We can see in the spy shots that the Ford EcoSport facelift will have a newly designed octagonal front grille that will bring some freshness to the otherwise familiar front fascia of the compact SUV. The grille will be blacked out for a sportier visual appeal, however, it will also have some chrome bits in the middle and chrome boundary to enhance the premium-ness of the vehicle.

Also Read: Tata HBX Micro SUV Launch Likely in Festive Season, Spied Again - VIDEO

Another biggest update at the front of the Ford EcoSport facelift will be the inverted L-shaped LED DRLs located in the bumper beside the fog lamps. They look pretty attractive and should be able to lure in more buyers. Based on the previous spy shots, these LED DRLs will also double up as LED turn signals when needed.

The headlight design on the updated Ford EcoSport is more or less the same, however, expect to see full-LED units in the higher-end variants. The alloy wheels will feature a new design for an overall sportier visual presence of the vehicle. The rear of the EcoSport facelift will be a familiar sight as no major changes will be implemented here.

Also Read: Tata Altroz for Indian Players Who Missed a Medal in Tokyo Olympics

The current model of the Ford EcoSport is already a good-looking car. However, being on sale in the Indian market for so many years, its design has become somewhat outdated. So, to juice things up, Ford decided to bring in a facelift of the compact SUV. Going by the spy shots, the new model does drift away from the current design language, however, it will certainly introduce some new features that would help the model to continue to stay in the competition.

This isn’t the first time that the Ford EcoSport facelift has been caught on camera. Multiple prototypes of the car have been spotted testing in the past. One of the previous spy shots had revealed a blue paint scheme of the upcoming compact SUV. And now, the latest spy picture that has come to light reveals the orange shade.

Also Read: Ford Figo AT Teased, India Launch Date Revealed

The new orange colour of the upcoming Ford EcoSport facelift looks quite attractive, especially with the new black alloy wheels. Also, the black body cladding all around imparts a bolder and more muscular stance to the vehicle. The full-size spare wheel is mounted on the tailgate, once again, enhancing the masculine appeal of the compact SUV.

The upcoming Ford EcoSport facelift would feature a revised front end. It would have a redesigned front bumper and grille. The showstopper here would be a pair of attractive, inverted L-shaped LED DRLs which would be located near the circular fog lamps. These will also work as side turn signals.

On the inside, the car is expected to offer an updated Sync 3 infotainment system, a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options, an electric sunroof, and more. In terms of safety, expect the usual bells and whistles, such as ABS, EBD, airbags, rear parking sensors, etc., to be a part of the package.

Also Read: Ford EcoSport Facelift with Eye-Catching LED DRLs/Indicators Spied

As far as the engine is concerned, the upcoming Ford EcoSport facelift would use the same options available in its current model. There’d be a 1.5L, naturally aspirated, petrol engine churning out 121 bhp and 149 Nm, and a 1.5L diesel motor producing 99 bhp and 215 Nm.

Stay to tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest Ford updates and other four-wheeler news.

Ford EcoSport Facelift Spy Shots

We can see in the spy shots that the upcoming Ford EcoSport Facelift would be featuring a pair of attractive, inverted L-shaped LED DRLs which would be located near the circular fog lamps. LED DRLs have become a usual norm these days. Most car companies are offering this feature with many of their products to woo customers. However, not every kind of LED DRLs tends to enhance the overall look of a car. Thankfully, the ones in the Ford EcoSport Facelift do.

Also Read: Next-Gen Ford EcoSport Visualized Digitally - Yay or Nay?

The inverted L-shaped LED DRLs of the Ford EcoSport Facelift go well with the car’s overall front fascia. And they also work as side turn signals. Isn’t that a clean and smart move by Ford India? The new LED DRLs should be able to attract more buyers and give the updated compact SUV a much-needed refresh.

Ford EcoSport Facelift Features

The updated EcoSport is expected to come equipped with a bunch of new features. For instance, the front fascia would receive a redesigned grille and bumper, which can be seen in these spy shots. Apart from that, the alloy wheels would be new as well. The rear end of the car would most likely remain more or less the same.

The Ford EcoSport Facelift would offer the updated Sync 3 infotainment system, a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options, an electric sunroof, and more. In terms of safety, expect the usual bells and whistles, such as ABS, EBD, airbags, rear parking sensors, etc., to be a part of the package.

Also Read: Ford Endeavour 2.0 Vs EcoSport 1.5 Diesel, Who Wins? - VIDEO

Ford EcoSport Facelift Engine

No changes are expected in this department. The 1.5L, naturally aspirated, petrol engine churning out 121 bhp and 149 Nm, and the 1.5L diesel motor producing 99 bhp and 215 Nm; that are available with the current EcoSport, would be carried forward into the facelifted model.

Also Read- Ford Mustang Mach-E Rendered In Indian-ised 7-Seater Guise

The video has been uploaded by AutoWheels India - Cars & Road Trips on YouTube. Instead of the usual standing starts for a drag race, this race between the Ford Endeavour and the EcoSport will use the rolling start method instead. For round 1, the rolling start speed is set at 25 kmph. As soon as the SUVs cross the race start point, the EcoSport jumps ahead. However, the Endeavour manages to catch up and pass the EcoSport to win the race. The second round sees the Endeavour switching off traction control while the rolling start speed has been increased to 35 kmph. Similar to the first round, the EcoSport takes the lead at the start again. Unlike last time though, the EcoSport manages to hold on to the advantage to cross the finish line first.

