Ford has introduced a new SE variant of the EcoSport compact SUV that sits below the S variant and above the mid-spec Titanium variant. This variant of the EcoSport is sold in international markets with this look since 2015. As the EcoSport SE doesn't have a spare wheel, it comes with a tyre repair kit that helps owners mend leaks in the case of a puncture.
Cosmetically, the main differentiating factor of the SE is its styling; it omits the tailgate mounted spare wheel for a cleaner look and gets dual tone bumpers. It carries over the EcoSport Titanium’s 16-inch alloys, projector headlights, LED DRLs.
The Ford EcoSport SE gets two engine options, a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine churning out 123bhp and 149 Nm of torque and a 1.0-litre three-cylinder diesel making 100bhp and 215 Nm of torque. Both engines are coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Premium features like sunroof, SYNC 3.0 touchscreen infotainment and connected car technology are now made available at a relatively affordable price tag thanks to this new variant. However, it misses out on side and curtain airbags, ESC, traction control and hill-start assist among others. But then, it is also costs Rs 50,000 less compared to the S variant.
Prices for the SE start at Rs 10.49 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi, for the petrol and Rs 10.99 lakh for the diesel. The EcoSport is the oldest car in this hotly contested space and the new variant is Ford's attempt to boost its sales. It goes up against the likes of Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon and the Renault Kiger among others.