We reported in detail when it emerged that the very popular Ford EcoSport has become dearer by INR 50,000 across all 10 variants. This price hike came at the back of several factors such as high costs of input and Indian rupee hitting all time low against the US Dollar.
It has now emerged that the high-end Titanium variant of the EcoSport will now be offered without two key features- keyless entry and push button start. These features will now be available only on the Titanium Option Pack variant.
While the Titanium variant will no longer come with two important features, it has become cheaper by INR 15000. Ford India says that the Titanium models have been rationalized (and made cheaper) to clearly differentiate between the Titanium and Titanium Option Pack trim levels.
Ford has issued an official statement regarding this recent development. It says,“Ford India undertakes product actions keeping consumers’ interests and demands in mind. While we continue to offer keyless entry and push-button start features in the EcoSport Titanium (O) models, the Titanium models have been rationalized to enhance the distinction between the two trims. This move will benefit consumers as the Ford Ecosport Titanium models will now be available at a price advantage of Rs. 15,000/- lower than the earlier price. All other features across the EcoSport range will remain the same.”
Those who booked the EcoSport prior to the recent price hike (across all variants) and doing away with two key features (from the Titanium variant) now face two options-
- Somehow manage to digest the increased price and less equipment and wait to get the delivery of their car
- Cancel the bookings and in the process, losing on some of the booking amount in lieu of cancellation charges.
It may be noted that the EcoSport has to be the most successful of cars of recent times. Not only has the EcoSport managed to outsell every other SUV in the country but has also been a shot in the arm for the Indian subsidiary of Ford by their best selling product ever. Such has been the demand for the EcoSport that Ford India has been compelled to suspend bookings of its much loved compact SUV.
- The base engine variant sports the same 1.5 litre normally aspirated petrol engine that powers the Fiesta.
- The second petrol engine variant is powered by the much hyped Ford EcoBoost 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine.
- The third engine variant, and the one that is obviously the most popular, is powered by the Fiesta’s 1.5 litre turbocharged diesel engine.
The Ford Ecosport in India is being sold in four trim levels- Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Plus. The Titanium variant is available only with the 1 Liter EcoBoost turbocharged petrol and 1.5 Liter Ti-VCT petrol engine. The Titanium trim level brings along 6 speed PowerShift dual clutch automatic transmission for the 1.5 liter Ti-VCT petrol.
It would really be interesting to see if the price hike and reduction in features would result into a drop in demand for the EcoSport.
via TeamBHP
I booked Diesel Titanium in first week of July. I am ready to pay for a little extra for the offered packages. But if any of the feature is removed, I will straightforward cancel the booking what so ever it gonna cost me.
This car was come-back for FORD but it they don’t understand worth of Indian customers’ money then, this market can prove really bad for there overall business. Indian market purchase not on features but Trust. Features can be added or subtracted but they wont be able to reclaim trust if lost once.
Ford needs to get their act and attitude in order. Removing features, increasing price, not delievring for 9 to 12 months. Phew.. Ecosport could have been the car that could have brought Ford its lost glory in India. But they have messed up again.. besically price hike and removing features is bad bad policy.
Capitalising on their demand very cleverly I should say… superb tactics…
Ford fooling customers..
First the steep hike in price sighting depreciating rupee. When all other manufactureres are giving discounts.
Second, reducing equipment is too bad on it’s part… if the want to reduce equipment thrn refuce price too diffrenciate between titanium and titanium (o) or atleast have some ethics by delivering already confirmed / booked cars with equipments confirmed at the time of booking.
do they give passenger grab handles on roof for the titanium (o) now? or they need a new variant called titanium(f) foolz for that!?