The Ford EcoSport has the characteristics of a typical Ford - solid construction, fun to drive nature, sorted suspension. Over the years, the car has also had some great engines and transmissions.
Buying a used Ford EcoSport
You know a car is competent when it sells in healthy numbers, despite being 8 years old and relatively premium-priced! Launched in 2013, Ford's EcoSport is still capable of selling 3,000 - 4,000 copies / month. Based on the company's global B-car platform (which also underpinned the Fiesta), the EcoSport has the characteristics of a typical Ford - solid construction, fun to drive nature, sorted suspension. Over the years, the car has also had some great engines and transmissions.
Positives
- Despite its age, the EcoSport is still among the most competent compact SUVs on sale in India
- Good looks matched to solid build quality
- 1.5L diesel is tractable & economical, while the 1.5L 3-cylinder Dragon is revv-happy & fun
- Dynamically sorted. Competent handling by crossover standards
- Lots of fun to drive, in the city as well as on the highway
- Loaded with kit (leather seats, paddle shifts, auto headlamps & wipers, cruise control, terrific SYNC3)
- Smartly packaged interior. Adequate space for 4 adults. Lots of storage & practical features
- Safety kit includes 6 Airbags, ESP, Hill Hold, EBA, emergency assist phone call & more
- Decent reliability with the 1.5L TDCi Diesel & 1.5L 3-cylinder Petrol variants
- Reasonable spare part prices, especially of the wear & tear variety
Negatives
- Ride quality is far from plush; underlying firmness obvious, more so with the 16" & 17" variants
- Rear seat space & narrow cabin width make a 5th occupant unwelcome. Best for 4 onboard
- 1.0L EcoBoost engine is best avoided. Turbo-lag, reliability issues, complex nature
- Complicated dual-clutch AT is problematic. Pick only the torque-converter ATs
- Tree trunk thick A-Pillars result in severe blind spots
- Insane feature deletions over the years (lumbar adjustment, reclining rear seat, cooled glovebox...) and frustrating variant rejigs
- Mahindra-Ford JV has been called off. We remain concerned about Ford's long-term commitment to India
- Be prepared to pay a premium for the good examples. Model is in demand, new EcoSport is expensive
- Later models have visible cost-cutting compared to the early builds
Related Threads
Mod Potential:
Very popular model here & abroad, so plentiful extras available in the after-market.
![](https://www.team-bhp.com/sites/default/files/pictures2021/ecomod.jpeg)
Image Source: Instagram
Availability:
Excellent. Sold well for 8 years so there is ample choice in the market. As mentioned, go for the 1.5L Dragon 3-cylinder Petrol or 1.5L Diesel. Avoid the 1.0L EcoBoost and dual-clutch ATs. If you have the budget, look out for the 2017+ Facelift which gets a nicer dashboard, SYNC3, better headlamps, slightly softer ride etc. Check out the examples on sale - link.
![](https://www.team-bhp.com/sites/default/files/pictures2021/eco1.jpg)
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