned in the article are approx. ex-showroom, Delhi, figures**
Related: Here is the 7-Seat EcoSport
