Geneva 2015: Ford EcoSport facelift revealed

The one model wonder for Ford India has just been revealed in its facelifted avatar at the ongoing Geneva motor show. The first and most prominent change, will be the option for customers to buy the EcoSport without the exposed spare wheel on the tail-gate. Vehicles without the spare wheel get a tyre mobility kit as standard, along with a revised rear swing-gate that enables easier partial opening when limited space is available.

On the inside, changes include a restyled instrument cluster featuring a chrome surround and light dimmer, chrome tips for the window switches and a repositioned handbrake lever. The interior is also spruced up by a 4-inch colour display, charcoal black lower instrument panel, centre console and door boards, while partial leather seats will come as standard on Titanium models.

NVH levels are also said to improve with thicker sound deadening materials in the doors and dashboard, along with tighter seals around the pedals. Later this year, Ford will equip the EcoSport with SatNav and a rear view camera. The facelift also adds the winter pack (select markets only) that adds a heated windscreen, heated mirrors and heated front seats.

The new EcoSport gets mechanical updates as well. The suspension has been retuned with a revised rear twist beam, and revised spring and damper rates. The crossover also gets optimised Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and power steering systems, while the ride height is reduced by 10 mm (For Europe). Ford also claims that torque delivery has been improved on the EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel, while the oil burner also sees a power increase of nearly 5 BHP. Powertrains have been upgraded to the EU6.1 emission standard. In Europe, the new upgrades will be available to order from June, 2015.

Ford also showcased the EcoSport S - a model with multiple upgrades and equipment that will be offered later this year. The EcoSport S is on display in the "Deep Impact Blue" colour, complemented by a black roof without roof rails, mirror caps and 14-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels. Further exterior upgrades will include a faux rear diffuser and privacy glass.

The facelifted EcoSport will be launched in India as well, though a specific timeline is awaited. A launch can be expected in the second half of 2015.