Ford has discontinued the EcoSport as an aftermath of their exit from India. The car had been around in India for over 8 years and was one of the best-loved compact SUVs in the Indian market. The car was supposed to get a facelift this year. What are Ford’s plans for the future? Why did Ford decide to exit the Indian market? What alternatives for the Ford EcoSport can you look at instead? Read this article to find out.
Why did Ford decide to discontinue the EcoSport?
Ford decided to move out of India after years of losses. The value and utility-oriented market for cars in India simply preferred cheaper cars over the high-end cars provided by Ford. The company tried to tie up with local car manufacturers to cut costs. However, after a partnership with Mahindra did not work out the company decided to leave India.
The automobile giant also decided to discontinue all five cars which were made in India. This includes the Ford Figo, Ford Aspire, Ford Freestyle, Ford EcoSport and Ford Endeavour. Instead, the company is likely to bring back the Mustang coupe and Mustang Mach-E as CPUs to the Indian Market.
5 Great Alternatives for the EcoSport
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The Kia Sonet
2021 Kia Sonet The Ford EcoSport was a close competitor of the Kia. While the EcoSport2021 was expected to be over 8lakhs the Kia Sonet was a little above ₹6.79Lakhs for the base variant. Both compact SUVs are known for their attention to safety.
However, while the Ford EcoSport had a 1496 cc, 3 Cylinders Inline,4 Valves/Cylinder, engine, the Sonet has a 1497 cc, 4 Cylinders Inline, 4 Valves/Cylinder engine. The Sonet also provides better milage than the EcoSport. The Kia Sonet is a good alternative for a Ford EcoSport. -
Mahindra XUV 300
Mahindra XUV300 Ford and Mahindra’s partnership and their plans to launch an SUV together did not work out. However, the Mahindra XUV 300 continues to be a good alternative to the Ford EcoSport. With its cheetah inspired design and focus on utility, the XUV 300 comes at a lower price range than the EcoSport.
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Tata Nexon
Tata Nexon The Nexon is one of Tata’s most popular models, and for good reason. With a 1.2-L turbocharged Revotron petrol engine and a voice of a 1.5-L turbocharged Revotorq diesel engine, the Tata Nexon can provide up to a 17.4 kmpl mileage on petrol and 22.4 kmpl mileage on diesel. The Nexon is currently the most affordable compact SUV in the Indian market.
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Toyota Urban cruiser
Toyota Urban Cruiser The Toyota Urban Cruiser is a relatively lower-priced compact SUV when compared with the EcoSprot. While we agree that it doesn’t compare to the EcoSport when it comes to looks, the car has a powerful 4-cylinder 1.5L petrol engine that can give up to 105hp with 138 Nm of peak torque. The Urban Cruiser also has a milage of 18.76km/l., which could beat EcoSport’s 15.9 any day.
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Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is a clear winner when compared to the Ford EcoSport. Not only does the car come in a much more economical price range, but it also provides a higher mileage (16.5 as opposed to 15.9). While the Brezza lacks the telematic features provided by the EcoSport, it remains a good alternative, especially for Indian streets.
While the Ford EcoSport will be off-market soon, it shall be remembered for introducing compact SUVs to the Indian Market.
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Nothing can replace Ford in compact suv segment. But Nexon would a good choice among these
None of the cars mentioned is a match of Ecosport. Ecosport is the segment leader and will a give a run for money to higher specs cars of Kia, Hyundai and Maruti and Tata. The best feature of Ecosport compared to the mentioned cars is its build quality and high end luxury.
None of the cars mentioned here match the Ecosport in sheer build quality and high end luxury features and finish. Ecosport can be compared with the next level segment of Kia, Maruti, Mahindra, Tata and Hyundai cars.
These can be alternatives only, once it comes to performance, no one can beat the 1.5l diesel engine offered by ford on the ecosport.
Ford Figo, aspire, freestyle even ecosport these all are budget friendly cars not highend cars except endeavor as author is trying to portray. And customers did nt like the cars because of their outdated design, their lack of promotion etc.Whoever wrote this article must be high or knows very little about car market.
Hi John
We agree that EcoSport is not a high-end car but you would definitely agree to the point that Ford is considered as a premium brand in itself. Whenever a common man thinks of buying Ford, he fears huge service costs accompanying their purchase. On the other hand, if a common Indian goes to buy Maruti, “they think” that they will not have to bear high service costs
No car as mentioned above can match Ecosport. The reasons are not unknown 😉
Just drove my EcoSport 1.5l diesel which is 2015 model for 1100 km continuously and reached destination in 16hours of drive. Can definitely say it has road presence and also you feel confident to take up to speed of 130kmph. Cannot compare any other car mentioned above in terms of performance, build, stylish look and ultimate quality. At end of the day it’s Ford.
Agreed, Shailendra! EcoSport was definitely a step up in terms of stability, handling, and overall build quality. However, now that it is discontinued we will have to look at other options 🙁
Ignore this article. Someone who has no knowledge can give a comparison and replacement of ecosport