It was Ford’s EcoSport that kickstarted the sub-4 metre SUV game in India. Over the years, it has gained commendable competitors from both homegrown and foreign carmakers. And, it isn’t a secret that the segment is not only one of the most hotly contested ones in the country but also the most flourishing. Time then for the EcoSport to fight back! Say hello to the Ford EcoSport Thunder Edition! It is an extension, which Ford will offer for a limited period, over the Titanium variants.

Price? If you want the 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine which is good for 123PS/150Nm, the EcoSport Thunder Edition is priced at Rs 10.18 lakh. The diesel-fed MT derivative, which has 100PS/205Nm on tap, is predictably more expensive at Rs 10.68 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom Delhi). Compared to the Titanium variants, the Thunder Editions cost Rs 90,000 more. If there are no mechanical changes, what are you paying the extra for?

In short – for a bunch of cosmetic changes and a new feature. On the outside, it features dark inserts on the headlamp clusters, more prominent black treatment on the fog lamp bezels, new and black 17-inch alloy wheels, black front grille and ORVMs, a dual-tone bonnet and decals on the doors. The sporty theme has been carried inside the cabin as well where you’ll find cognac accents on the front seats, door inserts, the centre console and the instrument panel. In addition to the Titanium’s list of features, which includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with embedded navigation and voice command, the Thunder Edition gets an electric sunroof.

Satisfied? Before you answer that question, do rope in the fact that the EcoSport Thunder Edition attains an exclusivity factor like no other variant. Apart from that, Ford has also updated the rest of the EcoSport’s line-up. The interiors, for instance, now get beige upholstery and the kit in some variants has been changed as well. Ford says the localisation factor has been upped than before. As a result, the SUV has become more affordable than before. The drop in prices ranges from Rs 8,000 to Rs 57,000.

With the updated recipe, reduced price list and a limited period trim onboard, the EcoSport should attract more eyeballs than before. In India, it competes with the likes of the Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Honda WR-V.