Ford EcoSport Automatic Trend Plus

The Ford EcoSport Automatic Trend Plus is a well-rounded sub-4 meter SUV that caters to a variety of needs. It comes with a 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 99bhp and 205Nm of torque, paired with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The interior is ergonomically designed with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, automatic climate control, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors, although it misses out on side and curtain airbags. The vehicle also features projector headlamps, daytime running LEDs, and alloy wheels, making it a stylish and functional choice. The ride quality is firm but composed, especially through corners, and the steering is direct and responsive. Overall, the EcoSport Trend Plus is a reliable, feature-rich, and performance-oriented SUV that is well-suited for both city driving and highway cruises.

The Ford EcoSport Automatic Trend Plus is a solid choice in the sub-4 meter SUV segment, offering a blend of convenience, safety, and performance. The 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission is smooth and convenient, especially in city traffic, where it allows the car to creep slowly from standstill, making it ideal for bumper-to-bumper traffic. The 1.5-litre diesel engine, with its 99bhp and 205Nm of torque, is notably smoother and more responsive, providing strong performance around town and on highways. However, the absence of side and curtain airbags in the Trend Plus trim is a notable omission. The vehicles ergonomics are well thought out, with a great driving position and adequate storage options, although the rear visibility could be better due to the large A-pillars and small rear glass. Overall, its a reliable and feature-packed option, but potential buyers should weigh the safety features against their needs.

Ford has officially discontinued the production of the EcoSport, directing potential buyers to consider Certified Pre-Owned vehicles or other models in their lineup. This marks the end of an era for a compact SUV that was known for its robustness and lofty driving position. I think this decision reflects the evolving market preferences and Fords strategy to focus on newer models.

The Ford EcoSport Trend Plus variant was priced competitively, with the petrol version costing around Rs. 8.97 lakhs and the diesel version around Rs. 9.47 lakhs. This made it a value-for-money option in the compact SUV segment, especially with features like Ford Pass, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and a rear wiper and washer. I believe the pricing strategy helped it remain a popular choice.

The EcoSport Trend Plus Automatic had a distinctive design, featuring a big, bold grille and 16-inch steel wheels. The interior included hard door armrests and a manual switch for the IRVM, which were some of the differences from the more premium Titanium Plus trim. I believe the design elements gave it a unique appeal in the compact SUV segment.

The Ford EcoSport Trend Plus Automatic, particularly the facelift version, came with several notable features such as reflector halogen headlamps, a 9-inch infotainment system with navigation, and safety features like EBA, ESC, TCS, and HLA. However, the infotainment system was criticized for being laggy and lacking modern connectivity options like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. I believe this was a missed opportunity to enhance the user experience.

In 2018, Ford introduced some additional features to the EcoSport Trend Plus AT, including a rear view camera, speed sensing auto door lock, and passenger seat belt reminder. These updates were welcomed but came with a price hike of Rs. 10,000. I think these features were essential for enhancing safety and convenience.

The Ford EcoSport Automatic Trend Plus is priced competitively in the Indian market. As of the latest updates, the ex-showroom price for this variant would have been around Rs. 9.65 lakhs, although prices may have varied slightly depending on the region and any additional features. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, would typically range from Rs. 11 to 12 lakhs. Given the features and performance it offers, the EcoSport Trend Plus represents good value for money, especially considering the automatic transmission and the robust diesel engine. However, with Fords decision to cease manufacturing in India, prices may fluctuate based on available stock and market demand.

The Ford EcoSport Automatic Trend Plus offers respectable mileage figures. The diesel variant, which is commonly chosen for its efficiency, provides an ARAI-certified mileage of 21.7 kmpl with the manual transmission, though the automatic transmission variant sees a slight drop to 14.7 kmpl for the petrol engine. For the diesel automatic, the mileage is not explicitly stated, but it is generally expected to be around 18-20 kmpl in real-world conditions. This makes the EcoSport a viable option for those concerned about running costs, especially for those who prioritize diesel engines for their fuel efficiency.