After showcasing the EcoSport concept at the New Delhi Auto Expo eariler this year, Ford finally unveiled the production version at the Beijing Auto show this week. Thankfully, the radical looking concept hasn't been toned down to much to make it production ready, so you're left with an edgy looking, stylish, compact SUV.
The EcoSport is the smallest of four new models that Ford will be introducing to the Chinese market this year and will come powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine. This engine manages a more than decent power figure of 118 bhp of peak power and 17.3 kgm of torque. Thanks to this engine, the EcoSport has the power of a 1.6-litre engine with the fuel efficiency of a much smaller one. Apart from that, the 1.5-litre diesel engine currently found in the Fiesta will also make it's way under the hood of the EcoSport.
Not surprisingly, the interior of the EcoSport is very similar to the new Fiesta that it's based on. The same kinetic design elements can be seen clearly here. On the top level Titanium model shown, it came with all the bells and whistles including keyless entry, push-button start and the voice control system found in the Fiesta. The abundance of storage spaces inside the cabin and the fact that you can liberate a lot more space by folding the rear seats means that for its size, the EcoSport can take along quite a bit of luggage.
It's not all show and no go either, this. The new EcoSport comes with a ground clearance of 200 mm and is capable of wading through water that's .55 metres deep. The short ovehangs also afford it some nice approach and departure angles as well, so you're looking at something that's decently capable off the road.
Production of the EcoSport will soon commence in India, Brazil and Thailand, with the model being exported to over 100 markets worldwide.
Check out our AutoExpo coverage of the EcoSport:
 2012 Auto Expo - Ford unveils EcoSport
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