American carmaker Ford may launch the 2017 EcoSport with a new petrol engine from the Dragon series.
Launched in 2013, the Ford EcoSport is the car which kick-started the concept of sub 4-metre SUVs in India. The facelift, in the form of the 2017 Ford EcoSport, is long overdue. While it is reported that Ford will continue with the same range of engines, rumours have it that the facelift could also get a new 1.5-litre engine from the Dragon series.
The new Dragon series of engines from Ford feature a variable oil pump and an integrated exhaust manifold. A rocker shaft with hydrodynamic bearings is also in place. Spark plugs for the new engine range are concentrated in the combustion chamber. Available in 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre versions, the new engine range is expected to power future Ford cars in India.
The 2017 Ford EcoSport could be launched with the 1.5-litre petrol version of the Dragon series engine. This all-aluminium 3-cylinder unit, if launched, will replace the current 1.5-litre petrol unit. It is claimed to be 10% lighter than the latter. Using state-of-the-art technology, the new engine produces 120 BHP of power and 146 Nm of torque. While the award-winning EcoBoost engine is imported in the country, the Dragon series will be highly localised and produced at Ford’s engine plant in Gujarat.
As the launch is nearing, more images of the EcoSport facelift have surfaced. The spy shots also reveal intricate details of the lower variants. A new wheel cover design for the lower variants and a new alloy wheel design for the top trims is clearly visible. The 2017 EcoSport will lock horns with the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Mahindra TUV300 and the upcoming Tata Nexon.
Ford EcoSport Dragon Petrol Engine
– Ford could bring its new Dragon series of engines to India
– Upcoming EcoSport facelift may be launched with a 1.5-litre unit, producing 120 BHP
– Launch expected in a couple of months from now
– Rivals Maruti Vitara Brezza, Mahindra TUV300 and the upcoming Tata Nexon
Images Source – Anything-On-Wheels