The drivers of the SUVs have been changed for the third round. The Ford Endeavour gets a better start compared to the previous two and uses its power advantage to comfortably win this round. The final round sees the drivers going back to their original vehicles. The EcoSport again has a better start but the Endeavour starts catching up. However, the EcoSport just manages to keep a marginal lead to win the final round, thereby winning overall as well. Even though the Endeavour is considerably more powerful, the EcoSport is a fair bit lighter. This means that the EcoSport gets off the line better and accelerates quicker. By the time the Endeavour starts catching up with its power, the EcoSport already creates enough of a margin to win the race.

Also Read- Watch President Joe Biden Driving The Ford F-150 Lightning - VIDEO

The Ford Ecosport competing in the race here is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel unit that makes 100 PS and 215 Nm of peak power and torque figures. The Endeavour 2.0 in the video is powered by a 2-litre turbo-diesel engine that churns out peak power and torque figures of 170 PS and 420 Nm of peak power and torque figures. The EcoSport is mated to a 5-speed manual while the Endeavour comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Prices for the Ford EcoSport diesel range between Rs 8.89 lakh – Rs 11.69 lakh while prices for the Ford Endeavour range between Rs 29.99 - Rs 36.25 Lakh. Do note that all prices mentioned are ex-showroom.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest Ford updates and other four-wheeler news.

The Ford EcoSport SE comes with an unique rear design where it misses out on the spare wheel and the number plate has been re-positioned to the middle of the tail gate. It still continues to remain a side-hinged unit though, just like the regular version. With the repositioning of the number plate, the rear bumper has also been redesigned with a new silver skid plate. Moreover, the rearview camera that was previously positioned on the bumper has now been moved up on the tail gate. An additional advantage this brings is that it prevents dust and mud from accumulating on the camera, a problem very commonly seen on other trims of the EcoSport.

Also Read : Next-Gen Ford EcoSport Visualized Digitally - Yay or Nay?

The Ford EcoSport SE is actually based on the Titanium trim, with the petrol version costing about INR 70,000 more; the diesel SE costs INR 1.2 lakh more.  As for its features, the EcoSport SE comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, automatic HID headlights with LED DRLs, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation and Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, a tyre pressure monitor, side and curtain airbags, ESC, traction control, hill-start assist, cruise control, auto-dimming IRVM and auto wipers. Compared to the top-spec S trim, the EcoSport SE misses out on features like dual-tone roof, leatherette seat covers, sporty pedals and puddle lamps.

The interior of the Ecosport SE comes in a dual-tone black and beige combination. With the deletion of the tailgate-mounted spare wheel, it must be noted that the SE trim does not have a spare wheel fitted from the factory at all. Interestingly, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) does not mandatorily require passenger vehicles falling under the M1 category to be fitted with a spare wheel, subject to certain conditions obviously. If the vehicle comes equipped with tubeless tires, a tire pressure monitoring system and a puncture repair kit - all of which the EcoSport SE has - the manufacturer does not need to install a spare wheel.

Ford decided to add this new trim to the India lineup after gauging customer feedback about the styling of export version of the EcoSport. Under the hood, the Ford EcoSport SE continues with the standard petrol and diesel engines offered with the regular model. That means it's powered by the 123hp, 1.5-litre petrol and 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine options, both of which are offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. However, it does not get the option of an automatic gearbox. The EcoSport sits in the ultra-competitive sub-compact SUV space where it rivals the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon and others.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest Ford updates and other four-wheeler news.

Also Read: Next-Gen Ford EcoSport Visualized Digitally - Yay or Nay?

The video has been uploaded by Hindustan Times on YouTube. The friends are using four vehicles to help patients who haven’t been able to get a hospital bed. They have lined up the vehicles outside a hospital and anyone who needs emergency oxygen can avail of their services. To ensure the patients are comfortable, they even keep the AC switched on. The friends have been providing the service for a few weeks now, and they help five to six patients in need every day. They are sourcing oxygen from variant places in the city, having to wait for hours in the queue to get the cylinders refilled. However, they are now facing trouble sourcing empty cylinders. Currently, they are trying to source the cylinders from any patient who has recovered or passed away.

These friends keep one of the vehicles stationed at the spot to ensure oxygen can be provided the moment a patient is in need of it. The youngsters are using their own money to provide help, and plan to buy a proper ambulance in the near future. With the added equipment, they expect to help around 40-50 people a day. For now, they will continue using their Ford EcoSport, Volkswagen Polo and two other vehicles.

