ಫೋರ್ಡ್ ಎಕೋಸೋಫ್ರೊಟ್‌ 2015-2021 1.5 TDCi Titanium BSIV

This Ford Ecosport 1.5 TDCi Titanium is the mid-variant in the newly updated series. Though its built is very strong and sturdy, the designers have not compromised when it comes to its style. It appears elegant owing to its chrome application in the frontage along with a pair of silver roof rails. It also carries a uniform image due to body colored bumpers, door handles and outside rear view mirrors. On the inside, it is decorated with dual-tone interiors with fabric upholstered seats and leather wrapped steering wheel as well as gear knob. Efficient braking mechanism is backed by ABS with EBD. Having an advanced suspension makes the drive smooth on all kinds of roads. This compact SUV is offered with safety features such as, dual front airbags, child locks for rear doors, parking sensors and other warning notifications. All this with comforts like an air-conditioner unit with heater, electrically adjustable external wing mirrors, power windows to all doors, keyless entry and an advanced music unit with steering mounted audio controls. It can be concluded that this particular trim has a lot to offer in terms of all the facilities expected from buyers.

Exteriors:

The frontage steals the entire credit of its glorious looks by having a grille that is wide and bulky. Both upper and lower grille are painted in chrome. A set of headlamps with signature lightguide are placed on both sides of this grille and a pair of fog lamps are fitted below the bumper which have a neat design. The bumpers on either sides are present in the body tone. The side profile flaunts body colored external mirror housings and door handles. Rear windshield is integrated with a defogger and also has a wiper and washer to it. The silver painted roof enhances the overall appeal. This vehicle sits on a set of stylish looking alloy wheels.

Interiors:

Its insides are designed in a dual-tone charcoal black and warm neutral grey and with its effect, the cabin looks diverse. The seats are covered with fabric and are also quite cozy. Rear seat has 100 percent folding and also have height adjustable headrests. Gear shift knob and steering wheel are wrapped in leather. Apart from just comfort, this feature also offers richness to the compartment. Driver's seat has height adjustment, lumbar support and an armrest as well. A foot rest is also present for the driver. There is a glove box in the dashboard with cooling effect and an instrument panel too with many notifications. The driver side sun-visor has sunglass holder, while the passenger's visor has a vanity mirror. A 12V power socket can be seen in the front console. As a standard feature, there is an inside rear view mirror as well.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is affixed with a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine with a displacement capacity of 1498cc. It has a capability in delivering an output of 98.63bhp at 3750rpm and can also churn out a peak torque of 205Nm in the range of 1750 to 3250rpm. This 4-cylinder and 8-valves based oil-burner is skilfully coupled to a proficient 5-speed manual gear box. Its fuel tank can take almost 52 litres of diesel and another advantage is that it has an impressive mileage of 22.27Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

It is blessed with a braking mechanism that has a pair of ventilated discs integrated to its front wheels. While the rear ones have been equipped with a pair of standard drum brakes. Coming to its suspension, front axle consists of independent McPherson strut with coil-spring along with an anti-roll bar. Whereas, there is a semi-independent twist beam with twin gas and oil filled shock absorbers to the rear axle. It is additionally bestowed by an electronic power assist based steering wheel with pull drift compensation technology. A minimum turning circle radius of about 5.2 meters will allow this vehicle to venture into even the narrowest of roads.

Comfort Features:

The seats are very comfortable and the cabin is quite spacious. There is an instrument cluster that is imbibed with multiple notifications such as econometer, distance to empty, average speed, fuel economy and outside temperature. There is also a tachometer available. Along with front and rear courtesy lamps with theater dimming effect there are two map reading lamps as well. There is an automatic air-conditioning unit with well placed vents for temperature regulation. The telescopic steering wheel with adjustable tilt alleviates the driver's effort. There are power windows integrated to its four doors and the driver side one has a one-touch up and down button. The external mirrors can also be electronically controlled adding to the convenience.

Safety Features:

Being a utility vehicle, it is bound to be equipped by certain essential features in terms of safety and these along with additional security too is present. The first to be mentioned is the anti-lock braking system with an electronic brake-force distribution, which offers superior grip on all kinds of roads. Moreover, there is also an emergency brake hazard warning available. There are dual airbags to the front seats to avoid fatal injuries to driver and co-passenger. This is made family friendly by integrating ISOFIX child seat to the rear doors. Rear parking sensors will avoid driver's follies in handling the reversing and parking jobs.

Pros:

1. Bluetooth connectivity is an asset.
2. ABS with EBD adds to its safety quotient.

Cons:

1. Scope for adding a few more protective aspects.
2. Lack of navigation system.