AWD Ford EcoSport Storm gets aggressive styling

A more butch version of the all-wheel Ford EcoSport has been spotted in Brazil. Here is what you need to know about it.

Labelled as the 2018 Ford EcoSport Storm, the compact SUV you see here is closely related to the car we get here in India. Pictures of this new model have been leaked online by Brazilian automotive website Tractionando. The Ford EcoSport Storm is differentiated from the standard model not just by cosmetic enhancements, but also by a new powertrain system that powers all four wheels. Although other websites are using terms such as 4x4 and 4WD for the new model, it actually comes with a torque on demand all-wheel drive system. This model has been on sale in North America minus the body kit. It is offered with a 2.0-litre petrol developing 173bhp @ 6,500 rpm and 221Nm of torque @ 4,500 rpm. The naturally aspirated petrol engine comes mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The Brazilian model you see here comes with cosmetic enhancements to give it a more rugged look to complement its all-wheel drive nature. These enhancements include black plastic cladding around the lower section of the car that gives it bulging wheel arches and a faux skid plate up front. There are black surrounds around the fog lamps and inserts in the head lamps. Other black bits on the car include stickers on the bonnet and Storm stickers on the doors, black casings for the ORVMs, black roof rails and black alloy wheels.

The most prominent exterior change though would have to be that bold front grille with Storm lettered on it. On the inside, the car is expected to remain largely the same, apart from orange inserts as seen here around the centre console, door pads and at the base of the infotainment system.

Another mechanical change worth noting is that the all-wheel drive model gets a fully independent multi-link rear suspension setup, unlike the front-wheel drive model’s semi-independent twist beam axle.

The all-wheel drive Ford EcoSport is not expected in India anytime soon, but it does make for an interesting thought.