Also Read : Ford Ecosport, Endeavour, Others Get Costlier - Full Details

Speaking of the vehicles seen in the video above, the VW Polo costs between INR 6.16 lakh – INR 9.99 lakh, ex-showroom. Powertrain options include a new 1-litre 3-pot TSI turbo-petrol which makes 110 PS /175 Nm of peak figures. The other engine option is a naturally aspirated version that makes peak figures 77 PS/95 Nm. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter auto. Meanwhile, the Ford EcoSport costs between INR 8.19 lakh – INR 11.69 lakh, ex-showroom. There are two engine choices - a 1.5-litre petrol unit that makes 122 PS/149 Nm and a 1.5-litre oil-burner that offers 100 PS/215 Nm. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual for both engines, while the petrol engine also gets the option of a 6-speed torque-convertor automatic unit.

Internally codenamed as the BX744, the next-gen Ford Ecosport is reportedly already in development. Although there has been no official information about the next-gen Ecosport from Ford yet, digital artists across the world have been trying out their hands in imagining the upcoming SUV. Here we have one such rendering, created by Kleber Silva, which takes its inspiration from the Ford Equator and the Ford Evos, the latter of which was recently unveiled at the Auto Shanghai 2021.

Also Read : Ford Ecosport, Endeavour, Others Get Costlier - Full Details

The face of the next-gen Ecosport has been completely reimagined with a huge hexagonal grille taking place of pride up front. Like most modern SUVs, the next-gen Ecosport in this rendering can be seen sporting a split LED headlamp setup. There's a pair of J-shaped LED DRLs joined by a chrome strip flanking the grille on either side. The main headlamp cluster is positioned in the bumper below in deep set air dams. The bumper also feature a sleek silver trim garnishing the air dams and a faux silver bash plate down below.

The side profile of the next-gen Ecosport mostly remains unchanged in this rendering, although it can be seen with a new design for the alloy wheels. The rear end of the Ecosport, again, can be seen with a completely new design. The tailgate has been redesigned with new LED tail lights that seem to have come from the Ford Equator. The rear bumper has also been redesigned with new a faux silver bash plate and integrated dual exhaust pipes. Interestingly, the Ecopsort in this rendering does not come with a tail gate-mounted spare wheel, just like the new Ecosport SE.

This rendering hoover does not give us a look inside the cabin of the next-gen Ecosport, although it is safe to assume that the next-gen SUV will have a thoroughly revised interior. Under the hood, the next-gen Ford Ecosport could carry forward its current 1.5L petrol and diesel engines. In other news, Ford recently introduced a price hike of INR 20,000 on the current-gen Ecosport. The Ford EcoSport is available in five trim levels - Ambiente, Trend, Titanium, SE, and S - for both the petrol and diesel versions. Prices for the EcoSport currently range between INR 8.19 - 11.69 lakh (ex-showroom).

Stay to tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest Ford updates and other four-wheeler news.

The model most affected by this price hike is the Ford Endeavour, prices of which have gone up by a massive INR 80,000. The Endeavor is available in four variants - Titanium 4x2, Titanium+ 4x2, Titanium+ 4x4 and Sport 4x4. The price of the base Titanium 4x2 variant remains unchanged. Meanwhile, the price of Titanium+ 4x2 and Titanium+ 4x4 variants have been increased by INR 70,000 each. The top-spec Sport 4x4 sees a price hike of INR 80,000. Prices for the Endeavour currently ranges between INR 29.99 - 36.25 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read : Ford Endeavour vs Toyota Fortuner vs MG Gloster - Braking Test

Moving on to Ford's other SUV, the EcoSport, the sub-compact model sees a price hike of INR 20,000 across the range. The Ford EcoSport is available in five trim levels - Ambiente, Trend, Titanium, SE, and S - for both the petrol and diesel versions. Expect for the diesel Titanium variant, prices of all other trims for both petrol and diesel models have been increased by INR 20,000. Prices for the EcoSport currently range between INR 8.19 - 11.69 lakh (ex-showroom).

As for the Ford Figo and Ford Freestyle hatchbacks, both models see a consistent price hike of INR 18,000 across the range. Both the models are powered by a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Petrol variants of the Figo are available in three trims - Ambiente, Titanium and Titanium Blu. Meanwhile, the diesel version comes in tow trims - Titanium and Titanium Blu. Prices for the Figo now range between INR 5.82 - 8.37 lakh (ex-showroom). As for the Freestyle, both petrol and diesel versions of the cross-hatch are available in three trims - Titanium, Titanium+ and Flair. Prices for the Freestyle now range between INR 7.27 - 9.02 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Ford Aspire sub-compact sedan has been least affected by this price hike. Available in two trims across both its petrol and diesel versions - Titanium and Titanium+ - the Aspire sees a price hike of just INR 3,000 across the range.  Prices for the Aspire now range between INR 7.27 - 8.72 lakh (ex-showroom). This is the second price hike that Ford has rolled out on its models this year. With the two increments, Ford cars are now pricier by up to Rs 1.15 lakh.

Stay to tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest Ford updates and other four-wheeler news.

Of course, if you are looking for a diesel sub-compact SUV, mileage must be one of your priorities. And in that regard, here we have a video showing the mileage comparison of the Ford EcoSport vs Tata Nexon. While petrol engine have come to hugely dominate this space, we still have quite some frugal and potent diesel engines alive in the sub-compact SUV space. Both the Tata Nexon and the Ford EcoSport are good examples in this regard. But let's take a look at their specifications first.

