Autoblog

Ford EcoSport urban CUV unveiled in China

Zach Bowman — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, China, Crossover, Ford, Beijing Motor Show

Ford has unveiled the production version of its EcoSport crossover at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. The small five-door utility should offer buyers plenty of functionality in a compact and efficient package thanks to a range of drivetrain configurations including a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder Ecoboost engine. The small-displacement engine is good for 118 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, which should be more than enough to move the little machine around. All told, Ford says the EcoSport will see duty in over 100 world markets, though the CUV isn't expected to show up in our neck of the woods.

The EcoSport Titanium is currently on display in Beijing, complete with 16-inch wheels and a massive chrome grille. All models feature Ford Sync with voice control, while smart keyless entry and remote start are also available. As expected, the crossover also comes laden with safety tech, including dual front and side-curtain airbags.

The EcoSport will be a cornerstone of Ford's aggressive expansion into China that will see it roll out some 15 new models by 2015. In the CUV segment, Ford of China presently only sells the Edge, but it will add the EcoSport, Kuga (read: Escape) and Explorer to its showrooms as part of this initiative. Hit the jump for the full press release.

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Ford EcoSport urban CUV unveiled in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brazilians, this is your new Ford EcoSport

Chris Tutor — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Crossover, South America, Design/Style

When Ford unveiled the EcoSport Concept at the New Delhi Auto Expo in January, we were smitten. A pint-sized, good-looking CUV with thrifty engines could do well here in the States. Brazil's Noticias Automotivas has caught what looks like a production EcoSport sans camo before it undergoes crash testing and, as promised, it looks little changed from the showcar.

The sparkly LED-powered headlights are gone but everything else seems to be very close to what design boss J Mays told us about in New Delhi. The final version is expected to come with two engine options: the 1.6-liter Sigma and the 2.0 liter Duratec.

Despite Ford's plans to expand the EcoSport beyond Brazil, we're not hopeful it'll be sold in North America, as we've heard Blue Oval executives dismiss the Fiesta-sized CUV as too small. Be sure to check out Noticias Automotivas for additional photos of the new EcoSport.

Brazilians, this is your new Ford EcoSport originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford EcoSport bows at the Delhi Auto Expo

Zach Bowman — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Crossover, Hatchback, Ford, India, South America

Ford has officially unveiled the EcoSport ahead of the Delhi Auto Expo. The vehicle wears a CUV version of the company's Kinetic design language with a large octagonal grille and discreet headlights. Despite its concept looks, Ford says the vehicle could be in production in as little as six months.

Under the hood, the EcoSport boasts the smallest Ecoboost engine ever created. The turbocharged 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine is good for around 118 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, though a small-displacement diesel option may bow in the future.

The EcoSport will be built in India and Brazil and is likely to play a large role in growing the Ford presence worldwide. The vehicle will head to 100 markets globally and is slated to be the second of eight new Ford products headed to India by 2015. That doesn't mean we'll be seeing the CUV on our soil anytime soon, however.

Ford EcoSport bows at the Delhi Auto Expo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford teases next EcoSport ahead of New Delhi

Zach Bowman — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Etc., Crossover, Ford, India

While we're gearing up for the 2012 Detroit Auto Show next month, Ford is getting read to take on the Delhi Auto Expo with a gamut of production and concept vehicles. The company has released a teaser for what is likely the company's next EcoSport CUV to stir up interest.

The second-generation production vehicle is likely based on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta (the outgoing EcoSport is based on Ford's foreign market Fusion crossover) and will make its way around the globe in select markets as part of the automaker's "One Ford" strategy. That means European buyers will get a shot at taking home an EcoSport of their own, though we don't expect the model to show up on our shores anytime soon.

Ford will also show off the company's Figo, Fiesta, Ford Classic and Endeavour to the Indian market. The Delhi Auto Expo kicks off on January 7 and runs through January 11. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ford teases next EcoSport ahead of New Delhi

Ford teases next EcoSport ahead of New Delhi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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