2017 Ford EcoSport facelift spotted testing in India

Ford has started testing the 2017 EcoSport facelift on public roads in India. Two partially camouflaged test mules have recently been spotted on the outskirts of Chennai. The updated compact SUV is expected to be launched in India by the end of this year.

The spotted models wear a camouflage on the front and rear. Since the facelifted EcoSport has already been unveiled internationally, we have a fair idea about how the India-spec model will look like. The front fascia will get a wider grille with new swept back headlamps flanked on both sides. Higher variants are expected to get a project setup and LED DRLs in the headlamp housing. The bumper will also be a new unit, with the larger fog lamps being placed a bit higher than the current model.

The side profile will remain similar to that of the current model, except for a new set of alloy wheels on the higher trims. At the rear, the India-spec EcoSport is expected to retain the tailgate mounted spare wheel. One of the two test mules spotted had a PEMS (Portable Emissions Measuring System) box mounted on the tailgate for testing purpose.

The interiors of the EcoSport facelift are expected to get some comprehensive updates, including a new dashboard, revised 3-spoke steering wheel, a new instrument cluster, revised centre console and a touchscreen infotainment system.

No mechanical changes are expected to be made on the 2017 EcoSport. As a result, it will likely continue to be offered with three engine options - a 1.5L Ti-VCT petrol, a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel and a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol. A 5-speed manual gearbox is expected to be offered as standard, while the 6-speed DCT will likely be available only with the 1.5L Ti-VCT.

Source: Motorworld India