Ford India is developing a significantly updated version of the Ecosport compact SUV. Prior to that, Ford India has silently updated the pricing of the existing version for 2021. Surprisingly, prices have been reduced as against to the hike announced by every other manufacturer. Along with that, Ford India has also updated the variant line-up and features on the Ecosport 2021.

Feature updates:

The 2021 Ford Ecosport offers electric Sunroof , EBA, TCS, HLA, ESP from the Titanium Variant itself. However, despite the additional feature, the Titanium Variant is only Rs.1000 pricier than before. The Titanium+ Variant is expected to get new

updates as well.

Variant updates:

The 2021 Ford EcoSport variant range starts from Rs.7.99L. Some variants have been axed from the previous line-up though. The Titanium Variant is no longer available with an Automatic gearbox and the Titanium+ doesn't get a manual transmission option. The Thunder special edition has also been discontinued.

As of now, the 2021 Ford Ecosport is available in the following variants:

Petrol MT

Ambiente     Rs.7.99L

Trend            Rs.8.64L

Titanium       Rs.9.79L

Sports            Rs.10.99L

Petrol AT

Titanium+     Rs.11.19L

Diesel MT

Ambiente      Rs.8.69L

Trend             Rs.9.14L

Titanium        Rs.9.99L

Sports            Rs.11.49L

 The EcoSport Ambiente MT petrol is now cheaper by Rs.20,000 and costs Rs 7.99L. The Trend MT petrol is now 35,000 cheaper at Rs.8.64L. The Titanium MT is available at Rs 9.79L, with only Rs.1000 increase in price. The Sports petrol MT is now priced at Rs.10.99L; Rs.24,000 cheaper than before. The Titanium+ Automatic though is Rs.39,000 cheaper than before and is available for Rs.11.19L.

In the Diesel range, the Trend variant is cheaper by Rs.35,000 and the Sports variant is more affordable by Rs.24,000. The Ambiente and Titanium trims remain the same in terms of pricing though.

Engines:

Just like before, the Ford Ecosport is available with a 1.5l, Dragon series 3-cyl Ti-VCT petrol engine producing 122PS of power, and 149NM of torque through either a 5 speed manual or a 6 Speed Torque converter automatic with paddle shifters. The 1.5L, TDCi 4 cyl turbo diesel produces 100PS of Max Power and 215NM of Max torque through only a 5 speed manual gearbox. 

These price reductions and feature updates have made the Ford Ecosport better value for money than before. Adding Sunroof on the mid level trim will also increase the appeal to the sunroof-loving Indian buyers. With the numbers of rivals increasing with the newly launched Nissan Magnite and the upcoming Renault Kiger, this is a timely update by Ford India.

Stay tuned for further updates.

The new Hyundai i20 premium hatchback was launched on 5th November and this third generation model surpasses it’s predecessors in terms of premium features, technology and several first in segment offers. The new Hyundai i20 is available at an introductory Price which is applicable on deliveries till 31st December 2020 only. The new Hyundai i20 is priced from Rs.6.79L-10.59L and is available with 3 engines, 4 trim levels and 5 transmission options.

Despite being priced higher than rivals, new gen Hyundai i20 has received a great initial response in India with over 20,000 bookings in just 20 days since launch. Of

these, 4,000 units have already been delivered.

This here is a quick walkthrough on the highlights of the new generation Hyundai i20.

Exterior: 

       The new Hyundai i20, sports a completely different design language. On the front fascia, it features a new and larger hexagonal cascading grille with a more swooping bonnet and angular headlamps. The headlamps will feature LED lighting on the top spec trims along with DRLs. Lower variants will get Projector units. Projector fog lamps are also expected to be offered. The new i20 will be longer and wider than the current model. The sides have sharp, dynamic creases lending the car a more dynamic profile. The window line features Chrome detailing which flows from the A pillar to the top of the C pillar whereas the snazzy Z-shaped LED Tail lamps are connected by a chrome bar running across the width on the Asta(O) variant. The new i20 will also receive unique looking 16” alloy wheels on the top spec variants.

