Ford EcoSport shows off its segment-best water wading ability like a boss

Ford Ecosport might not be selling in big numbers now because of the increased competition in the compact-SUV segment. But it used to be the king of the segment before Maruti Suzuki launched the Vitara Brezza in the Indian market. Ford recently launched a new SE variant of the Ecosport so that it does not look dated. The new variant does not come with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel but mechanical bits of the SUV stays the same. Some people consider their compact-SUV to be a proper 4×4 SUV. However, that is not the case but still, people use their compact-SUV for bit off-roading. Here is a video uploaded by AutoTrend TV on their Youtube channel in which we can see a Red Ford Ecosport crossing a river.

The video has been captured in Hyderabad. It seems that there was a heavy waterfall due to which the water crossing was overflooded. However, this did not stop a person from crossing a river with his Ecosport. The compact-SUV enters the river slowly and we can see two persons who are guiding the driver of the car. The driver does not stop the Ecosport anywhere and crosses the river in one go. What helped the Ecosport in this scenario is the water wading capacity of 550 mm which is best in the segment. Proper 4×4 SUV like the old generation Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha offers 550 mm of water wading capacity. Whereas a big 4×4 pick up truck like Isuzu D-Max V-Cross offers a water wading capacity of 500 mm. Having said that, only water wading capacity does not make the Ecosport as capable as the proper 4×4 competitors.

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Overall, the 4×4 SUVs like Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha are more capable because they come with a proper 4×4 system with a low range gearbox. When compared, the Ecosport in India is only offered with a front-wheel-drive layout, whereas in the international markets you can get a 4×4 drivetrain with the Ecosport. The 4×4 system helps in putting out power to all four wheels and offers traction which has the most grip. Then there is the low range gearbox which helps the SUVs to get out of the trickiest situations. Having said that the water wading capacity comes in really handy because the Indian roads are so unpredictable. You might have to cross a waterlogged underpass, waterlogged streets or sometimes there are even waterlogged tarmac roads. In such situations, the high water wading capacity is very useful as it can help you cross such difficult roads. This does not mean that you should do such things very often because crossing water can fry up your electricals.

The Ecosport is offered with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine produces 122 PS of max power and a peak torque output of 149 Nm. It is offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The diesel engine produces 100 PS of max power and a peak torque output of 215 Nm. It is only offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Ecosport starts from Rs. 7.99 lakhs ex-showroom and goes all the way up to Rs. 11.49 lakhs ex-showroom.

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