Making its debut as the Ford EcoSport at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo in India thisweek, the new compact crossover is the latest installment in Ford’s ever-expanding global product family. Designed to offer balanced performance on paved roads as well as off-road terrain, the all-new Ford EcoSport is ideal for the urban consumer who wants the versatility to escape the city.
Its development has truly been a global effort, with insight come from design teams based in Asia, Europe and North America.
The vehicle will launch first in emerging markets before embarking on a full global rollout, which is almost certain to include the U.S. though it’s yet to be confirmed. If so expect to see it land early next year wearing a 2013 title and possibly a new name.
The vehicle is based on the Blue Oval’s global B-segment platform, used in other subcompacts like the Fiesta and upcoming B-Max. This particular platform is crucial to Ford’s future success as vehicles based on it are predicted to represent more than two million units of annual production as subcompact cars continue to drive global growth.
Under the hood is a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which thanks to a host of technologies including turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing, is similar in performance to a regular 1.6-liter unit. Peak output is rated at 118 horsepower.
The all-new Ford EcoSport has been engineered to meet the most demanding safety standards in the various markets where it will be sold. Its weight-optimized, highly resistant body, developed with advanced software and design tools, combines zones aimed to absorb the forces of impact with an extremely rigid cell to protect its occupants.
Ultimately, this engine will be made available in Ford models in China, Europe, North America and other regions, the automaker has confirmed.
Still, the new Ford EcoSport could also be sold in select European markets.