Also Read : Battle of Entry-Level Luxury Sedans - BMW 2 GC vs Mercedes A-Class Limo

Ford EcoSport vs Tata Nexon - Specifications

The Tata Nexon is powered by a 1.5L, four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 108hp and 260Nm of peak torque. This engine comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT transmission. The Ford EcoSport is also powered by a 1.5L, four-cylinder diesel engine. However, the power and torque output on the EcoSport stands at 100hp and 215Nm of torque. Transmission options only include a 5-speed manual gearbox. So the Tata Nexon has the upper hand in terms of specs on paper. Let's see how that translates to a real world mileage test.

Ford EcoSport vs Tata Nexon - Mileage Compared

Both these cars featured here are in their respective diesel-manual guise. The first step was to reset the average mileage reading in the instrument cluster of both the cars to 0. Both the cars then set out for a test run for about 27 km, driving in mixed condition on both the highway and through crowded narrow lanes. Both the cars were subjected to similar conditions and were run at similar speeds. At the end of the test run, the Ford EcoSport returned a mileage of 17.7 kmpl. Meanwhile, the Tata Nexon returned a mileage of only 11.2 kmpl. As was mentioned in the video, the Nexon was run in its sport mode.

The claimed ARAI-rated mileage of the Ford EcoSport diesel is 21.7 kmpl. Meanwhile, the ARAI-rated mileage for the manual variant of the Tata Nexon diesel is 21.5 kmpl. Of course, you might have got a better mileage reading out of the Nexon if it was driven in its Eco or City modes. However, it is still the EcoSport that is closer to its ARAI-rated mileage in the real world. The Nexon is also a tad bit more powerful than the EcoSport and that too could explain the lower mileage. Still, the diesel engine on the EcoSport has enough power on tap and is also refined and frugal. It is clearly the winner of this test here.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such comparisons, latest Ford and Tata updates and other four-wheeler news.

Although the manufacturer hasn't announced the exact extent of the price hike, it will vary from model to model. We believe the price hike could be up to 3% for each model. Ford currently has five models on sale in India - Figo, Aspire, Freestyle, EcoSport and the Endeavor. Just some time ago, Ford already hiked the prices of Aspire, Figo, and Freestyle along with a variant rejig. Here's a detailed look at the current price range of each of these models.

Also Read : Ford Equator Unveiled in China; Bigger Than Endeavour

If you have been eyeing any of the Ford vehicles recently, and do not want to pay a higher price from April 2021, you should go ahead and book your Ford vehicle immediately as the carmaker is offering discounts of up to INR 29,000 on all their models. The offers are valid only till the end of March or till stocks last. The benefits include an exchange bonus of up to INR 20,000 and loyal bonus and corporate discounts of INR 5,000 and INR 4,000 respectively.

In more recent news, Ford recently launched a new SE trim of the EcoSport sub-compact SUV. The biggest talking point about this new trim is its rear tail gate design. The SE trim loses out on the EcoSport's distinctive tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and as such, the entire tail gate is different from the standard model. Incidentally, the new Ford Ecosport SE is actually similar to the version that's sold in international markets like Europe and North America.

Ford has also been prepping a new mid-size SUV for the Indian market that will slot in between the EcoSport and the Endeavor in the carmaker's lineup. This new mid-size SUV was being prepped on the same platform as the upcoming second-gen Mahindra XUV500. However, Ford and Mahindra now having called off their JV, the fate of the Ford mid-size SUV is yet to be decided. Expected to launch sometime in 2022, it will rival the likes of the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV500, and MG Hector Plus.

Stay to tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest Ford updates and other four-wheeler news.

Incidentally, the new Ford Ecosport SE is actually similar to the version that's sold in international markets like Europe and North America. Ford actually manufactures the export version of the EcoSport alongside the domestic model here in India. The EcoSport SE comes with an unique rear design where it misses out on the spare wheel and the number plate is positioned in the middle of the tail gate. It still continues to remain a side-hinged unit though, just like the regular version. With the repositioning of the number plate, the rear bumper has also been redesigned with a new silver skid plate.

Also Read : Next-Gen Ford Endeavor To Get A New Plug-in Petrol Hybrid Engine; Will It Come To India?

The EcoSport SE is actually based on the Titanium trim, but it costs about INR 70,000 more. As for its features, the EcoSport SE comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, automatic HID headlights with LED DRLs, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation and Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system. Compared to the top-spec S trim, the EcoSport SE misses out on features like side and curtain airbags, ESC, traction control, hill-start assist, cruise control, auto dimming IRVM, auto wipers and leatherette seat covers. Safety features on the SE trim include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, a rear camera, and a rear wiper and defogger.

With the deletion of the tailgate-mounted spare wheel, it must be noted that the SE trim does not have a spare wheel fitted from the factory at all. Interestingly, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) does not mandatorily require passenger vehicles falling under the M1 category to be fitted with a spare wheel, subject to certain conditions obviously. If the vehicle comes equipped with tubeless tires, a tire pressure monitoring system and a puncture repair kit - all of which the EcoSport SE has - the manufacturer does not need to install a spare wheel.

