Ford EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport has been an object of infatuation since it broke cover at the Delhi Auto Expo in 2012. It basked in the limelight for a year and a half for three reasons – an unconventionally attractive design, the 1-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and the sub-Rs 10 lakh price tag. In a sign that the wait is finally over, Ford has recently conducted the pre-launch test drive for media in Goa.

I know most of you have already seen the EcoSport in-person as part of Ford’s pre-launch campaign and formed an opinion about its design and features. But does the 1-litre EcoBoost engine pack enough punch to take this urban SUV to the top of its game? Read on to find out.

Design

In appearance, the EcoSport is unmistakably avant-garde. The front end features a large, ‘gaping fishmouth’ grille flanked by slim headlamps and big fog lamps, reflecting Ford’s global design language. Two bold lines on the bonnet flow onto the roof, highlighting the car’s aerodynamic prowess. I particularly liked the muscular fenders, tailgate-mounted spare tyre and the sleek roof-rails that enhance the vehicle’s SUV stance. The tailgate handle is beautifully integrated within the tail lamp and that’s a nice touch. The only thing missing is a pair of sidesteps that could greatly accentuate the SUV’s ruggedness. Overall, the EcoSport has a quirky design -- love it or hate it, the car certainly makes a statement on the road.

Step inside and you’ll discover a welcoming combination of contemporary design and intuitive technology. Dials and knobs are ergonomically appointed and the Ice Blue dashboard illumination looks cool, too. However, I was less enthused about the hard-plastic dashboard and door panels.

Space, Comfort and Convenience

Frankly, the EcoSport doesn’t look as big in flesh as it does in pictures. It can comfortably seat five but going by the SUV standards, the fifth person wouldn’t be really happy. However, those upgrading from a hatchback would find ample head, shoulder and leg room in the EcoSport. The boot that Ford claims could accommodate even a washing machine is expandable up to 705 litres, with the rear seats tumbled.

The driver seat offers a commanding position and excellent outward visibility. Ford seems to have employed a wide range of sound-deadening features in the EcoSport - there’s very little noise intruding on your comfort.

The EcoSport is the first vehicle in its segment in India to feature Ford SYNC® connectivity platform, which provides customers with the convenience and flexibility to control their media players and mobile phones with voice commands.

SYNC takes safety to new heights with a life-saving feature called Emergency Assistance. When an airbag is inflated or the fuel pump is shut off following an accident, SYNC sends a voice message to 108 (emergency phone number) from the paired mobile phone. SYNC also sends the GPS co-ordinates of the accident location and lets the occupants speak to the emergency operator -- how clever is that!

Performance, Ride and Handling

The EcoSport’s strongest selling point is certainly the 1-litre EcoBoost engine. It is hard to imagine a 999cc three cylinder engine under the hood of an SUV, but guess what; this engine delivers the power and performance of a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine. Helped by a turbocharger, direct injection and variable valve timing, the EcoBoost motor develops 123 bhp of power at 6000 rpm and 170 Nm of torque from 1,400 to 4,500 rpm.

Dip the clutch and press the start button, the engine fires up smoothly and idles without clatter. It has enough low-end grunt to nip in and out of traffic but once you floor the pedal, there’s detectable turbo lag. However, once past 1800rpm mark, the engine revs happily and displays good power delivery. On the flipside, it becomes very audible at higher rpms. Overall, the 1-litre EcoSport is more of a practical cruiser than a fun-to-drive car. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox that offers slick gearshifts. Two other engine options will be available, too - a 110bhp 1.5 petrol and a 90bhp 1.5 diesel. The diesel EcoSport will have more takers and I’m sure, be more fun-to-drive.

Fords are generally regarded as great handlers and the EcoSport is no exception. Dampers and springs achieve an optimal balance between handling and ride comfort. The car stays absolutely pinned to the tarmac even at a close corner. I didn't think twice about rolling over big potholes or pesky curbs, thanks to the all-absorbing suspension and the 200mm ground clearance.

The light steering is a blessing in city, yet precise enough at high speeds and around tight corners. Ford's Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system is equipped with ‘Pull Drift Compensation’, which automatically makes imperceptible steering corrections when it notices a pull caused by wind, potholes or even differences in tyre pressure.  

Mileage

Ford has quoted an ARAI certified mileage of 18.7 kmpl for the 1 litre EcoBoost variant. However, I rarely saw a double digit figure on the real-time fuel consumption monitor; blame it on the performance tests and aggressive driving. Otherwise, the engine is definitely capable of returning an average of 13-14 kmpl in normal conditions. The 1.5-litre petrol and diesel variants return 15.8kmpl and 22.7 kmpl respectively (ARAI figures)

Conclusion

If I were to sum up the EcoSport in one word, it would be: intriguing. It has got all right ingredients to stay true to what Ford calls it – the urban SUV. Although the long wait of almost 17 months has led to an inevitable loss of interest, I’d dare to say that the EcoSport is indeed worth the wait. Now, with the prices starting at an attractive INR 5.59 lakh, no doubt, Ford has a conqueror in their hands. 

