Evolution of the Ford EcoSport in India: What led to its Discontinuation?

The compact SUVs we know and love today are courtesy the Ford EcoSport, which brought the segment into mainstream recognition. The Premier Rio before it was technically the first compact SUV, but it took the all-round package of the EcoSport to allow the segment to truly flourish. The EcoSport featured rugged design, modern features, commendable performance and efficiency through its life in India.

Unfortunately, Ford’s rising debt was hard to ignore, and the EcoSport was an unfortunate casualty. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of used EcoSports on the market that have plenty of takers, showing how well-packaged the compact SUV was. In this guide, we’ll run through all its highlights and what eventually led Ford to pull the plug.

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Launch of the Ford EcoSport in 2013

The EcoSport’s launch was a turning point for Ford India, setting the stage for a new era of compact SUVs tailored to Indian consumers.

Launch Year and Key Specifications

The Ford EcoSport was launched in June 2013. It offered three engine options:

• A 1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine producing 110 bhp and 140 Nm
• A 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine generating 90 bhp and 205 Nm
• A revolutionary 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol engine delivering 123 bhp and 170 Nm
   

Transmission options included a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic for the petrol variant. The EcoBoost engine stood out for offering powerful performance with impressive fuel efficiency of up to 18.9 kmpl. The EcoBoost engine started the trend for “turbo petrol” cars in India.

Initial Design Philosophy and Target Audience

Ford designed the EcoSport with a global urban SUV appeal, blending ruggedness with modern aesthetics. Its high ground clearance, signature rear-mounted spare wheel, and bold grille made it a perfect choice for Indian roads. The target audience was young urban professionals and families looking for a stylish, feature-rich, and practical compact SUV.

Sales Performance

The Ford EcoSport received an overwhelming response upon launch, with over 30,000 bookings in the first 17 days. By the end of 2013, it had sold more than 60,000 units, making it a massive success. It quickly became one of Ford India’s best-selling models, contributing significantly to the company’s revenue.

2016 Export Milestone

In 2016, Ford achieved a major milestone by exporting over 200,000 units of the EcoSport from its Indian facility to markets across the globe, including Europe, Australia, and South Africa. The EcoSport became one of India’s most exported vehicles, highlighting Ford’s strategic focus on using India as a manufacturing hub.

Ford EcoSport Facelift Launched in 2017

The 2017 facelift was a critical update, refreshing the EcoSport’s design and technology to keep it competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Key Highlights

• Introduction of a new 1.5-litre Dragon series petrol engine, a three-cylinder unit producing 123 bhp and 150 Nm of torque
• Updated safety features, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, and hill-launch assist
• Enhanced interiors with a new floating 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Ford’s SYNC 3 software, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
   

Styling Changes

The facelift brought significant cosmetic upgrades:

• A larger, more aggressive front grille
• Redesigned projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights
• New alloy wheel designs and updated rear bumper styling
   

Introduction of S Variant in 2018

In May 2018, Ford introduced the sportier S variant of the EcoSport. Key highlights included:

• The reintroduction of the 1.0L EcoBoost engine, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission
• A blacked-out grille, smoked HID headlamps, and dark alloy wheels for a sportier look
• Added features like an electric sunroof and contrast orange accents in the interior
   

The S variant catered to performance enthusiasts and younger buyers, broadening the EcoSport’s appeal.

Introduction of Thunder Edition in 2019

In 2019, Ford launched the Thunder Edition, adding another variant to the EcoSport lineup.

Key Highlights

• Cosmetic enhancements, such as black decals on the bonnet and sides, a black roof, and 17-inch alloy wheels
• Premium interior features, including contrast stitching, leatherette seats, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Offered with both petrol and diesel engine options, retaining the EcoSport’s versatile performance
   

BS6 Compliance Update in 2020

In 2020, Ford updated the EcoSport’s engines to meet BS6 emission norms.

• The 1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol and 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engines were carried forward, delivering similar performance figures as before
• Minor updates to design and features ensured the EcoSport stayed competitive despite increasing competition from newer entrants like the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue

Introduction of SE Variant in 2021

In 2021, Ford launched the SE variant to provide a global design option for Indian buyers.

Key Changes

• The SE variant removed the rear-mounted spare wheel, aligning with international EcoSport models
• A puncture repair kit was included to compensate for the lack of a spare tyre
• It retained all key features of the Titanium variant, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and cruise control
• Engine options remained the same, with the choice of petrol and diesel units paired with the manual transmission

Ford’s Exit from India in 2021 Announced

The announcement of Ford’s exit from the Indian market in September 2021 came as a shock to enthusiasts and loyalists.

Key Highlights

• Ford cited accumulated losses of $2 billion over 10 years and an inability to achieve cost competitiveness as reasons for the decision
• The company announced it would cease production at its manufacturing plants in Chennai and Sanand, impacting over 4,000 employees
• Ford confirmed it would continue offering service and spare parts for existing customers which are readily available today

Despite its struggles, Ford’s exit highlighted challenges faced by global automakers in India, including high competition, pricing pressures, and changing consumer preferences.

Ford EcoSport Discontinued in 2022

In 2022, the Ford EcoSport was officially discontinued, marking the end of its legacy in India.

Key Reasons Behind Exit

• High production costs: Ford struggled to achieve cost efficiencies compared to local players like Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors
• Limited product line: Unlike competitors, Ford had a narrow portfolio, relying heavily on models like the EcoSport
• Declining sales: Despite its early success, the EcoSport faced stiff competition from newer, feature-rich compact SUVs such as the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and Kia Sonet
• Global strategy shift: Ford decided to focus on larger markets like the US and China, where it could leverage its SUVs and electric vehicles more effectively
   

Conclusion

The Ford EcoSport played a pivotal role in shaping India’s compact SUV segment, pioneering great design, innovative features, and versatile performance. Its evolution from a ground breaking urban SUV in 2013 to a feature-packed model in 2021 showcased Ford’s commitment to Indian buyers. However, challenges such as stiff competition, high costs, and changing market dynamics eventually led to its discontinuation in 2022.

Despite its departure, the EcoSport remains a significant chapter in India’s automotive market, remembered for its contributions to the compact SUV revolution. Its legacy lives on in the hearts of enthusiasts and owners who continue to cherish its robust build, reliable performance, and iconic design. A good sign of its continuing legacy is that there are still plenty of Ford vehicles on the roads (and in the used market), which proves that well-engineered products live a long life.