logo
New Delhi
Home
News & Reviews
Videos
New Cars
New Bikes
Used Cars
Sell Car
Articles
Car services

Registered Office

ADDRESS
Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited, 602, 6th Floor, Tower - B, Embassy 247, LBS Road, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai - 400083
CONTACT
+91 9606045096
EMAIL
contact@carandbike.com
© Mahindra First Choice Wheels Limited 2025. All rights reserved.
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews
  • Car News
  • Bike News
  • Car Reviews
  • Motorsport
  • Bike Reviews
  • Electric

New 2017 Ford EcoSport Facelift Review

Ford has reintroduced the EcoSport with a facelift after making us wait for a very long time. Since debuting at the LA Auto Show last year, the new EcoSport has been the talk of the town since we exclusively unveiled it on carandbike.com. Now, the new EcoSport gets three drivetrains, and we have driven all three. Here's what we think of Ford's new EcoSport.
Siddharth Vinayak Patankar
Siddharth Vinayak Patankar
8 mins read
2017-10-31 16:24:36
Follow us on
New 2017 Ford EcoSport Facelift Review

The new Ford EcoSport facelift is finally here after making us wait a long long time. After breaking cover globally at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, the car made its India spec debut right here on carandbike in a unique unboxing event. And now we have driven all three drivetrains on the new car so read on for all the details. With the unboxing we also told you all about the new features and styling changes. You can read that here.

Also Read: 2017 Ford EcoSport Variants Explained

2017 Ford Ecosport Facelift Video Review

<

Also Read: Ford EcoSport SUV Launched in India

new 2017 ford ecosport facelift

(The car is adept through corners with nary a hint of roll and will swallow bad roads in its stride

Also Read: Ford Ecosport VS Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza VS Tata Nexon VS Mahindra TUV300 VS Honda WRV Price Comparison

But the big headline is the updated cabin and the new powertrain option on the petrol variant that now gets the 1.5 litre, 3 Cyl Ti-VCT Dragon engine. This replaces both the previous 1.5 and 1.0 ecoboost petrol options. It is to be available with a 6-Speed automatic or 5-Speed manual. On the diesel side things stay unchanged with the 1.5 TDCi. I have driven all three options and can tell you the great news right up front. The EcoSport's excellent ride quality, nicely stiff setup and capable handling are intact. The new car sees minor tweaking in suspension but for the most part maintains its former characteristic. The car is adept through corners with nary a hint of roll and will swallow bad roads in its stride.

new 2017 ford ecosport facelift

(The big headline is the new powertrain option on the petrol variant that now gets a 1.5 litre, 3 Cyl Ti-VCT Dragon engine)

Also Read: Exclusive: 2017 Ford EcoSport Unboxed In India

The new petrol engine is very obviously tuned to offer good fuel efficiency and so while it is eager and enthusiastic, it's not electric. This is a bit of a downer given how much fun the 1.0 ecoboost used to be. Ford will still make the 1.0 and even a 2.0 ecoboost but alas that is only for export to the United States. America will also get the AWD (all wheel drive) option that we won't. But this does mean Ford has the option to play with - a special 2 litre (all bells and whistles) variant with AWD in the future maybe! The 1.5 dragon doesn't come across as a 3-pot except for when you turn the ignition and it starts with a clatter. In fact the engine and road noise are well contained outside the cabin through some good sound insulation. The engine is reasonably well mated to the auto box but you will find that it takes a while to get going.

new 2017 ford ecosport facelift

(On the diesel side things stay unchanged with the 1.5 TDCi)

Also Read: 2017 Ford EcoSport's New 1.5-Litre Three-Cylinder Petrol Engine Revealed

The new automatic is smooth and the gear changes are very quick, except for the shift from 1st to 2nd on the paddle shift strangely enough - which has a weird lag from when you hit the paddle to when the gear actually engages. The petrol automatic will do very well in city traffic though as gears hold and there aren't frequent downshifts. It's only when you try and push it hard that it's going seem wanting. But as you cross 2000 rpm the engine seems to come alive - and so makes for easy cruising at higher speeds. And more so when you switch the transmission to S or sport mode. While it's not as sporty as is have liked it certainly gets more responsive, though the tinny nature of the 3 cylinder starts to be heard more often than not as gear ratios gets longer. In fact in sport you can push the engine to 7000 rpm and effect quick overtakes and acceleration.

new 2017 ford ecosport facelift

(The new automatic is smooth and the gear changes are very quick)

