Ford EcoSport India launch date is 4th March 2013 with Rs 5.99 lakhs price tag?

But TopGear India seems to have some news. They have revealed that the new EcoSport from Ford India will be launched on 4th March 2013, which is just 4 days from now. They further add, that the Ford EcoSport will be launched in India with a starting price of INR 5.99 lakhs to INR 6.25 lakhs for the petrol model while the diesel model will be priced from INR 6.99 lakhs to INR 7.25 lakhs. This will be quite a shocker for Renault India, whose Duster petrol base is priced from INR 7.7 lakhs. (all prices here are ex-showroom)

In order to be competitive, Ford India is keen on keeping the prices of EcoSport below the 10 lakhs mark. EcoSport with 1.0L EcoBoost will be expensive than the diesel and petrol EcoSport base models. So expect the price of EcoBoost EcoSport in the range of INR 7-8 lakhs. With such aggressive pricing, EcoSport will not only give a tough time to its arch rival Duster, but also to cars in the hatchback and sedan segment like i20, Polo, DZire, Vento, and also to the yet to be launched diesel Brio Amaze from Honda.

In all, three engine options will be offered on the new EcoSport by Ford India – 1.0L EcoSport with 120 ho, 1.5L petrol offering 110 hp and a 1.5L diesel offering 90 hp. It will be interesting to see that which variant of EcoSport will prove to be a winner, considering the drama behind removing diesel subsidy. Apart from this, petrol EcoBoost EcoSport is expected to deliver a mileage of 17 kmpl, which will further add to the dilemma of buyers. Bookings of the EcoSport have already begun at some Ford India dealerships.

Apart from India, Ford has also announced plans of launching EcoSport in Europe by end of 2013. EcoSport will make its debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show on 5th March. In Europe, where it is currnetly on display at the 2013 Mobile World Congress, EcoSport will be seen with Ford’s state of the art SYNC Applink, which allows you to control your smartphone via voice, while you can continue concentrating on driving the EcoSport.

UPDATE: Ford India has revealed that the EcoSport is not going to be launched in 4th March. It is the Figo Celebration Edition which will be launched.