Used Ford EcoSport: Why Manual Transmission Remains the Preferred Choice

The Ford EcoSport is one of the most revered compact SUVs in India, known for its robust design, engaging driving dynamics, and feature-packed variants. Since its launch in 2013, the EcoSport has been available with both manual and automatic transmission options. However, despite the rise in demand for automatic vehicles overall in India, the manual variants of the EcoSport continue to dominate the used car market.

Demand for SUVs has surged from 12.6% market share in 2022 to 16.7% in 2024. The Ford EcoSport was the best selling used SUV in India last year.. Automatics add to the convenience as according to CARS24’s 2024 used car market report, their share has also risen over the past few years. However, the Ford EcoSport has not followed this trend, with its manual transmission being substantially more popular than its automatic transmission.

Manual Transmission Continues to Lead in Used Ford EcoSport Sales

Among used Ford EcoSport models, its manual transmission variants remain the overwhelming choice for buyers. The preference is largely driven by their affordability, slightly higher fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs. To give you a picture of the preference divide, the sales split in 2024 for used EcoSport models was:

• Petrol engine with manual transmission: 89.9% of all used EcoSport sales
• Petrol engine with automatic transmission: 10.1% of all used EcoSport sales

A look at previous years shows that this trend has remained consistent:

• 2021: 88.01% manual vs 11.99% automatic
• 2022: 89.16% manual vs 10.84% automatic
• 2023: 88.8% manual vs 11.2% automatic

Although automatics have gained popularity in the broader used car market, the Ford EcoSport’s manual variants have maintained a strong lead. The slight decline in automatic transmission preference from 2021 to 2024 is possibly due to the higher cost of major services for automatics. Thus, buyers still remain attracted towards used manual EcoSport SUVs.

Demand for Used Automatic Ford EcoSport Remains Limited

While manual transmission remains the preferred choice, automatic variants of the Ford EcoSport have held a small but consistent share in the used car market. Unlike other SUVs where automatic variants are in higher demand, used automatic EcoSport models continue to have a niche audience. Their market share has consistently remained around 10-12% between 2021 and 2024.

• 2021: 11.99% of total used EcoSport sales
• 2022: 10.84% of total used EcoSport sales
• 2023: 11.2% of total used EcoSport sales
• 2024: 10.1% of total used EcoSport sales

One key reason for this limited demand is that the automatic transmission in the EcoSport was only available with select petrol variants. Unlike some competitors that offered diesel-automatic combinations, the EcoSport’s automatic line up was restricted. This makes the manual transmission a more practical choice for fuel-conscious buyers, who are also driven by its availability in the used space. Additionally, second hand Ford EcoSport SUV’s sporty handling and driver-focused nature make manuals the preferred option among enthusiasts.

Ford EcoSport Engine and Transmission Options

The Ford EcoSport has been offered with multiple engine and transmission options over the years, catering to different driving preferences.

Petrol Variants

• 1.5-Litre Ti-VCT Petrol Engine

   

  • Transmission options: 5-speed Manual / 6-speed Automatic
  • Power output: 121 bhp
  • Torque: 149 NM

• 1.0-Litre EcoBoost Turbo Petrol Engine (Discontinued in 2020)

   

  • Transmission options: 6-speed Manual only
  • Power output: 123 bhp

  • Torque: 170 NM

     

Diesel Variants

• 1.5-Litre TDCi Diesel Engine

   

  • Transmission options: 5-speed Manual only
  • Power output: 99 bhp
  • Torque: 215 NM

One of the reasons for the slower adoption of automatic variants in the used market is that they were only available with petrol models. The diesel variant, which was more fuel-efficient and popular among high-mileage drivers, was exclusively offered with a manual transmission. Additionally, automatic transmissions in the EcoSport were often perceived to have higher maintenance costs, further reinforcing the demand for manual variants in the used car market.

Used Ford EcoSport Market Pricing

The Ford EcoSport continues to hold strong resale value in the used car market. Known for its durable build quality, driving dynamics, compact footprint, and feature-rich interiors, it remains a highly sought-after option among compact SUVs.

Average Used Selling Price

Key Takeaways

1. Manual transmission dominates used Ford EcoSport sales – In 2024, 89.9% of used Ford EcoSport sales were manual petrol variants, reflecting buyers’ preference for affordability, fuel efficiency, and driving engagement. The trend has remained consistent, with manual variants maintaining over 88% market share since 2021.

1. Automatic transmission demand remains limited – Used automatic Ford EcoSport models accounted for only 10.1% of sales in 2024, down from 11.99% in 2021. The demand for automatics has stayed below 12% due to higher maintenance costs and limited fuel-efficient options.

1. Diesel variants were exclusively manual – The Ford EcoSport’s diesel-powered models, which were highly favoured for their fuel efficiency, were only available with a manual gearbox. The absence of a diesel-automatic variant further reinforced the strong preference for manuals in the used market.

1. Resale value remains strong for manual variants – The average resale price of a used manual Ford EcoSport stands at ₹4.36 lakh, lower than automatic models but the latter are priced higher. Used automatics may also command higher ownership costs.

1. Urban buyers still consider automatics for convenience – While the manual Ford EcoSport leads the market, automatic variants remain an option for city commuters looking for ease of driving.

    

Conclusion

While automatic transmissions have gained traction in the used car market, the Ford EcoSport continues to see overwhelming demand for its manual variants. Buyers prefer manuals for their affordability, higher fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs. The declining market share of automatics from 2021 to 2024 further indicates that cost-conscious buyers and enthusiasts continue to favour the manual EcoSport.

However, in urban areas where ease of driving is a priority, the automatic EcoSport remains an option for those looking for convenience. For buyers seeking a reliable, sporty, and fuel-efficient compact SUV, the manual EcoSport remains the top choice in the used car market. No wonder then, used Ford EcoSport SUVs remain the most popular choice in multiple cities.