The Ford EcoSport is one of the cars that helped start India’s compact SUV wave. It arrived with a rugged look, high ride height and strong engines. It was small enough for city life and capable enough for occasional long trips. This article explains the EcoSport for Indian buyers in plain English. It covers history, engines, trims, safety, ownership tips, buying used, common problems, a full spec table and FAQs. The quick spec table appears right after this paragraph for an easy summary.
Quick Spec Table
| Item | Typical figures (last India spec models) |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.5 L naturally aspirated petrol; 1.5 L diesel; 1.0 L EcoBoost turbo petrol on earlier trims |
| Power (approx) | Petrol 110 to 121 PS; Diesel 99 to 100 PS; EcoBoost about 123 PS |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual; 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic or AMT on some trims |
| Seating | 5 |
| Boot | Around 352 litres |
| Ground clearance | Around 200 mm |
| ARAI mileage (last diesel) | Around 21.7 kmpl |
| Typical new or used price (India) | Discontinued from new sales; strong demand in used market; price varies by year and condition |
Why the EcoSport matters in India
The EcoSport launched at a time when buyers wanted cars with more road presence but not the size or running cost of large SUVs. It offered a small footprint, a useful height advantage and practical features. Ford tuned the chassis for an engaging drive. The EcoBoost turbo petrol gave the car a sporty character. The diesel offered good torque and economy for long drives. Over the years the EcoSport became a common sight on Indian roads and a very popular used car choice.
A short history and production note
The EcoSport first reached India in 2013 and it was built in Chennai for many years. Production in India ended when Ford stopped manufacturing passenger cars locally in 2021 and 2022. Global production of older EcoSport generations wound down as well. That means you cannot buy a new India made EcoSport today, but the used market remains active. You will mostly find second hand examples and leftover dealer stock in some regions.
Design and packaging
The EcoSport looks bold for its size. It has a compact body, short overhangs and a tall stance. The high seating position helps visibility in traffic. The spare wheel on the tailgate was an early trademark on many versions, though later models moved to a cleaner tailgate in some markets.
The cabin is upright and practical. Controls are easy to reach and the infotainment screen is placed clearly for the driver. The EcoSport balanced a rugged look with city friendly proportions.
Engine options and driving dynamics
The EcoSport was offered with three key engines in India.
1.5 L petrol
A smooth and reliable naturally aspirated petrol engine. Easy to maintain and suited to city use.
1.5 L diesel
A torquey diesel tuned for city and highway driving. It offered strong fuel economy and good reliability.
1.0 L EcoBoost turbo petrol
A small turbocharged engine that delivered lively performance. Popular with buyers who wanted a more spirited compact SUV.
Ford tuned the EcoSport chassis for a planted feel. The steering was communicative and the car felt agile in traffic. Ride comfort depended on wheel size and tyre choice but it remained confident on highways and city roads.
Trim levels, features and safety
Over the years the EcoSport gained feature upgrades. Higher trims included:
• Sunroof
• Automatic climate control
• Touchscreen infotainment with CarPlay and Android Auto
• Leather upholstery on select models
• Multiple airbags
• Stability control on select trims
• ISOFIX mounts
Some markets even offered up to six airbags and advanced cameras. When buying used, always compare features by variant.
Why the EcoSport was discontinued
Ford reduced passenger car operations in India and global plans changed. The EcoSport was phased out in many markets by 2022 and 2023. New car availability ended, but the used market remains strong. Servicing still continues through Ford service network partners. Certain rare parts may take longer to source, especially for older turbo petrol models.
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Real world fuel economy and ownership costs
Fuel economy depends on driving style and engine choice. The diesel returned strong real world figures on highways. The turbo petrol offered performance but consumed more fuel under spirited driving.
Maintenance costs are average for this segment. Timely servicing and correct oil grades keep expenses predictable. Regular tyre rotation, brake checks and wheel alignment improve longevity.
Buying used: what to inspect
Check the following items carefully:
• Engine health including leaks, noise and turbo response
• Transmission condition for smooth shifts
• Suspension and chassis for rattles and alignment issues
• Electronics and infotainment for full functionality
• Service history to ensure proper maintenance
• Spare parts availability especially for rare variants
A pre purchase inspection is highly recommended.
Common problems and recalls
The EcoSport had a strong reputation but a few issues appeared:
• Early EcoBoost variants faced occasional technical issues
• Some models had software glitches that needed updates
• Parts availability slowed after production ended
Always check the vehicle VIN for pending recalls.
How the EcoSport compares with rivals
The EcoSport raised the standard for compact SUVs. Later rivals brought more cabin space and features, but the EcoSport often remained ahead in driving feel and steering feedback.
Today the comparison depends on:
• Condition of the used vehicle
• Price
• After sales support in your area
Many still prefer the EcoSport for its driving appeal.
Maintenance tips for long ownership
• Follow the official service schedule
• Use correct oil grades
• Keep turbo plumbing clean for EcoBoost engines
• Rotate tyres on time
• Check brakes and clutch if you drive mostly in traffic
• Maintain all service records
Value in the used market
The EcoSport enjoys strong recognition and demand in the used market. Its compact size and SUV stance make it popular. Values remain steady for well maintained units. A low mileage and well serviced EcoSport usually sells quickly.
Detailed Specification Table
| Specification | EcoSport typical figures |
|---|---|
| Model name | Ford EcoSport |
| Body type | Compact SUV, 5 seater |
| Engines (India) | 1.5 L petrol; 1.5 L diesel; earlier 1.0 L EcoBoost |
| Power | Petrol about 110 to 121 PS; Diesel about 99 to 100 PS; EcoBoost about 123 PS |
| Torque | Petrol about 140 to 150 Nm; Diesel about 215 Nm; EcoBoost about 170 to 200 Nm |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual; 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic or AMT |
| Fuel tank | About 52 litres |
| Boot | About 352 litres |
| Ground clearance | About 200 mm |
| Safety | ABS, EBD, up to 6 airbags on later trims, ESC on select trims |
| Mileage (ARAI diesel) | About 21.7 kmpl |
| Production note | India production ended; used market active |
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is the Ford EcoSport still sold new in India
A: No. New production has ended but used models are available.
Q: Which EcoSport engine is best for city use
A: The 1.5 L petrol is smooth and reliable for daily commuting.
Q: Are EcoSports reliable as used cars
A: Yes, if serviced properly. Always check service history.
Q: What should I check before buying a used EcoSport
A: Engine health, transmission smoothness, suspension, electronics and service records.
Q: Does the EcoSport have strong resale value
A: Yes. Well maintained units hold steady value in the used market.
Final thoughts
The Ford EcoSport changed the compact SUV segment by bringing SUV style and enjoyable driving in a small package. It is not available new today but remains a strong used car choice. If you want a compact SUV with good handling, a high driving position and solid build feel, the EcoSport is still a great option. Check service history, inspect the car well and verify parts support in your region before buying.
