Ford EcoSport: The monsoon rain drums steadily on the roof of the Ford EcoSport as I navigate through a particularly waterlogged stretch of Mumbai’s Western Express Highway.

While newer compact SUVs might now dominate television advertisements and social media feeds, there’s something reassuringly confident about how this vehicle – now discontinued following Ford’s exit from the Indian market – handles the challenging conditions.

Water that has most hatchbacks nervously skirting the edges of the road poses no concern for the EcoSport, its 200mm ground clearance and well-sealed underbody allowing straight-line progress where others hesitate.

This moment encapsulates what made the EcoSport such a game-changer when it arrived on Indian shores in 2013.

It wasn’t just another small car adapted for Indian tastes; it was a genuinely global product that brought previously unseen levels of robustness, driving dynamics, and feature sophistication to an entirely new segment – the sub-four-meter compact SUV – that it effectively created.

As I spend a week with one of the last examples to roll off Ford’s Chennai production line, I find myself reflecting on the vehicle’s legacy and the void its departure has left.

Ford EcoSport: A Design That Started a Revolution

Park the EcoSport next to its modern competitors, and its design still holds its own despite minimal changes through its production run.

The front fascia features that distinctively large, hexagonal grille that became a Ford signature, flanked by angular headlamps that sweep back into the fenders.

The short overhangs and tall body create proportions that manage to look purposeful despite the constraints of the sub-four-meter tax bracket that dictated its dimensions.

The profile reveals perhaps the EcoSport’s most distinctive styling element – the side-hinged rear door with its externally mounted spare wheel.

While competitors eventually moved to more conventional tailgate designs with internally stored spares to maximize interior space, this feature gave the EcoSport unmistakable character in a market segment increasingly populated by lookalikes.

It also provided practical benefits, allowing easier access in tight parking spaces where a traditional upward-swinging tailgate might be constrained.

During my time with the Canyon Ridge Bronze example (one of the more distinctive colors offered), numerous two-wheeler riders and fellow motorists offered appreciative nods and comments at traffic lights. “Is this the last one?” asked an elderly gentleman piloting a first-generation EcoSport.

“My son bought one in 2014, still running perfectly,” he added with the hint of pride that long-term Ford owners often display.

The EcoSport managed to appear both tough and sophisticated – a delicate balance many competitors either overdo with excessive body cladding or underplay with overly urban styling.

The facelift introduced in 2018 brought even sharper headlamps, a revised grille, and more pronounced fog lamp housings that kept the design fresh without abandoning its core identity.

Cabin: Where Function Meets Acceptable Form

Step inside the EcoSport, and you’re greeted by an interior that prioritizes ergonomics and durability over the flashier aesthetics of newer rivals.

The dashboard design won’t win awards for creativity, but everything falls readily to hand, with physical buttons for climate control and essential functions – a welcome approach in an era where even basic functions are increasingly buried in touchscreen menus.

In the top-tier Titanium S trim I tested, the floating 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system provides crisp graphics and responsive performance, with seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

The system features logical menu structures and useful voice command functionality that actually recognizes Indian accents – a feature not to be taken for granted even in much more expensive vehicles.

Seat comfort proves excellent for Indian conditions. The front chairs offer good support for longer journeys, with the driver’s seat featuring height adjustment that accommodates varying body types.

The driving position is more commanding than in a hatchback without requiring the climbing sensation of larger SUVs – striking precisely the balance that made this segment so popular with urban Indians.

Rear accommodation is adequate rather than generous. Average-sized adults can sit comfortably behind an average-sized driver, though three abreast would be a squeeze for anything beyond short journeys. The rear bench itself offers good support, though thigh support could be better for taller passengers.

Two rear AC vents – still not universal in this segment – provide welcome air circulation during punishing Indian summers.

Storage solutions prove well thought out throughout the cabin. Door pockets accommodate 1-liter bottles, the glovebox offers reasonable capacity, and the center console incorporates cupholders that actually fit Indian beverage containers – small details that speak to Ford’s understanding of how these vehicles would actually be used.

The 352-liter boot isn’t class-leading by current standards but accommodates a family’s weekend luggage without complaint. The 60:40 split rear seats fold to expand cargo capacity when needed, though they don’t fold completely flat.

Material quality varies throughout the cabin. Touch points like the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever feel premium, while the upper dashboard features soft-touch materials in higher trims.

Lower panels utilize harder, more durable plastics – a sensible approach for a vehicle class where longevity matters more than outright plushness.

After eight years and nearly 75,000 kilometers, the test vehicle showed remarkably little wear on high-traffic surfaces – testament to Ford’s material selection emphasizing durability.

Powertrains: Character in a Sea of Conformity

The EcoSport’s mechanical offerings evolved significantly through its lifespan, but two engines defined the experience for most Indian buyers.

The 1.5-liter Ti-VCT naturally aspirated petrol produced 123 PS and 149 Nm of torque – competitive figures that translate to spirited performance, particularly when paired with the slick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission.

The 1.5-liter TDCi diesel generated 100 PS and a more substantial 215 Nm of torque, offering excellent driveability and efficiency for high-mileage users.

The enthusiast’s choice, however, was always the 1.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged petrol, which extracted an impressive 125 PS and 170 Nm from its tiny displacement.

This three-cylinder unit won multiple International Engine of the Year awards and brought genuinely smile-inducing performance to the segment.