Ford decided to add this new trim to the India lineup after gauging customer feedback about the styling of export version of the EcoSport. Under the hood, the EcoSport SE continues with the standard petrol and diesel engines offered with the regular model. That means its powered by the 123hp, 1.5-litre petrol and 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine options, both of which are offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. The EcoSport sits in the ultra-competitive sub-compact SUV space where it rivals the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon and others.

Stay to tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest Ford updates and other four-wheeler news.

Ford EcoSport Vs Nissan Magnite: Exterior Looks and Design

As per the owner, the Magnite definitely looks a lot more fresh and attractive when compared to the EcoSport or the other contenders in the segment. For starters, the large front grille with chrome surrounds and the use of chrome in other parts make the Magnite look premium and appealing. The sleek LED headlamps and the L-Shaped DRLs give it a sophisticated and elegant front fascia while the sharp cuts and creases on the hood and other panels give it a hint of aggression that was much required in the overall elegant design. Move to the sides and the dual-tone alloy wheels will grab all your attention. In fact, they are definitely one of the best-looking sets in the segment and definitely give the car a great side profile.

Also Read: Ford Ecosport Spotted On Test Once Again; Turbo-Petrol Engine Launching Soon?

The Magnite, when compared to the Ford EcoSport, does look a little small from a distance but surely has a unique silhouette that looks fresh and grabs a lot of eyeballs. The rear, however, is a little too busy but in all, the Magnite remains one of the best looking cars in the segment. The compact dimensions, a strong road presence, and a fresh look gives it a significant edge over its rivals in the compact SUV segment.

Ford EcoSport Vs Nissan Magnite: Interiors and Cabin Space

The cabin of the Magnite is fairly spacious considering the exterior dimensions. In addition to this, the Magnite also comes with a long list of features which include wireless charging, ambient lighting, a digital instrument console, a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The car also comes with a number of storage spaces and a large and usable armrest in the centre. The seats are comfortable but could have had slightly better cushioning. The visibility from the cabin is impressive and definitely better than the Ecosport.

Having said that, the Magnite is not as good as the Ecosport in terms of the overall build quality. The quality of the plastics used inside the cabin is not as great as the Ecosport and there were a few rattles present which indicates that the brand has definitely cut costs here. In addition to this, there are no soft-to-touch plastics inside the cabin and quality remains average. The Ecosport, on the other hand, has a much better build quality and the plastics feel robust and premium. Also, the overall sound insulation is significantly better in the Ecosport when compared to the Magnite.

Also Read: India-Made Nissan Magnite Crash Test Scores Revealed By ASEAN NCAP

Moving to the rear seat, the Magnite offers a similar experience when compared to the Ecosport. The seats are comfortable and there is ample space at the rear. The seat recline angle is also great and the rear AC vents perform well. However, these AC vents are missing in the Ecosport but the overall AC performance here is marginally better than the Magnite.

There are a number of features that are available in the Magnite but are missing in the Ecosport and most other rivals, such as the 360-degree camera and wireless Android Auto. Buyers who will opt for the optional tech-pack with the Magnite will have other modern bells and whistles like air purifier, ambient lighting, etc.

Ford EcoSport Vs Nissan Magnite: Engine and Performance

Nissan introduced the new 1.0-L turbo engine in the Magnite and so far it has impressed each one of us with its power delivery and drivability. Despite being a small turbo engine, it has almost negligible turbo-lag and a linear power delivery makes it a great vehicle for the city as well as highway commute. The response to the throttle is impressive. However, the owner reports that the EcoSport has marginally better drivability, all thanks to the high torque output from the 1.5-L TDCi engine.

In addition to this, the Magnite gets a slightly stiffer suspension setup which makes it a driver's delight in terms of driving dynamics. The car holds its line and feels planted at higher speeds. However, the steering is not as communicative as that of the Ecosport's and there is a bit of understeer observed while negotiating tight curves. The owner also reported that the clutch travel on the Magnite is towards the longer side and the gearshifts, too, feel a little notchy. The torque delivery, however, is similar to that of a diesel engine which makes it a great car for everyday usage and requires fewer gearshifts.

Also Read: Citroen CC21 (Kia Sonet And Maruti Brezza Rival) Visualized Digitally

Ford EcoSport Vs Nissan Magnite: Final Verdict

With this being said, based on what has been discussed in this Ford Ecosport and Nissan Magnite comparison, it will not be wrong to conclude that the new Nissan Magnite is a great product for the price. The car also happens to be one of the most affordable sub-compact SUVs in the Indian market and has a long list of features that make it a VFM product. However, the brand could have improved the overall build quality of the vehicle as it does feel a little too flimsy on the inside as well as outside. For those who are tight on a budget and are out there in the market looking for a hatchback or a compact SUV, the Nissan Magnite will be a worthy upgrade.

Stay to tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest Ford and Nissan updates and other four-wheeler news.

Incidentally, the new Ford Ecosport SE is actually similar to the version that's sold in international markets like Europe and North America. Ford actually manufactures the export version of the EcoSport alongside the domestic model here in India. The export version of the EcoSport comes with an unique rear design where it misses out on the spare wheel and the number plate is positioned in the middle of the tail gate. It still continues to remain a side-hinged unit though, just like the regular version.

