Ford EcoSport 2018 launched with a design and engine upgrade; price remains unchanged starting at Rs 7.31 lakh

We are in Delhi today and honestly, it is not the best time for the city is plagued with hazardous air pollution. However, it is an important day as **Ford** has launched their new 2018 EcoSport in India. The prices of petrol models start at Rs 7.31 lakh whereas the diesel models are available from Rs 8.01 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). [caption id=“attachment_4177895” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Ford EcoSport 2017. India[/caption] Interestingly, these are the exact same prices as the outgoing **Ford EcoSport** . Ford dealerships across the country had already started accepting bookings of the new EcoSport SUV. In terms of design changes, the new Ford EcoSport looks a lot smarter than before. This can be credited to the new grille and the revised front with updated projector headlights with LEDs. The side of the new EcoSport SUV retains the overall silhouette but now runs on new 17-inch wheels. The rear profile remains unchanged and there’s a spare wheel too. Inside, the highlight of the cabin is the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Gone is the compact screen, the new unit comes with Car play and Android Auto connectivity options. The lower variants get a 6.5-inch screen with Car Play. In addition, the SUV also comes with SYNC3 infotainment system. The new Ford EcoSport gets an updated steering wheel, new centre console and also a tweaked instrument cluster, all of which makes the cabin feel comparatively more premium. [caption id=“attachment_4201569” align=“alignnone” width=“1120”] Ford EcoSport 2018. Ford India[/caption] The most important update that the new Ford EcoSport has received is the new 1.5-litre 3-cylinder Dragon petrol engine, replacing the 4-cylinder unit. Also, the 1.0-litre unit has been discontinued. The Dragon motor makes 123 PS and generates 150 Nm of torque. This motor can comes with a 5-speed transmission as standard or an optional 6-speed automatic. The 1.5-litre diesel continues to make 100 PS/205 Nm and comes mated with a 5-speed manual unit. We have already driven the 2018 Ford EcoSport, click here to read about our first drive experience. [caption id=“attachment_4201577” align=“alignnone” width=“1120”] Ford EcoSport 2018. Ford India[/caption] The 2018 Ford EcoSport will rival the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Honda BR-V and the Tata Nexon in India.