Its characterful exhaust note and eager power delivery made even mundane commutes more enjoyable, though its higher price and slightly more complex maintenance requirements limited its mass-market appeal.

My test vehicle came equipped with the 1.5 Ti-VCT paired with the 5-speed manual – perhaps the most balanced combination for everyday use.

Around Mumbai’s congested streets, the responsive throttle and well-chosen gear ratios make light work of stop-start traffic.

The clutch action might be heavier than some competitors but offers clear engagement points that become second nature after a brief adaptation period.

On the occasional open stretch of highway, the naturally aspirated engine reveals willing performance, pulling cleanly from low RPMs and revving smoothly to its redline when pressed.

It lacks the mid-range punch of turbocharged alternatives but compensates with linear power delivery that makes progress predictable in all conditions.

Cruising at 100 km/h in fifth gear has the engine turning at a relaxed 2,500 RPM, contributing to reasonable fuel efficiency of around 14-15 km/l on longer journeys.

Driving Dynamics: The Soul of a Driver’s Car

Where the EcoSport truly distinguished itself – and still does – is in its driving dynamics. While most competitors prioritized comfort through soft suspension setups, Ford’s engineers gave the EcoSport the soul of a driver’s car without excessively compromising ride quality.

The steering offers a weighting and precision rare in this segment, providing genuine feedback about the road surface and available grip.

Initial turn-in feels direct without being nervous, while body roll remains well controlled when cornering with enthusiasm.

This engaging character makes the EcoSport genuinely enjoyable on winding roads, where many competitors feel reluctant or out of their depth.

This driver focus doesn’t come at the expense of everyday usability. The suspension – MacPherson struts up front and a twist-beam at the rear – strikes a well-judged balance for Indian conditions.

It’s firm enough to prevent the floaty sensation some rivals exhibit at highway speeds yet compliant enough to absorb the worst of India’s road imperfections.

Particularly sharp bumps can transmit jolts into the cabin, but the overall composure remains impressive.

Braking performance from the front disc/rear drum setup delivers confident stopping power with good pedal feel.

Emergency stops produce minimal drama, with the standard ABS and electronic stability control intervening smoothly when needed.

Off-road capability, while limited by the front-wheel-drive configuration, exceeds what most owners would ever attempt.

The generous ground clearance and well-protected underbody allow the EcoSport to traverse rough trails, waterlogged streets, and the aggressive speed breakers that plague Indian residential areas without drama.

During a weekend trip to a farmhouse outside Pune, the vehicle handled a moderately challenging dirt track with surprising competence, its well-tuned traction control making the most of available grip.

Safety: Ahead of Its Time

Safety represented another area where the EcoSport moved the segment forward. When most competitors offered just two airbags, the EcoSport provided up to six, depending on variant.

The rigid body structure incorporated high-strength steel in critical areas, contributing to excellent crash protection validated by a 4-star Global NCAP rating – impressive for its time and still competitive today.

Additional safety features included ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill launch assist, and emergency brake assist – features now common but revolutionary for the segment when introduced.

The comprehensive safety package addressed a growing concern among Indian car buyers and helped establish new expectations that competitors eventually had to match.

The Ownership Experience: Bittersweet Legacy

Ford’s departure from the Indian market in 2021 casts an inevitable shadow over the EcoSport ownership proposition.

While the company has promised continued parts and service support, the reality of diminishing dealer networks and potential long-term parts availability concerns cannot be ignored.

This unfortunate situation obscures what was otherwise an excellent ownership experience. Ford’s service costs, while slightly higher than Maruti Suzuki’s, remained reasonable throughout the ownership cycle.

The robust mechanicals typically required only routine maintenance, with major components showing impressive longevity – many early examples have crossed 150,000 kilometers without significant issues.

The EcoSport also maintained strong resale values throughout most of its life cycle, though Ford’s exit announcement predictably impacted the used market.

For current owners, this represents both challenge and opportunity – values have stabilized at lower levels, but passionate enthusiasts continue to seek well-maintained examples, particularly of special variants like the S and Thunder editions.

Ford EcoSport: The Pioneer’s Legacy Lives On

As I return the keys to this bronze EcoSport – perhaps one of the last ones I’ll ever drive – I’m struck by how much character and capability remain packed into its sub-four-meter dimensions.

In a market increasingly populated by vehicles that prioritize features and specifications over driving pleasure and personality, the EcoSport stands as a reminder that emotional connection to a vehicle still matters.

Its impact on the Indian market cannot be overstated. The segment it pioneered now accounts for over 20% of passenger vehicle sales, with every major manufacturer offering at least one sub-four-meter SUV.

Features it introduced as standard or optional – multiple airbags, touchscreen infotainment, automatic climate control, cruise control – have become baseline expectations across price points.

Yet none of its successors have quite captured the same blend of robust construction, engaging dynamics, and distinctive character.

The EcoSport wasn’t perfect – interior space could be better, some plastics were below par, and certain ergonomic choices raised eyebrows – but it offered a cohesive vision rather than a collection of features designed to tick marketing boxes.

For those lucky enough to own one, the EcoSport represents a vehicle worth maintaining and cherishing – not just for its practical virtues but for the soul and engineering integrity increasingly rare in its price bracket.

And for Ford, despite their exit from India, it stands as a testament to what they got right: understanding that Indian consumers deserved a world-class product rather than a compromised adaptation. That legacy, at least, will endure long after the last EcoSport reaches the end of its road.