[damager21]

I am fed up of delay in launch of EcoSport because of so called "high localisation". Ford EcoSport was on display at the Auto expo last year in January and even after 15 months, Ford is still working on localizing the parts.

Honestly, I think almost everything except Ecoboost engine with gearbox will be localized. Having said that, I don't think it should take so much time for Ford to work with partners for developing other parts locally.

Also, I don't think capacity is a challenge for Ford. Its plant near Chennai has a capacity for 200,000 cars and 340,000 engines. In the last 6 months, Ford had its best month in September 2012 when it sold 7,800 cars. Even at that demand level, we are talking about 93,600 cars in the entire year which is less than half of capacity utilization.

Considering Duster is selling 5,000 cars per month, even if Ford was to sell 7,000 EcoSport per month, it will add to 84,000 in the year and 177,600 total output from plant in the year. Well short of its capacity.

If localization is the true reason, it will be worth the wait only if EcoSport gets launched at 5 lacs

[ndinesh]

Hi,

I am bit confused about the boot lock mechanism of ecosport. One can open the boot by just touching the button present on the latch. So how do we lock it? When the car is on the move, can any outsider open the boot by just touching the button?
Can someone who clearly knew the boot locking mechanism of Ecosport, explain it?

Regards
Dinesh

[hypermiler]

You have the same mechanism in the new Ford Fiesta. When the driver or the passenger locks all the doors from the inside, the 'boot unlock button' from the outside cannot be operated. Similarly, anyone from the outside will not be able to open the regular doors as well.

Yes. If you do not lock the doors from the inside, technically, it is possible for a person outside to open the boot and take whatever he / she wants. It should be the same as a person opening the door from the outside and picking up things.

[theMAG]

Originally Posted by damager21

..
If localization is the true reason, it will be worth the wait only if EcoSport gets launched at 5 lacs

Not the only reason.

1. The Ecosport that was showcased at Auto Expo was the 2nd-gen concept - not a production ready model. That should explain some of the latency times seen currently with the launch.

2. Localization - although a key factor in Ford India Ecosport launch, is not the only reason for the delay. The other reason was sorting out ride quality.

After the Duster pretty much set the benchmark for ride quality in India, Ford India had to tweak the ride/suspension of the India-spec Ecosport; this requirement becoming a double-whammy especially since Fords in India have traditionally had a stiff ride-quality.

[ndinesh]

Originally Posted by hypermiler

You have the same mechanism in the new Ford Fiesta. When the driver or the passenger locks all the doors from the inside, the 'boot unlock button' from the outside cannot be operated. Similarly, anyone from the outside will not be able to open the regular doors as well.

Yes. If you do not lock the doors from the inside, technically, it is possible for a person outside to open the boot and take whatever he / she wants. It should be the same as a person opening the door from the outside and picking up things.

Thanks for the clarification.
So is there any dependancy as you have to shutdown the engine to remote unlock the boot?

[swiftnfurious]

Originally Posted by theMAG

....2. Localization - although a key factor in Ford India Ecosport launch, is not the only reason for the delay. The other reason was sorting out ride quality..

Looks like a confirmed news?! I remember ACI, when tested Ecosport in Brazil reported that the ride quality was stiff and bouncy on bad patches. So could we expect a very similar ride quality in Ecosport like Duster?

Since your post seems to be from a reliable source, would you know how close will the ride quality be, to Duster? I hope they didn't compromise on handling to tune suspension better.

Edit:

Between, another insider in one of the auto forum quotes that the Ecoboost also will get an Automatic transmission, may be couple of months into the launch!

[brraj]

In between Nammakal to Salem highway got to see 5 new test vehicles zooming past at around 140kmph.

They had stopped to take a leak near the toll.
We saw Petrol, Diesel and export version (left hand steering) aswell.



Before we could take more picture and ask more info they sped away.




Each and every color is unique, it was difficult choice to decide.
What i liked the most is the sporty front looks.

Its definitely a DUSTER KILLER.

[indian21r]

Looks like Ecosport is going to come in Rainbow Colors. Love the fact that they are trying out new shades.

[benbsb29]

The base variant (yellow in the pics above) looks kinda boring with the steel wheels, lack of roof rails and lack of fog lamps.

[rajshenoy]

What started with feeling of excitement, i now feel EcoSport is an over-hyped mini car or a Hatch with a good GC

Ford is taking forever to launch this, and the build quality looks questionable if we look at the demo pieces being shown off !!

To make it worse, rear leg room seems to be nothing great(Hatch like).

Overall, i am loosing interest in this. Ford Are you listening ? do no delay the launch !!

[arvind71181]

Originally Posted by brraj

In between Nammakal to Salem highway got to see 5 new test vehicles zooming past at around 140kmph.

Each and every color is unique, it was difficult choice to decide.
What i liked the most is the sporty front looks.

Its definitely a DUSTER KILLER.

Very interesting and unique choice of colors. Hope these colors are introduced when they launch the vehicle

[sharninder]

Originally Posted by rajshenoy

What started with feeling of excitement, i now feel EcoSport is an over-hyped mini car or a Hatch with a good GC

Ford is taking forever to launch this, and the build quality looks questionable if we look at the demo pieces being shown off !!

To make it worse, rear leg room seems to be nothing great(Hatch like).

Overall, i am loosing interest in this. Ford Are you listening ? do no delay the launch !!

Absolutely agree with you on this. When the car was first announced/teased, I was really interested in it, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe I've just got bored of the delay and the hype, but now I'm actually thinking of postponing my decision to get a new car even more.

That said, this car is going to be a hit anyway, whenever Ford launches it.

[Baddychat]

Fantastic set of pictures from parrys.

I am not sure if anyone has observed but isn't the direction in which the tail gate opens is one meant for LHD vehicles. Cars in India i mean all RHD vehicles have tailgates opening in the opposite direction.

The bright yellow color does look nice and the 1.0 L petrol should be the engine to watch out for. It has received great reviews all over. The same engine goes into the 2013 Mondeo too AFAIK.

[fiat_tarun]

Interesting to note that the cars bear at 'TN-37' registration which is Coimbatore. Does Ford have an office out of Coimbatore ?

Originally Posted by Baddychat

I am not sure if anyone has observed but isn't the direction in which the tail gate opens is one meant for LHD vehicles. Cars in India i mean all RHD vehicles have tailgates opening in the opposite direction.

Please don't bring this up ! It has been discussed to death running into pages and pages earlier in this very thread.

[Warwithwheels]

Originally Posted by fiat_tarun

Interesting to note that the cars bear at 'TN-37' registration which is Coimbatore. Does Ford have an office out of Coimbatore?

Yes. It does.

Please don't bring this up ! It has been discussed to death running into pages and pages earlier in this very thread.

BTW... Found this video capture of the Ecosport preview on Youtube. Just wondering if its "EEECOSport" or "ECHOSport". To me, the former sounds more appropriate. However, most videos on the Ecosport call it "ECHOSport". Ford's urban discovery campaign included.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM6_a43jcdU

One more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AAaLaW5iKA