Ford has re-introduced its 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine on the newly launched EcoSport S, priced at Rs 11.37 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). At this price, the new trim is Rs 15,000 less than the 1.5-litre petrol manual Titanium+ trim, which retails at Rs 11.52 lakh. The S trim is also offered on the 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel motor and is priced at Rs 11.89 lakh, which is Rs 85,000 more than the current range-topping diesel trim that’s priced at Rs 11.04 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).

The 1.0-litre engine was available on the pre-facelift EcoSport, where it made 125hp and 170Nm of peak torque, and was mated to a five-speed manual transmission. While power and torque figures are unchanged, the engine is mated to a new six-speed manual gearbox. Ford claims a fuel efficiency figure of 18.1kpl.

Besides changes under the hood, the S trim also features a stiffer suspension setup and quicker steering for more spirited driving to go along with the more powerful engine.

In terms of design, the model sports a dual-tone exterior finish (along with a new Orange paint) and black inserts for the grille, headlamps and fog lamps. The interiors of the compact SUV will continue the dual-tone theme seen outside, with elements on the centre console, doors and seats getting a contrasting finish.

Ford has also expanded the features list by adding a sunroof, new 17-inch alloy wheels, HID headlamps, a tweaked instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch display and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

EcoSport Signature Edition

The American brand has also brought out a Signature Edition of the EcoSport, priced at Rs 10.40 lakh for the petrol and Rs 10.99 lakh for the diesel. Unlike the S trim, the Signature Edition gets the 123hp, 1.5-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine along with the 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel motor. Transmission options are the same, five-speed manual.

In a bid to appeal visually, the EcoSport Signature Edition features differently designed 17-inch alloy wheels, a unique Anodised Blue exterior paint shade, special 'Signature' badging and all-black interiors with contrasting blue stitching. In terms of equipment, the Signature Edition features all the kit available on the previous top-spec trim but also gets a sunroof, electronic stability control and hill-start assist.

The EcoSport’s traditional rivals, the Tata Nexon and Maruti Vitara Brezza, have recently been introduced with an automatic option, though neither offers a sportier alternative in its line-up, making the EcoBoost-powered S trim unique in its segment. These higher-spec trims that have launched will also rival the likes of the upcoming Hyundai Creta on price and power.