Nissan unveils all-electric TeRRA SUV

With an innovative 4x4 fuel-cell electric powertrain and an athletic exterior that projects an unforgettable presence beyond its compact dimensions, TeRRA takes sustainable motoring into exciting new territory.

Nissan unveils all-electric TeRRA SUV

1.      The Nissan TeRRA SUV concept, unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show combines two outstanding Nissan strengths – SUVs and EVs – in a vehicle that is equally in its element off-road in the wild or gliding silently through a sophisticated urban setting. With an innovative 4x4 fuel-cell electric powertrain and an athletic exterior that projects an unforgettable presence beyond its compact dimensions, TeRRA takes sustainable motoring into exciting new territory.less 

2.      Envisioned as "the one and only Zero Emission SUV," TeRRA builds on Nissan's success with urban-relevant SUVs and crossovers like Murano and Qashqai and asserts that its zero-emission expertise extends all the way to fuel cells. Designed as a functional and flexible choice for tomorrow's youthful, "always on" consumers, TeRRA answers their aspiration for eco-friendliness along with a secure driving feel under any road conditions.less 

3.      "Our challenge was to take Nissan's strength in SUVs and crossovers forward into the zero-emissions era, fuel cells being our new frontier in zero emission mobility" said Francois Bancon, Nissan's devision general manager of product strategy and planning. "Not big and tough for the desert, the aim was a new approach to SUVs that's relevant to urban life. The unique diagonal seating layout that offers an exciting driving experience thanks to exceptional visibility that creates a sense of being in control under any conditions."less 

4.      Tough on the outside, warm and welcoming within
"We took our inspiration from the lifestyles of youthful customers in Northern Europe," said Shiro Nakamura, Nissan senior vice president and chief creative officer. "We heard their aspiration for sustainable mobility that can take them anywhere they want to go."

5.      "Exploring our imagination of that natural space with the exterior, we have redefined the power of the SUV heritage in a much more athletic way, one that expresses our vision of the zero emissions future," Nakamura said.

6.      "You have the big tires, high belt-line, thick pillars and thin side windows of the SUV vocabulary. But with a slender waist between pronounced fenders above the wheel arches, and a sculptured hood, we've created an ‘Implied Structure' of musculature under the skin. Sharp corners, short overhangs and sculptured lamps contribute to a clean, confident stance.

7.      An aerodynamically flat body pan in an eye-catching color, protecting the full length of the underside, completes the image of what we call ‘Modern Toughness.'"

8.      Open the door and exterior toughness gives way to a surprisingly warm and welcoming interior. The door panel is a sculpted fusion of blond wood trim and colored acrylic, layered in an intriguing pattern. Ringing the cabin at shoulder height is a metal frame that gives TeRRA's occupants a feeling of security.

9.      The wood/metal contrast continues across the dashboard, a beechwood-acrylic fusion that exudes a soft warmth. On the driver's side, the steering and instrument console gently tapers out toward the driver, barely interrupting the clean lines of the dash.

10.    Seamless digital space
Facing the driver is a unique instrument cluster. It's an electronic tablet – just like today's popular portable devices – that serves as an "intelligent key." The driver docks it when entering the car and removes it when leaving. When docked in TeRRA, the tablet's default view displays speed and other key performance indicators. But the driver can easily toggle to entertainment, communications, navigation and other views.less 

11.    Outside the car it provides all the functions we expect from a tablet, plus it stays continually in touch with the vehicle.The idea is seamless information and communication, on the road and everywhere else.

12.    Offers a fresh perspective on the road
TeRRA's seamlessly connected driver sits front and almost center in a unique diagonal layout that positions rear passengers over the shoulders of those in front, rather than directly behind. "For the driver to be nearly centered, not seated off to one side, provides a fresh, enlightened perspective with exceptional visibility," Nakamura said. "The diagonal layout allows all passengers to share the vision of adventures up ahead."less 

13.    The seats themselves express a hexagonal motif that is carried through various aspects of the design. Fold the three passenger seats down and you notice that TeRRA's cabin deck is completely flat, presenting no obstacles to carrying bikes, kayaks or assemble-yourself furniture from Scandinavia. This flat surface is a function of the remarkably compact powertrain package that creates the possibility of this zero-emission concept.

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14.    Power, four-by-four; emissions, zero
Although TeRRA is presented as a design concept, not a technical exhibit, its proposed 4x4 fuel cell electric powertrain is far from imaginary.

Powering the front wheels is the electric propulsion system currently featured in the Nissan LEAF. In each back wheel, providing all-wheel power as needed, is an in-wheel electric motor, based on the working prototypes featured in three successive PIVO concepts. As no drive shafts are required to power the rear wheels, there is no hump in the cabin floor or on the underbody. This allows for the flat cabin deck and the underside bodypan.

