Ford India's Mike Boneham - Sub-4 meter Ford EcoSport arriving in early 2013

Ford India President and Managing Director Mr Michael Boneham has spilled the beans on the market plans for the Ford EcoSport, unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show last week.

Ford showcased the EcoSport in Brazil a day before it was unveiled in Beijing. Built using Fiesta components, the EcoSport will be manufactured in India, Brazil and Thailand

See images of the Ford EcoSport from the Beijing Auto Show unveiling

Mr Boneham has told FirstPost.com that the Ford EcoSport will be launched in India early next year. Since the EcoSport is a global SUV project that eventually will reach 100 markets, the launch order or sequence of countries could start with the most important markets. As the EcoSport is already available in Brazil, Ford may feel that is a priority.

Ford may launch the EcoSport in China and other South American countries before driving it into India providing the Renault Duster and Mahindra mini Xylo fewer problems to tackle upon touch down.

Boneham has also spoken out on the car's technical specifications. He confirmed that the EcoSport is a sub-4 meter vehicle and will enjoy crucial excise benefits. This means the EcoSport could be priced starting from under the Fiesta's price point. The diesel engine is expected to be a 1.5L unit currently serving on the Fiesta. The 120PS 1-liter turbocharged petrol engine announced for India will not be sold in Brazil.

[Source - FirstPost.com]