FORD ECOSPORT
Ford’s subcompact SUV features a smart new look and improved engines and equipment.
The Ford Ecosport has existed longer than you might think, having originally come into the World back in 2004. Back then, the Ecosport was made in Brazil and was primarily designed for developing markets such as Brazil and India. As Ford’s ‘One Ford’ globalisation plan came into effect, it managed to find its way here to Britain back in 2014.
To fit in with us here in the UK it needed to undergo some changes and in 2017 it received its latest and largest update. It received a new face to fit in with the rest of the Ford family, part of a new look that transformed it from a softer shape into a harder, more angular look. The distinctive spare wheel mounted to the rear door was scrapped in favour of the bolder look, and engines and equipment were also looked at extensively by the Ford engineers, drastically improving the Ecosport overall as a car.
A popular petrol engine choice for the Ecosport is Ford’s excellent 1.0-litre ‘Ecoboost’ engine. This little unit has the footprint the size of a piece of A4 paper but don’t let its size deceive you. The Ecoboost has won the international Engine of the Year award a remarkable six times and is a lightweight 3-cylinder turbo with either 123 or 138bhp. As the Ecosport is a subcompact SUV, petrol power tends to be the more popular choice but there is the new 1.5-litre ‘EcoBlue’ diesel engine on hand for those who perhaps cover more mileage.
The Ecosport comes with the option of an intelligent all-wheel drive system and either a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed ‘Powershift’ automatic. Unusually, the Ecosport’s boot is side-hinged and opens like a door to give you access to the 333-litre boot, a space that increases to 1,238-litres with the rear seats folded down. As for equipment, ‘Titanium’ trim and above gets a strong selection -Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with navigation and Apple CarPlay, automatic headlights and wipers, a rear-view camera, cruise and climate control and keyless entry. ST-Line models get sportier bits of trim and a specially tuned sports suspension for a slightly firmer but more engaging ride.
Overall, the Ford Ecosport is a trendy little SUV that represents very good value on both business and personal lease agreements.