Ford India has recently unveiled a new variant- the Thunder to its EcoSport line-up. With the addition of this new trim to Ecosport line-up, Ford has also announced a price cut around all the other variants of this compact SUV. The pricing for entry-level Ecosport variant is now set around INR 7.69 lakh and goes all the way up to INR 11.33 lakh
As far as the price drop is concerned, Ford has hinted increased level of localization as the key enabler for reduces prices, whose benefits have been now transferred to the customers.
Having said that, the timing of this price cut announcement from Ford seems very suspicious considering the entry of new rival-Hyundai Venue in its segment. Well, whether this price cut tactic will support Ford Ecosport in its sales performance in long-term is still a question mark.
Now, coming back to the Thunder variant, it is more or less a replacement to the Signature variant that is defunct now. The new Ford Ecosport Thunder trim starts at INR 10.8 lakh for the petrol model whereas the diesel costs a bit more and comes at INR 10.68 lakh.
If we talk about the design and looks, then the newly launched Ecosport Thunder looks almost identical to the higher-spec variants of this compact SUV. Although, it comes with dark inserts on the headlamp cluster, new 17-inch alloy wheels, a dual-tone bonnet, blacked-out fog lamps, and decals on the doors.
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Inside the car hood, the interior has been tweaked too. Now, the dual-tone cabin houses cognac accents on the front seats, instrument panel, central console, and door panels. Well, if we talk about features, then a 9.0-inch infotainment system and electric sunroof come as standard. The disappointing news here is that Ford’s excellent Sync3 system is absent from the infotainment system. To cover this up, the car riders will get embedded navigation, voice commands, and a host of other connectivity features.
Talking about mechanical specs, Ford Thunder variant comes two engine options- 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine or 123hp, 1.5-litre petrol. An automatic option or 1.0litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol motor is absent in this new trim, unlike the Ecosport Titanium model.