Ford EcoSport SE Variant Teased | V3Cars

Compared to the standard EcoSport, the EcoSport SE misses out on a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. Replacing the spare wheel, it will feature a number plate housing with a chrome applique. It also gets a redesigned rear bumper with a faux skid plate. The new variant looks similar to the US-spec model which is also made-in-India for export purposes. 

The removal of the tailgate-mounted spare might also mean that Ford may remove a spare wheel from the EcoSport SE altogether. As per the amendment done by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) in July 2020, a vehicle falling in M1 category can be exempted from having a spare wheel if the manufacturer has equipped the model with tubeless tyres, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a tyre repair kit with a tyre sealant.

The EcoSport fulfils all the requirements as it is an M1 category vehicle  (M1- all passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of up to 9 occupants, including the driver and weighing less than 3.5 tonnes) and comes equipped with tubeless tyres and a tyre pressure monitoring system in the top-spec S variant. 

As per the caption, the feature list on the SE should also be identical to the S variant. It gets push-button start, height-adjustable driver’s seat, auto HID headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, auto AC, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, auto-dimming IRVM, front fog lamps, parking camera, 60:40 split rear seats, cruise control, electric sunroof, connected car tech and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Safety features on offer include upto 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, hill launch assist, traction control, electronic stability control and emergency assistance. 

Under the hood, the EcoSport SE will carry forward the same engines as before. The petrol engine on offer is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit making 122PS and 149Nm paired to a 5-speed MT and a 6-speed AT. The diesel engine on offer is a 1.5-litre making 100PS and 215Nm paired to a 5-speed MT. Ford was expected to introduce Mahindra’s 1.2-litre petrol engine on the EcoSport but the plan has been put on hold for now.