2018 Ford EcoSport with restyled bumper and spare wheel cover spied on test

Indian launch expected by Diwali.

Ford is doing some extensive testing of the 2018 Ford EcoSport in India, and as it continues clocking miles regardless of rain or shine, IAB reader Sharav Venkatesh spotted a test mule recently, which although almost completely camouflaged, has revealed a change at the rear.

The 2018 Ford EcoSport's most different exterior angle is indeed its Ford Escape-inspired front with larger headlamps and new trapezoidal grille, but there are changes elsewhere too. The profile of the mini SUV remains nearly unchanged, save for new alloy wheels spotted in black colour, while at the rear the lower portion of the bumper where there's space for the registration plate has a different shape. The spare wheel cover is also new, probably with the same design as in China. The EcoSport for Europe and USA don't come with an exposed spare wheel.

Like the exterior, the Ford EcoSport's interior will get comprehensive changes with the facelift. Ford will make the cabin more upmarket with newly-designed three-spoke steering wheel, a more intuitive instrument panel, dashboard grab bar, redesigned centre console with horizontal HVAC vents and Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system with a floating display. With such extensive changes, it's obvious that Ford would offer new trim and upholstery for a completely new look.

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The 2018 Ford EcoSport is expected to bring no changes to the list of engine and transmission choices in India. The current model is offered in 112 PS 1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol (5-MT), 112 PS 1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol (6-DCT), 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol (5MT), 100 PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel (5MT) configurations. The fuel economy figures of these configurations, 15.85 km/l, 15.60 km/l, 18.88 km/l and 22.27 km/l respectively, shouldn't differ much.

A reasonable bump in the prices is expected, though. The current model is priced between INR 7.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and INR 10.76 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).