[AM2]

Originally Posted by SV

The interior looks quite similar to the Fiesta already; the controls, steering wheel and gauges are the same for one. I'm guessing the only thing holding it back from "current standards" is the lack of a soft-touch dash (from what I can tell).

I'm guessing they could switch from Fiesta sourced controls to the newer B-Max style controls.

2013 EcoSport


2013 B-Max

[Caraholic]

trunk open and 360 views (Ford India)
http://www.india.ford.com/suvs/ecosp...e-the-360-viewtrunk.jpg

-I rather have a lift gate and does India really have the room for door clearance if this is for the city?
As far as I know they have pretty busy streets.

[2o6]

I think Ford is stupid for not offering it in the USA.

[swizzle]

Originally Posted by 2o6

I think Ford is stupid for not offering it in the USA.

I absolutely agree.

[Crash]

For some weird reason - I keep thinking to myself, they should offer this as a convertible. It could be a spiritual successor to the Samurai...seriously.

Imagine, a soft roader, stable (which as a former owner of a Samurai - it was wrongly labeled as unstable) - at least from a consumer perception, convertible. I wish they'd do that...then launch into N/A.

At least at that point, I'd have a 2013 Fusion Hybrid AND a convertible

[CosworthKid]

Originally Posted by swizzle

I absolutely agree.

Me too, especially for the US this would be a no brainer

[2o6]

I live in the Akron, OH area, and I keep seeing Ford mules driving around; most notably the Ecosport. Why are they still testing a model that is already released? I think Ford may be doing suspension testing for the US market.

[2o6]

Also, I'm not sure if this model will have AWD. It has a torsion beam in the rear, and I haven't read anything in the press releases to suggest AWD is an option or coming soon.

[AM2]

Originally Posted by 2o6

Also, I'm not sure if this model will have AWD. It has a torsion beam in the rear, and I haven't read anything in the press releases to suggest AWD is an option or coming soon.

It was designed to have AWD, like the previous model sold in Brazil.
I think an AWD model will eventually be added in Brazil/ South America while in other markets (at least in Asia) Ford will wait and see if there is a demand.

First clue it was developed to have AWD, unlike the Fiesta, the fuel tank has a provision for a shaft to the rear (continuation of the center tunnel). Its encircled in the photo.


For comparison, the FWD-only Fiesta has a flat bottom fuel tank.



The previous EcoSport is based on the previous Fiesta/ EU Fusion platform, like the new model, FWD versions had torsion beam rear suspension, while AWD versions were given their own independent rear suspension.

[2o6]

I suppose AWD and a twist axle can work, though. Suzuki make it work with the SX4 (by essentially bending the anti roll bar around the differential)