Also Read : Ford Ecosport Spotted On Test Once Again; Turbo-Petrol Engine Launching Soon?

With the repositioning of the number plate, the rear bumper has also been redesigned with a new silver skid plate. Reports claim that Ford has decided to add this new trim to the India lineup after gauging customer feedback about the styling of export version of the EcoSport. This new version could widen the ageing EcoSport's appeal, particularly given how competitive this segment has become lately. While the deletion of the tailgate-mounted spare wheel does refresh the look of the EcoSport from the rear, it must be noted that the SE trim will not have a spare wheel fitted from the factory at all.

It is also interesting to note here that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) does not mandatorily require passenger vehicles falling under the M1 category to be fitted with a spare wheel, subject to certain conditions obviously. If the vehicle comes equipped with tubeless tires, a tire pressure monitoring system and a puncture repair kit - all of which the EcoSport SE is expected to have - the manufacturer does not need to install a spare wheel. All passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of up to nine occupants (including the driver) and weighing under 3.5 tonnes are classified under the M1 category.

It is, however, not known what will be the positioning of this new variant. It will likely sit below the Titanium and Sport trims of the EcoSport in India. The new Ford EcoSport SE will likely be offered with both the petrol and diesel engine options. That means the 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel engine will both be available. The EcoSport is currently priced between INR 7.99 lakh and INR 11.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and the new SE variant should fit somewhere in between in terms of price.

Stay to tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest Ford updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Image Source - IndianAuto.com]

Incidentally, the new Ford Ecosport SE is actually similar to the version that's sold in international markets like Europe and North America. Ford actually manufactures the export version of the EcoSport alongside the domestic model here in India. The export version of the EcoSport comes with an unique rear design where it misses out on the spare wheel and the number plate is positioned in the middle of the tail gate. It still continues to remain a side-hinged unit though, just like the regular version.

Also Read : Ford Ecosport Spotted On Test Once Again; Turbo-Petrol Engine Launching Soon?

With the repositioning of the number plate, the rear bumper has also been redesigned with a new silver skid plate. Reports claim that Ford has decided to add this new trim to the India lineup after gauging customer feedback about the styling of export version of the EcoSport. This new version could widen the ageing EcoSport's appeal, particularly given how competitive this segment has become lately. While the deletion of the tailgate-mounted spare wheel does refresh the look of the EcoSport from the rear, it must be noted that the SE trim will not have a spare wheel fitted from the factory at all.

It is also interesting to note here that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) does not mandatorily require passenger vehicles falling under the M1 category to be fitted with a spare wheel, subject to certain conditions obviously. If the vehicle comes equipped with tubeless tires, a tire pressure monitoring system and a puncture repair kit - all of which the EcoSport SE will have - the manufacturer does not need to install a spare wheel. All passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of up to nine occupants (including the driver) and weighing under 3.5 tonnes are classified under the M1 category.

It is, however, not known what will be the positioning of this new variant. We will likely sit below the Titanium and Sport trims of the EcoSport in India. The new Ford EcoSport SE will likely be offered with both the petrol and diesel engine options. That means the 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel engine will both be available. The EcoSport is currently priced between INR 7.99 lakh and INR 11.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and the new SE variant should fit somewhere in between in terms of price.

Stay to tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest Ford updates and other four-wheeler news.

Interestingly, neither cars were wearing any camouflage but they were two different variants of the Ecosport - Trend and S. The Trend variant of the Ecosport came with black door handles and steel wheels. Meanwhile, the S variant came with body colored door handles and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. It also featured roof rails. Now the Ecosport is long due a new turbo-petrol motor from Mahindra's mStallion turbo-petrol engine family. And the first thoughts are naturally hinting towards the same.

Also Read : These Are The Best Ford Cars In India Under INR 10 Lakh

Mahindra debuted their mStallion turbo-petrol engine family with the Mahindra XUV300 Sportz at the 2020 Auto Expo. The 1.2L three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine produces 130hp and 230Nm of peak torque. On the Ecosport, this engine will likely come mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox only, at least initially. A 6-speed AMT gearbox might be introduced at a later stage. However, considering the fact and Ford and Mahindra recently called off their JV, it remains to be seen how the story develops over time.

Currently, the Ford Ecosport gets the option of one petrol and diesel engine under its hood. The 1.5-litre Ti-VCT, 3-cylinder petrol engine in the Ecosport produces 122hp and 149Nm of peak torque. Meanwhile, the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine puts out 99hp and 215 Nm of peak torque. Both the engines come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission while the petrol engine is also offered with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

Ford recently shuffled the variant lineup of the Ecosport and even slashed the prices of the sub-compact SUV by up to INR 35,000. Prices of the Ford Ecosport currently starts at INR 7.99 lakh and go up to INR 11.49 lakh. At the time of the update, Ford said that the Titanium+ variant will receive ‘an exciting update’ soon. We suspect this could be the imminent launch of the Mahindra's turbo-petrol engine on the Ecosport.