15.    Under the hood is ample space for Nissan's proprietary hydrogen fuel cell stack: a flat, highly compact unit that features world-leading power density of 2.5kW/L. The latest in a series of Nissan fuel cells since 1996, the stack costs just one-sixth of its 2005 predecessor as the need for expensive precious metals has been slashed to one-quarter of the previous level.

16.    TeRRA is purely a concept car, but it signals that Nissan is ready to mass-produce fuel cell electric vehicles whenever hydrogen becomes widely available.

Mahindra launches Quanto compact SUV

The Quanto price range starts from Rs. 5.82 lac (ex-showroom Thane) for the base C2 model, to Rs. 7.36 lac (ex showroom Thane) for the fully loaded top end C8 model. The Quanto also boasts Mahindra’s revolutionary micro hybrid technology which has further enhanced its mileage, which is certified by ARAI at 17.2 kmpl.

Available in four variants – C2, C4, C6 & C8, the Quanto is powered by a 1.5 litre mCR100 diesel engine giving a category best output of 100bhp and 240nm of torque. The mCR100 engine has India’s first twin

Quanto comes packed with the Digital Drive Assist System (DDAS), Intellipark Reverse Assist, 2 DIN music system with CD, MP3, USB & Aux in, state of art 5MT320 transmission and Micro Hybrid technology.

  Quanto with a sub 4m length and a tight turning radius of 5.4m has the compactness and convenience of a city car, packaged with 5+2 seats. It is a perfect blend of smart city run about and capable weekend SUV.

 The Quanto also boasts Mahindra’s revolutionary micro hybrid technology which has further enhanced its mileage, which is certified by ARAI at a class leading 17.2 kmpl..

    The chunky alloy wheels, stylish rear stepney and sporty roof rails add to this SUV’s stature and character. All this makes the Quanto a real head turner on the road.

 It comes with a two tone granite themed dashboard giving the interiors a premium feel and a touch of elegance.

   Quanto is available in 4 exciting variants and 6 elegant colours to suit a variety of tastes. These include Fiery Black, Mist Silver, Toreador Red, Java Brown, Diamond White and Rocky Beige.

  Quanto offers its customers plenty of space and flexibility, as it is the only sub 4m SUV in India with a 5+2 seating arrangement.

    This places the vehicle in all together different league, while the folding third row increases luggage carrying capacity when needed. Other features include foldable snack trays and individual arm rests for the driver and co-passenger.

0.    The Quanto also has plenty of utility spaces, including 5 bottle holders, magazine pockets and under-seat storage.

SUV in India.

Toronto-based Conquest Vehicles Inc has launched EVADE, the company’s first unarmored SUV in India.

The Evade SUV is available with petrol and diesel powertrain options and a 4x4 system. Prices start from Rs. 8.5 Crores including duties.

Evade will also offer as standard features including front and rear commercial grade air ride suspension, power windows, and 360-degree roof mounted, joystick controlled searchlights.

The vehicle is offered in 4x4, and is available with either a gasoline or diesel engine. Evade will also come equipped with FLIR night vision camera systems in the front and rear of the vehicle.

The Evade SUV is available with petrol and diesel powertrain options and a 4x4 system. Prices start from Rs. 8.5 Crores including duties.

The new body style, design and aesthetic of Evade includes new headlights and taillights sleekly wrapping around the sides of the vehicle, narrower fender flares, a redesigned grille, hood scoop, the addition of a third tandem sunroof and a wider backdoor to accommodate Evade’s wider body frame to allow for exit/entry of executive security though the rear of the vehicle.

The rear bumper now features an integrated step to simplify this access. Evade will be built on a Ford F550 Super Duty Chassis and its massive unarmored skin will be made from an aluminum-mild steel blend, making it significantly lighter then the Knight XV.

Conquest Vehicles mandate of `hand crafted’ once again is populated throughout Evade whereby elements including the vehicle’s steering wheel, proprietary hinges, running boards and even the key itself are machined out of solid stainless steel. The vehicles’ handles are machined out of a solid block of aluminum.

Evade’s luxurious interior cabin space will provide over 400 cubic feet and will carefully blend military inspired design cues with elegant and rich finishes.

Evade will house a new ergonomically designed cockpit and cabin and the entire vehicle will offer both driver and passengers touch screen technology.

“We wanted Evade to set a new standard for our company in terms of pushing the boundaries from engineering to design to incorporating new user experiences without compromising the integrity of some of the key highlight design features offered by our armored Knight XV. The result speaks for itself in terms of the final product and we couldn't be happier,” said William Maizlin, President, Conquest Vehicles.

Similar to the Knight XV, EVADE is offered in newly designed ergonomic 2+2 limousine-style seating. Also available are 2 electronic executive style reclining seats with the option of either a driver partition or retractable flat screen television.