Also Read: 2017 Ford EcoSport Facelift: All You Need To Know

But while I may have been a bit underwhelmed by the petrol auto, the manual is a whole lot more exciting. The manual gearbox allows the engine to stretch its legs better and gives you a better overall performance that's more responsive. And speaking of that kind of fun, it's also very true of the manual on the diesel. The torquey 1.5 TDCi diesel is heaps of fun as it always was and you will find no change between the new and old car in pure performance terms. While many of you have asked and I have answered - let me once again clarify that there is to be no diesel automatic variant. Yes - another SUV with no diesel auto.

new 2017 ford ecosport facelift

(The EcoSport gets a new dashboard design with an all black theme)

Of course on the diesel you do get all the new styling and tech that will impress - well, mostly the tech for most of you! What I can tell you is that the seeming focus of the design team was to make the car appear more butch, bigger, and taller. The redesign - primarily in the front - achieves that in spades. Large front grille, exaggeratedly large fog lamps, restyled bumpers with a higher stance, new roof rails, and a more muscular raised hood cover the exterior changes. The rear remains more or less unchanged though the speculation ended with the unboxing on whether or not the Indian model will get the spare wheel on the rear door or not. It does! And the Titanium+ variant gets a new 17" alloy with a new pattern.

new 2017 ford ecosport facelift

(That 'floating' screen functions quite well and is well placed)

That top spec variant also gets a reverse camera, 6 airbags, while the Titanium just below it gets climate control, a large 8" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, keyless entry, start stop button, reverse parking sensors, and much more as standard. A cooled glove box, tilt/telescopic steering, dual airbags and ABS are standard across all variants. That 'floating' screen functions quite well and is well placed. At first you may find it to be protruding or a bit high - but as soon as you start driving you realise it allows you to use it without taking your eyes off the road for too long. Its large, chunky and uncluttered interface is also good so you can quickly access functions you may need.

Also Read: 2017 Ford EcoSport To Debut In India, Features Explained In Detail

new 2017 ford ecosport facelift

(The top spec variant also gets a reverse camera)

Of course for the most part you don't even need to do that as the EcoSport still gets Sync voice command - now in its latest 3rd iteration. Sync works well and also allows for Siri to jump in and works in tandem if you connect an Apple device. Mobile navigation means the EcoSport misses out on inbuilt nav, and while that's fine with Android Auto, Apple devices of course don't allow access to Google Maps.

new 2017 ford ecosport facelift

(The auto climate control is effective)

The auto climate control is effective and I did quite enjoy the new gadgets, and music system. The new seats are better padded, with better side and under-thigh support. Of course this is just a facelift - and so to once again answer a common question I've been getting - no there is no change in rear legroom. The boot though now gets a false bottom - which reveals either a deeper cargo space if you remove the tray that covers it - or a concealed area that lets you keep valuables like laptops for instance, out of sight.

new 2017 ford ecosport facelift

(The boot though now gets a false bottom, which reveals a deeper cargo space if you remove the tray that covers it)

new 2017 ford ecosport facelift

(The Indian model will get the spare wheel on the rear door)

Ford says 1600 of the close to 2000 parts on the EcoSport are all new and so it would be fair to say that it does go a bit further than being simply a facelift in the true sense. The variants will ape the last car's for the most part - Ambient, Trend and Titanium. But I can share that there will definitely now be a new variant called Trend+ that will give the mid-spec buyer a little more option on the feature list. And unlike earlier the automatic will also be offered on a mid-variant for the first time - though without the paddle shift or the S (sport) mode.

new 2017 ford ecosport facelift

(Prices will be announced when the car launches on November 9, 2017)

Prices will be announced when the car launches on November 9 2017, along with the exact variant list. Ford has sold over 200,000 units of the EcoSport in India since the car first launched in 2013. It also successfully exported large volumes to Europe. Now with the updated car it relinquishes European exports in favour of a much larger order from the American market (that gets the EcoSport for the first time). So expect the new EcoSport to likely fire up the volumes once more for Ford.

