Ford EcoSport S

The EcoBoost is back, along with a new 6-speed manual.

- Abhishek Wairagade

THE FIGO S IS A FUN CAR. YOU don't see too many of them on the road but that isn't a reflection of the capabilities of the little hatchback. Now the S badge gets tacked on to the backside of the EcoSport. As we motor out of a scorching Chennai, expectations are high as this SUV also brings back the 1-litre EcoBoost engine.

The top of the line S trim is based on the Titanium+. In addition to the excellent touchscreen that debuted when the EcoSport was updated six months ago, it also gets a sunroof, orange interior inserts, an updated 4.2-inch display between the dials, matte black 17-inch wheels, more black on the grille and roof and HID headlamps. But what we're interested in is the EcoBoost engine that’s mated to the new 6-speed gearbox which debuted on the Freestyle, an upgrade over the earlier 5-speed. If you’re not a fan of turbo-petrols the S variant also gets the (admittedly lovely) 1.5-litre diesel but no auto boxes on either.

The other big upgrade is to the suspension that has been tweaked for sportiness but without sacrificing the ride quality – a subject of much complaint from customers of the earlier 17-inchtyre equipped EcoSport. Also the steering has been recalibrated to make it more direct.