As anticipated, Ford’s surprise world premiere at this week’s New Delhi 2012 Auto Expo was indeed a near-production-ready small five-door crossover model named EcoSport.
The EcoSport is based on the B-segment Fiesta platform with its exterior sporting several styling cues from the Evos concept that was displayed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Highlights include a very large, trapezoidal grille at the front, while the back we find a tailgate-mounted spare tire.
“EcoSport has a tough, robust attitude that says ‘I can play with the big boys’”, says Ford’s chief designer J Mays. “But it also makes you want to play. That’s why it’s so appealing. EcoSport is perfect for crowded urban streets and inspires you to seek adventure away from the city too.”
Apart from the aggressive front end, the EcoSPort’s design features a steeply raked windscreen, blacked-out B-pillars and a wraparound rear window.
Although Ford hasn’t released any images of the interior yet, Mays commented that “it will be as expressive and well-crafted as the exterior, as it’s a very important part of the inviting spirit of the EcoSport.”
Its debut in India was not coincidental, since this is the market where the production version will first be available, although Ford says that it will be sold in nearly 100 markets worldwide.
Ford’s first entry in the small crossover segment, will be offered with the company’s new direct injection and turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine.
Despite is diminutive displacement, the smallest member of the EcoBoost family has an output of 120HP and emits less than 140 gr/km of CO2 which, according to Ford, brings it on par with rivals’ conventional 1.6-liter engines.
“The 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivers great low-speed responsiveness, power, torque and smoothness. To produce an engine with such impressive performance and fuel economy clearly reflects our commitment to be class-leading in fuel economy around the world”, said vice president of Ford’s Global Powertain Engineering Joe Bakaj.
The new three-cylinder engine was developed at Ford’s UK Dunton Technical Center. It sports twin variable camshaft timing and a compact, high-performance turbocharger that can reach almost 250,000 rpm. Ford claims that turbo lag is almost non-existent and the new turbocharger helps deliver a peak torque of 170 Nm (125.4 lb-ft) b 1,300-4,500 rpm.
The engine block is made of cast iron, which reduces the amount of energy needed for warming up by 50 percent. A “split cooling” system also contributes in warming up the engine more quickly, further reducing fuel consumption.
The brand-new 1.0-litrer EcoBoost engine will also be offered in other Ford models in North America, Europe, China and other markets such as the upcoming B-MAX small MPV.
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