Ford India is soon to launch a new updated top spec variant of its best selling Ecosport compact SUV. This new variant will be called the Signature Edition and will get some significant changes on the exterior and interior.

Exterior:

The new Ecosport SE will not be available with the tailgate mounted spare wheel as standard. Just like the globally sold Ecosport, the Indian SE Variant will also let go of the tailgate mounted spare wheel and instead, will have the number plate on the tail gate. The rear bumper also gets a larger skid plate design. The reverse camera will be

According to the Ministry of road transport and highways, it is not necessary for vehicles weighing under 3.5 tonnes and equipped with tubeless tyres with Tyre pressure monitoring system to have spare tyre. Hence, the tailgate mounted spare tire will be available as a paid option on this Signature Edition variant. As standard, this new variant is not likely to receive a spare wheel and instead it will get a puncture repair kit.

At the front though, the Ford Ecosport SE will remain exactly the same without any changes.

Interior:

On the inside, this new Ford Ecosport Signature Edition will get some new features and significant updates. This new Variant will get Tyre pressure monitoring system integrated into the brand new 12.3” touchscreen system expected to be launched exclusively on this variant. This new super-large touchscreen will also get Android auto and Apple carplay compatibility along with the existing Ford Pass connected car features. The centre console too will be significantly different on this updated top spec variant.

All the other features including Auto headlamps and wipers, Cruise control, Electric sunroof, Auto Climate control and keyless access will be carried forward from the existing variants.

Powertrain:

The Ford Ecosport will continue to retain the very same 1.5L Petrol and Diesel engine options with a 5 speed Manual transmission as standard. At present, only the Titanium plus petrol is available with a 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox. This gearbox is also likely to be available on the new Signature Edition variant as well.

At present the Ford Ecosport ranges from Rs.7.99L to Rs.11.19L (ex showroom) for the petrol range and Rs.8.69L to Rs.11.49L (ex showroom) for the Diesel range.

Stay tuned for further updates on the new Ford Ecosport Signature Edition.

While the compact SUV segment is all flowery and blooming in India, we thought to look into something that the most people don’t consider priority. Not that it is completely ignored, just that the quest for power is often sacrificed in the pursuit for economy, more mileage, space and gadgetry.

Thankfully for enthusiasts, cars still exist that aren’t completely dumbed down. Compact SUV’s that cater to the mileage requirements while ensuring that power and ‘oomph’ factor aren’t sent out of that BS6 exhaust.

To help fellow enthusiasts, we decided to list some of the Compact SUV’s out that are considered powerful in

1. Ford Ecosport:

The first one on our list is Ford’s popular SUV- the Ecosport! A car whose specifications do a lot of talking in terms of both- features and performance. Both Diesel and Petrol engines are 1.5 Litre units. The three cylinder naturally aspirated 1.5L Dragon Petrol unit produces a great amount of power. 122 PS and 149 NM of torque to be precise whereas Ford’s popular 1.5L Diesel generates 100 PS of Power and 215 NM of torque. Ford’s fun to drive element found on most of its cars, excellent steering feedback, strong build quality, comfort and peppy driving dynamics makes the Ecosport a desirable Compact SUV.

2. Mahindra XUV 300:

Based on the Ssangyong Tivoli Platform, the Mahindra XUV 300 isn’t very far behind as both engines – diesel and petrol units of the car are power packed. The 1.5 Litre Diesel unit churns out 120 BHP and 300 NM of torque whereas the 1.2 Litre Petrol Turbo unit delivers a generous 110 BHP with 200 NM of Torque. You also get multi- mode steering, ample amount of leg room, good driving dynamics, white interiors and a lot more! A more powerful 1.2 GDi engine of the XUV 300 was displayed at the 2020 Auto that is expected to be launched around mid 2020. Power is expected to hover around 130 bhp and 230 NM of torque.

3. Tata Nexon :

Tata’s well known Nexon Compact SUV offers two engine options- one for Diesel and one for Petrol. The 1.2 Litre Turbo Petrol three cylinder engine produces 120 PS and 170 NM of torque whereas the 1.5 Litre diesel engine produces 110 PS of power and 260 NM of torque. Both engines offer a decent amount of punch that adds a fun element to the overall driving experience. The ride though is a bit on the firm side to reduce body roll due to Nexon’s high ground clearance.

4. Hyundai Venue:

Hyundai Venue is pretty sorted with a 1 Litre Turbo Charged Petrol Engine that produces 118 BHP Power and 175 NM Torque. A 1000cc engine may sound like a small one but the turbo charger compensates for the drop in capacity. Optional with the petrol is a DCT Automatic transmission which is quite quick. But, we would mention that is isn’t as quick as what you would expect from a proper performance DSG gearbox. Hyundai has improved Steering Feedback on the Venue but it could still be better and add to a better driving experience. All in all, it is a great package with lots of practical elements.

5. Kia Sonet :

The new Kia Sonet will carry forward the same BS6 compliant engines from the Hyundai Venue. The entry level HTE, HTK and HTK+ variants will receive the 1.2l 4 cyl petrol engine producing 83PS power through a 5 speed Manual gearbox while the higher HTK+, HTX, HTX+ and GTX+ variants get the 1L 3 cyl turbo petrol engine producing 120PS power through either a 6 speed iMT gearbox or 7 speed DCT gearbox. The 1.5L 4 cyl turbo diesel engine will be available in two state of tunes. The 6 speed manual gearbox equipped variants will get 100PS Max Power whereas the 6 speed torque converter Automatic equipped HTK+ & GTX+ variants will get higher 115PS Max Power.

You’ve got anything more to add to the list of cars above? Do let us know.

Sanitization and social distancing has become a mandatory process in the automotive industry, thanks to the on-going Covid 19 pandemic. All the cars are to be sanitized before delivery to the customer and the dealership must ensure that no other person gets access to the inside of the car other than the allotted customer. However, Tata Motors have gone a step further in this regard and started delivering its cars and SUVs in a unique plastic bubble known as Safety Bubble which is claimed to shield the car from bacteria and viruses even further.

This Safety Bubble procedure has been introduced under the “Sanitised by Tata Motors” initiative which was launched in August 2020 and also involves deep cleaning and sanitization of the vehicle along with measures to reduce direct physical contact. Tata motors will soon be introducing this Safety bubble at all it's dealerships to ensure uniform sanitization standards.

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