Stay to tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest Ford updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Image Source - IndianAuto.com]

Mahindra XUV300 Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.7 lakh*

The Mahindra XUV300 diesel is not only the most powerful car in the segment but also has the maximum torque output which makes it an extremely fun-to-drive and capable machine. It gets a 1.5L oil burner which can deliver 116.6 PS of max power while the peak torque output happens to be 300 Nm. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. Having said that, the XUV300 also remains one of the best cars in the market under INR 20 lakh* in terms of overall comfort and driving dynamics.

Mahindra Marazzo Diesel

Starting Price: INR 11.64 lakh*

A 1.5L diesel motor powers the Mahindra Marazzo. This engine churns out 122 PS and 300 Nm of peak torque output. With the ex-showroom price of the car starting from just INR 11.64 lakh, the Marazzo is definitely a value for money product which comes with an extremely practical and useful package. It also happens to be the only 7-seater SUV in our list.

Tata Nexon Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.45 lakh*

The Tata Nexon is currently one of the safest Made In India cars. It is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine that puts out 110 PS and 260 Nm. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual gearbox while the buyers can also opt for the optional AMT unit. The car also comes with multiple drive modes to make it more suitable for different driving conditions.

Also Read : Top 10 Most Powerful Cars In India Under INR 12 Lakh - IAB Picks

Renault Duster Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 10.87 lakh*

With the launch of the Renault Duster BS6, the brand introduced the new 1.3L turbo petrol engine which delivers 156 PS while the torque output is claimed to be 254 Nm. The power and torque output figures make the Duster one of the most powerful turbo cars available in the market under INR 20 lakh* bracket.

Kia Sonet Diesel

Starting Price: INR 10.39 lakh*

The Kia Sonet is one of the latest entrants in the segment and is offered with four different engine options which also include a 1.5L WGT diesel unit. This engine churns out 115 PS. The peak torque output on the other hand happens to be 250 Nm. The Kia Sonet boasts a premium in-cabin experience and is also available with several features which give it a clear edge over its rivals.

Hyundai Venue Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.28 Lakh*

The Hyundai Venue is one of the best selling SUVs in the market and comes with an extensive feature list in addition to powerful and refined engine options. The Venue diesel is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine that churns out 100 PS and 240 Nm of peak torque output. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Hyundai i20 Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.19 lakh*

Hyundai launched the new i20 in the market a few months ago and the car is now offered with many upgrades which make it a great package. The i20 diesel variant is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine which also powers the Venue and is claimed to produce 100 PS and 240 Nm of peak torque output. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and has a strong mid-range which makes it a dependable highway companion.

Ford Ecosport Diesel

Starting price: INR 9.99 lakh*

For those who are looking for a well-built and a fun-to-drive car, the Ford Ecosport will be a great option. The car is powered by the tried and tested 1.5L TDCi motor which boasts supreme driveability and long term reliability. This engine delivers 100 PS while the maximum torque output stands at 215 Nm. A 5-speed manual gearbox comes mated to this engine and there is no automatic on offer.

Also Read : Top 5 MPVs You Can Buy Under INR 10 Lakh - Ertiga, Bolero and More

Ford Figo Diesel

Starting Price: INR 7.74 lakh*

Just like the Ecosport, the Figo is also powered by the same 1.5L TDCi engine that puts up 100 PS and 215 Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Ford Figo is not only one of the most affordable diesel cars in the market right now but is also one of the most practical and fun-to-drive cars on sale in India. It has superior driving dynamics to most of the other cars and delivers a claimed fuel economy of 25 kmpl which makes it a practical choice in our list.

Ford Freestyle Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.19 Lakh*

With maximum power and torque output of 100 PS and 215 Nm respectively, the Ford Freestyle is a practical and capable vehicle. In addition to great build quality, the Freestyle is also offered with a spacious and comfortable cabin while the beefed-up suspension makes it suitable for rough usage as well.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such top-10 lists and latest four-wheeler news.

Renault Duster Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 11.14 lakh*

The new Renault Duster comes with a 1.3-L turbocharged petrol engine which makes 156 PS and 254 Nm of maximum torque. This engine can be had with a manual as well as a CVT gearbox and has a strong mid-range, making it one of the fastest SUVs in the segment. Being a turbocharged engine, this engine does struggle at low RPMs but as the tachometer climbs, the surge in the power delivery is commendable.

Ford Ecosport Petrol

Starting Price: INR 8.19 lakh*

Powering the Ford Ecosport is the 1.5-L three-cylinder Dragon petrol engine, which is not just refined and smooth, but is also one of the most powerful engines in the segment. This engine has impressed us with its supreme low-end power delivery and highway performance, hence making it a great choice for those who are looking for a practical and a fun to drive compact SUV. For those wondering, the peak power output from this engine stands at 122 PS while the peak torque output is 149 Nm. This engine can be had with a 5-speed manual while the buyers can also opt for the optional 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Also Read: Top 5 MPVs You Can Buy Under INR 10 Lakh - Ertiga, Bolero and More

Mahindra Marazzo Diesel

Starting Price: INR 12.03 lakh*

We have a limited range of products in the MPV segment and the Mahindra Marazzo is definitely one of the most capable and affordable cars in the market. The car gets a 1.5-L diesel engine producing 122 Ps and 300 Nm of peak torque output, making it a powerful highway companion. This engine is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. In addition to this, the Marazzo is the only car in our list of top 10 most powerful cars in India under Rs 12 Lakh which comes with three rows of seating.

