Ford EcoSport Diesel S

The Ford EcoSport Diesel S is a well-rounded compact SUV that excels in several key areas. It is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine that provides ample power and torque, making it responsive and enjoyable to drive. The car features a solid build quality, a quiet and well-insulated cabin, and a plethora of features such as automatic climate control, tire pressure monitoring, and a responsive touchscreen infotainment system. The steering is precise and provides good feedback, while the ride is firm yet comfortable, handling both city roads and highways with ease. The Titanium S variant is particularly well-kitted, offering features like hill hold assist, traction control, and a sunroof, making it a strong contender in its segment. Despite some limitations in rear legroom, the EcoSport Diesel S is a great option for those seeking a fun-to-drive, feature-rich, and reliable compact SUV.

The Ford EcoSport Diesel S is a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment, especially for those who prioritize driving dynamics and robust performance. The 1.5L diesel engine delivers impressive power and torque, making it a joy to drive both in city traffic and on highways. The cars handling is exemplary, with minimal body roll and excellent steering feedback, which enhances the overall driving experience. The cabin is well-built, quiet, and feature-rich, with amenities like automatic projector headlamps, hill hold assist, and a sunroof. However, the rear legroom is somewhat limited, and the tailgate can be heavy to operate. Despite these minor drawbacks, the EcoSport Diesel S stands out for its solid build quality, ample storage spaces, and the thrill of driving it offers.

Ford India has no plans to bring back the EcoSport, including the Diesel S variant, as part of their current strategy. The company is focusing on introducing T6 products like the Endeavour and Ranger Pickup, and there are no indications of reviving the EcoSport or other affordable models. I believe this decision is pragmatic given the competitive market and the need for significant investments to upgrade the EcoSport.

Despite speculation, there is no concrete evidence that Ford will relaunch the EcoSport in India, including the Diesel S variant, in the near future. Fords current focus is on electric vehicles and bringing global cars to the Indian market. I believe this shift in strategy reflects the companys adaptation to changing market trends and regulatory environments.

The Ford EcoSport Thunder Edition was launched in India in 2019, featuring cosmetic and feature upgrades. The petrol model was priced at Rs. 10.18 lakh, and the diesel version at Rs. 10.68 lakh. This move was seen as a response to the competitive pressure from other subcompact SUVs like the Hyundai Venue. I think this edition helped in keeping the EcoSport relevant.

The Ford EcoSport, including its Diesel S variant, has seen several recalls in the past, particularly for issues related to the petrol models manufactured between November 2017 and March 2018. These recalls were aimed at addressing safety concerns such as faulty seat recliner locks. I think its crucial for any potential buyers to be aware of these historical issues.

Ford India introduced the EcoSport S and EcoSport Signature editions in 2018, which included various feature and cosmetic upgrades. The EcoSport S, priced starting at Rs. 11.37 lakh, came with a sunroof, new alloy wheels, and a six-speed manual gearbox. I believe these editions were a good move to keep the EcoSport competitive in the market.

In India, the Ford EcoSport Diesel S is priced competitively within its segment. The ex-showroom price for the Titanium S variant typically ranges between 10.5 lakh to 12.5 lakh, depending on the location and any additional features or accessories. On-road prices, including taxes, registration, and insurance, can range from 12.5 lakh to 15.5 lakh. This pricing makes the EcoSport Diesel S a value-for-money proposition, especially considering the extensive list of features and the robust performance it offers. The price difference between the Trend and Titanium variants is around 65,000, which is justified by the additional features such as traction control, hill hold assist, and a more premium interior.

The Ford EcoSport Diesel S offers satisfactory fuel economy, making it a practical choice for daily driving. In city conditions, you can expect around 15 kmpl with the air conditioner on, while on highways, the mileage can go up to around 18 kmpl. These figures are in line with the ARAI claimed fuel efficiency of 21.7 kmpl, although real-world usage may vary slightly. This mileage is competitive within the compact SUV segment and helps in keeping running costs manageable.