(Photo Credit: Pawan Dagia)

# New 2017 Ford EcoSport Facelift Review# 2017 Ford EcoSport Facelift Review# Ford EcoSport Facelift Review# EcoSport Facelift Review# 2017 Ford EcoSport Review# 2017 EcoSport Facelift Review# First Drive
  • Overview
  • Highlight

Related News

Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
2 mins read
Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
1 min read
Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
4 mins read
Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
2 mins read
Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
2 mins read
Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport: Baby Land Rover Gets A Makeover
10 mins read
2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport: Baby Land Rover Gets A Makeover
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Long Term Test: Introduction
1 min read
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Long Term Test: Introduction
2024 Jawa 350 Road Test Review: In Pictures
4 mins read
2024 Jawa 350 Road Test Review: In Pictures
Jeep Trails: Weekend Date With The Wrangler Rubicon
7 mins read
Jeep Trails: Weekend Date With The Wrangler Rubicon

Popular Models

  • Tata Harrier EV
    Tata
    Harrier EV
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 21.49 - 30.23 Lakh
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI
    Volkswagen
    Golf GTI
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 50.13 Lakh
  • Kia Carens Clavis
    Kia
    Carens Clavis
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 11.1 - 20.76 Lakh
  • Lamborghini Temerario
    Lamborghini
    Temerario
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 6 Crore
  • Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
    Volkswagen
    Tiguan R-Line
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 45.73 Lakh
  • Mercedes-Maybach SL 680
    Mercedes-Maybach
    SL 680
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 3.92 Crore
  • BYD Sealion 7
    BYD
    Sealion 7
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 48.9 - 54.9 Lakh
  • Kia Syros
    Kia
    Syros
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 8.69 - 16.03 Lakh
  • Hyundai Creta EV
    Hyundai
    Creta EV
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 18.02 - 24.38 Lakh
  • Lotus Emeya
    Lotus
    Emeya
    Ex-showroom Price
    ₹ 2.34 Crore

Upcoming Cars

  • placeholder
    Explore Other Topics

Trending News

  • 2017 Ford EcoSport Facelift Expected To Boost Sales
    3 mins read
    2017 Ford EcoSport Facelift Expected To Boost Sales

Latest News

  • NewsNews
  • Expert ReviewExpert Review
View All
  • Latest KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Jaiveer Mehra | Nov 26, 2024
    Latest KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Compared to the 1290 Super Adventure, the new 1390 packs in a larger engine, more power and more tech on board
    1 min
  • Driving License Driving License Driving License Driving License
    car&bike Team | Nov 22, 2024
    Driving License Driving License Driving License Driving License
    0 mins
  • KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Jaiveer Mehra | Oct 25, 2024
    KTM Super Adventure S Evo Revealed First KTM To Get An AMT
    Compared to the 1290 Super Adventure, the new 1390 packs in a larger engine, more power and more tech on board
    2 mins
  • Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    car&bike Team | May 20, 2024
    Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    Japan-specific special edition gets off-road-focused tweaks including all-terrain tyres and a raised ride height.
    5 mins
  • 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo To Stay With Yamaha Till 2026
    Yashraj Singh | May 16, 2024
    2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo To Stay With Yamaha Till 2026
    Despite a tumultuous journey in recent seasons, Quartararo reaffirms his commitment to Yamaha, citing belief in their new approach and potential for success
    1 min
  • Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    car&bike Team | Apr 9, 2024
    Toyota Crown Crossover RS Landscape Special Edition Revealed
    Japan-specific special edition gets off-road-focused tweaks including all-terrain tyres and a raised ride height.
    2 mins
  • Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 29, 2024
    Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review: In Pictures
    The Yamaha YZF R3 is fast, looks good and is a hoot to ride as well. But the price is where all the good work comes undone. Only if there was a way for Yamaha to price it right!
    2 mins
  • Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 28, 2024
    Yamaha YZF R3 Real-World Review; Good Motorcycle But Too Expensive For Its Own Good
    The Yamaha YZF R3 is fast, looks good and is a hoot to ride as well. But the price is where all the good work comes undone. Only if there was a way for Yamaha to price it right!
    1 min
  • Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
    Dhruv Attri | Mar 28, 2024
    Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor Driven: A Better Deal Than The Twin-Motor Ultimate?
    The XC40 Recharge’s single motor variant is nearly Rs 3 lakh more affordable than the AWD version. But what’s the catch?
    4 mins
  • Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 27, 2024
    Royal Enfield Himalayan Long Term Test: Introduction
    The new Royal Enfield Himalayan now joins car&bike’s long term fleet. Over the next few months, we will tell you how the motorcycle holds up to the rigours of daily riding, highway jaunts, off-road riding and much more.
    2 mins
  • Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
    Kingshuk Dutta | Mar 27, 2024
    Jawa 350 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Comparison Review: In Pictures
    The legacy of the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 has a new challenger in the Jawa 350. But which of these modern classic 350s with iconic nameplates is a better choice for you? We try and find the answer.
    2 mins
  • Home
  • News
  • Cars
  • New 2017 Ford EcoSport Facelift Review