Ford EcoSport facelift spied in USA

Likely to be launched in early-2017.

The Ford EcoSport facelift has been spied by a TFLcar reader in USA. This isn't the first time the compact crossover has been spied in USA though, test mule sightings go as far as August 2012 – just a month after the first market introduction which happened in Brazil.

Test mules re-appeared last year and continue doing so, as seen in the latest spyshots. While sourcing the crossover from Brazil would be the obvious choice, last month, it was reported that Ford will rather source the U.S.-spec EcoSport from India where it is made at the company's plant near Chennai.

Exports to North America will commence in 2017, as per the aforementioned report. The facelift, spy shots have revealed, is bringing a more Ford Edge-like look on the outside and inside.

Also See: Ford EcoSport facelift’s all-new interior – Rendering

The U.S.-spec Ford EcoSport may be offered exclusively with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 123 hp and 125 lb.-ft. (167 Nm) of torque in the Ford Fiesta. The maximum power and maximum torque should be increased to around 140 hp and 140 lb.-ft. (190 Nm) respectively though. The Indian version is expected to carry on with the current set of TDCi and Ti-VCT engines in addition to the EcoBoost unit. A launch is expected in early-2017.

Rivals: Maruti Vitara Brezza, Mahindra TUV300, Mahindra NuvoSport, Tata Nexon
Expected Price: INR 6-9.5 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Expected release date: Early-2017

[Image Source: TFLcar]