Diesel version of 2013 Ford EcoSport compact crossover may exist

All along, Ford has remained very tightlipped about a diesel version of the EcoSport, repeatedly dodging questions about the diesel version, while not ruling it out. Now though, we have visual proof of Ford indeed having a diesel version of the EcoSport lined up for the Indian market, courtesy at IndianAutosBlog, who are carrying images of an EcoSport test mule with TDCI badging on the tail gate. The badging is a dead giveaway that the 2013 EcoSport will have a diesel variant in the model line up. The other engine option is expected to be the 1 Liter, 3 cylinder, award winning EcoBoost turbopetrol engine.

2013 Ford EcoSport TDCI Diesel Crossover Spyshot

While the exact specifications of the diesel engine to power the EcoSport is yet to be officially revealed, a highly likely choice would be the 1.5 Liter TDCI turbo diesel unit, the same engine that powers the all new Fiesta sedan. This 1.5 Liter engine, in the Fiesta, delivers 90 Bhp of peak power and 200 Nm of peak torque. On the EcoSport too, expect a similar state of tune. The size of the engine(1.5 Liters) makes it an ideal option for the EcoSport as the engine capacity is well within the 1.5 Liter mark that all cars seeking the excise duty exemption for small cars need to comply with.

The EcoSport’s length will measure under 4 meters, thus allowing Ford to make best use of the lower excise duties, and price the EcoSport very competitively. The pricing remains another mystery with some sources suggesting the 6 lakh rupee mark to be the price tag that the base petrol version could sport. That said, pricing will be the key factor that will decide the EcoSport’s fortunes in India given that Ford’s last launch, the all new Fiesta has bombed miserably at the hustings on the back of some unimaginative pricing.

A four wheel drive version of the EcoSport is another variant that remains unconfirmed for the Indian market although Ford could offer the option on the top end variants. The major volumes will be drive by the front wheel driven variants of the EcoSport. The EcoSport is a 5 seater and could be launched in early 2013. The crossover is Ford’s latest product for the emerging markets and will be sold in no less than 100 countries across the world. Incidentally, the crossover was unveiled first, in concept guise, just before the 2012 Indian Auto Expo at New Delhi.

Courtesy: IndianAutosBlog