Ford EcoSport EcoBoost petrol review, test drive

We drive the Ford EcoSport powered by Ford's new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Published on May 07, 2013 02:58:00 PM

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Ford EcoSport EcoBoost petrol review, test drive

However, when it comes to safety and security the EcoSport really pushes the envelope with its Emergency Assist, which could be a life-saver in the case of an accident. This clever system, available on Sync-equipped variants, uses the driver’s paired phone to to send an emergency voice message to emergency operators (by dialling 108) when an airbag is deployed or the fuel pump is shut off. It also sends the car’s GPS co-ordinates to the emergency operator to make finding you easier.

The main talking point of the EcoSport is Ford’s internationally acclaimed 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged, direct-injection EcoBoost petrol engine which makes its Indian debut in the EcoSport. And although diesel is the fuel of choice for SUV buyers in India, Ford really wants to focus on this new motor – and so it is the only one available for the media drive. The two engines from the Fiesta will also return in the EcoSport – the 110bhp 1.5 petrol and 90bhp 1.5 diesel – and the former will also get the option of the Fiesta’s six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and will get a hill-start assistance system with a three-second hold.

Fire up the engine and it’s hard to believe it’s a three-cylinder unit. It’s remarkably quiet at idle with barely any vibration. The engine is mated to the tried-and-tested IB5 five-speed manual gearbox which has a pretty slick and accurate shift. Engage first gear and the EcoSport pulls away smartly. It works well on part-throttle and, for the better part, it’s hard to believe this is a 1.0-litre motor. It feels more like a 1.5, especially in the mid-range. However, the winding roads around Goa revealed this small motor’s Achilles heel – lag from the fixed-geometry turbo. Floor the throttle at low revs and it feels noticeably sluggish until you cross the 1800rpm mark. Also, at high revs, a noticeable thrum creeps into cabin, which can be first felt through the pedals and gear lever, but it’s not too intrusive.