Honda City 5th-Gen Petrol

Starting Price: INR 10.99 lakh*

Honda introduced the new DOHC 1.5-L i-VTEC engine in the new Honda City which delivers 121 Ps while the torque output remains similar to the outgoing model at 145 Nm. This naturally aspirated engine not only has a high power output but also provides a great combination of efficiency and practicality to the buyers. On the downside though, the new City petrol struggles with poor low-end and healthy power output only available after you hit the mid-range.

Kia Sonet Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 9.79 lakh*

The Kia Sonet is one of the latest entrants in the segment which also has cars like the Hyundai Venue, Ford Ecosport, Mahindra XUV300, etc and is offered as an attractive and a feature rich product. The Sonet can be had with a turbo petrol engine that delivers 120 Ps and 172 Nm of peak torque output. This engine can be had with a DCT and iMT gearbox. The buyers can alternatively buy the 115 PS diesel version of the car as well if the monthly usage is high.

Hyundai Venue Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 8.73 Lakh*

The Hyundai Venue is the most affordable SUV in the Korean carmaker’s line-up and is offered as a VFM product with a long and extensive features list as well as powerful engine options. The turbocharged petrol engine powering the Venue produces 120 Ps of maximum power output. The peak torque on the other hand stands at around 171 Nm while the gearboxes on offer include manual as well as a DCT automatic gearbox. The powerful car looks funky and fresh and is a great product for those who need a practical urban car.

Also Read: Best Budget Hyundai Cars In India With The Highest Diesel Fuel Efficiency

Hyundai i20 Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 8.81 lakh*

The new Hyundai i20 boasts phenomenal driving dynamics when compared to the outgoing model and is now offered as a much better package. The brand is also offering a more powerful version of the car which gets a 1.0-L t-GDi motor that puts out 120 Ps and 171 Nm of peak torque output. This engine can be had with manual as well as with a DCT gearbox.

Tata Nexon Turbo Petrol

Starting price: INR 7.19 lakh*

With a safety crash test rating of five stars out of five, the Tata Nexon is a great choice for buyers looking for a comfortable and a safe vehicle for everyday usage. The turbo petrol powering the Nexon churns out 120 Ps while the peak torque output stands at 170 Nm. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual as well with an AMT gearbox. While the power delivery from this engine is decent, it is the refinement that could have been improved with the launch of the new facelift model.

Honda City 4th-Gen Petrol

Starting Price: INR 9.29 lakh*

The 4^th gen City is still on sale in the Indian market and can only be had with the 1.5-L i-VTEC engine that delivers 119 PS and 145 Nm of peak torque output. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and is considered to be a great choice for hardcore driving enthusiasts.

Mahindra XUV300 Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 7.95 Lakh*

With maximum power and torque output of 122 Ps and 149 Nm respectively, the Mahindra XUV300 left me impressed with its supreme driving dynamics and comfortable ride quality. The XUV300 is also the safest made in India car and has a GNCAP rating of 5 stars. Mahindra also recently launched an automatic gearbox option with the petrol engine of the XUV300.

With this being said, what do you think about the cars in our list of top 10 most powerful cars in India under INR 12 lakh*? Do let us know in the comments box below.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such top-10 lists and the latest four-wheeler news.

All-prices ex-showroom.

Apart from the Titanium-petrol variant of the Ecosport, prices of all the other variants have been slashed considerably. The Titanium-petrol variant of the Ecosport however sees a marginal hike in price by just INR 1,000. The Titanium+ petrol-automatic variant sees the maximum price reduction of almost INR 40,000. The entry-level Ambiente diesel variant however does not see any change in price.

Also Read : Ford C-SUV Still On Track Despite Ford-Mahindra JV Being Called Off

Speaking of the little update that's been thrown in for MY2021, Ford will now be offering a sunroof on the mid-spec Titanium variant as well. Previously, a sunroof on the Ecosport was reserved only for the Titanium+ and Sports variants but it is now a little more accessible with it being a offered on the mid-spec Titanium variant. There are however no other changes in terms of exterior or interior design or even in terms of features.

Under the hood, the Ford Ecosport gets the option of a petrol and diesel engine. The 1.5-litre Ti-VCT, 3-cylinder petrol engine in the Ecosport produces 122hp and 149Nm of peak torque. Meanwhile, the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine puts out 99hp and 215 Nm of peak torque. Both the engines come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission while the petrol engine is also offered with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

Ford has even said that the Titanium+ variant will receive ‘an exciting update’ soon. We suspect this could be the return of a turbo-petrol engine in the Ecosport which was discontinued earlier this year as we adopted the BS6 norms. The Ecosport is set to get a new 130hp 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine from Mahindra's mStallion petrol engine range.

Stay to tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for the latest Ford updates and other four-wheeler news.