Interior:

       The new Hyundai i20's interior features a fresh and clean layout with a wraparound layered design. The interior sports a flowing cockpit theme while being loaded with features. There are 7 slats running across the width of the dashboard, connecting all four AC vents. All Variants will feature an all black theme with few silver accents.

Variants:

       The new i20 will be offered in four variants:

• Magna

• Sportz

• Asta

• Asta(o)

 Here's an extensive list of features on the top spec Asta(O) variants of the new i20:

• 10.25” touchscreen system

• Blue link connectivity

• Fully digital instrument cluster

• Automatic climate control

• Air purifier system

• Ambient lighting

• Leather upholstery

• Split folding rear seats

• Electric sunroof

• Auto LED headlamps

• Cruise control

The new i20 will also offer more safety features:

• Pretensioner seatbelts

• 6 airbags

• ABS with EBD

• ESP with traction control

• Hill hold control

• ISOFIX child seat mounts

• Smart key access

• Geofencing & tracking

Powertrains:

       The new i20 is will be available with two petrol engine options and one diesel engine. The standard 1.2L 4 cyl Kappa petrol engine will produce 83PS Power through either a 5 Speed manual transmission or a CVT. The 1.0L 3 cyl turbo petrol powertrain is expected to be carried over from the Venue Turbo producing a maximum output of 120PS through either a 6 speed IMT gearbox or a 7 speed DCT. The 1.5L turbo diesel engine from the Venue is also expected to be on offer producing 100PS Power through a 6 speed manual transmission.

The 1.2L petrol will be available on all Variants with only the Sportz and the Asta variant getting a CVT option.

The 1.0L turbo petrol will be available on the Sportz, Asta and Asta(O) Variants. However, a 6 speed iMT gearbox will be available on the Sportz and Asta whereas the 7 speed DCT will be available only on the Asta and Asta (O) Variants. This means the Sportz variant will get only an iMT and the Asta(O) gets only the DCT.

The 1.5L diesel will be available on the Magna, Sportz and the Asta(O) variants with only a manual gearbox.

Stay tuned for our detailed report and reviews.

The Skoda Kamiq 2021 was recently spotted testing in India and that too, without a camouflage! We like this confident approach of Skoda India, the car is going to be introduced in the country soon so, might as well reveal it anyways. Unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2019, the Kamiq is already available in global markets. The SUV shares its MQV A0 platform with the Volkswagen T-ROC. 

Images reveal a rather nice, less flamboyant look of the Skoda Kamiq when compared to its rivals- the Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, Nissan Kicks, MG Hector and the Kia Seltos. The front

houses a split LED headlamp setup with a signature butterfly shaped grille in the center while the bottom features a large air intake on the bumper. The rear profile of the car too looks balanced with elements being subtle and un-jazzy. Inverted L shaped LED tail lights and an ‘off- roady’ black cladded bumper make the Kamiq look quite nice.

The India based Kamiq would mostly be identical in dimension when compared to the Euro- spec version as it would be a CBU unit. A few extra features that specifically cater to the European buyers would be eliminated to keep the cost as low as possible. So, one could expect the prices to hover around 12 to 20 Lakhs Ex- showroom India. 

While the international- spec Skoda Kamiq comes with three engine options, the India spec Kamiq is expected to get the new 1.5 Litre TSI petrol engine that produces 148 BHP and 250 NM of torque. Those are good numbers, especially when you compare it to its rivals that don’t match up in this department. This engine will be mated to the creamy 7- Speed DSG gearbox. 

The Kamiq is rumoured to be launched around the third quarter of 2021 but things would mostly depend on when the Covid-19 pandemic situation. There are no plans of Skoda or Volkwagen offering diesel powertrains yet. However, petrol engines being offered by the brands – 1.0L TSI and the 1.5L TSI offer drivers a great driving experience. 

Stay tuned for further update and please follow us on WhatsApp , Instagram and YouTube.