Car Review: Ford EcoSport GTDI 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium
One of the most frequently asked question by some of our readers is which car they should consider now that they are thinking about having kids. They don’t want a big SUV but they don’t want a small compact car either. Well, here is your answer. The Ford EcoSport is the Goldilocks of cars; not too big, not too small, just right. It is certainly one of the cars to consider when thinking about space, comfort and practicality.
It’s not only a good looking little/big guy but it’s ground clearance makes it ideal for ramping over pavements when you can’t find that empty space near the entrance and ideal for moms who cannot bear the thought of pushing the pram for kilometres. Step inside and you will recognise the Ford treatment immediately. It resembles the Fiesta very closely. It may be compact but it certainly is spacious inside. And one thing that Ford is banking on is the seating position, which it hopes will appeal to women as it makes you feel as if you can ride over anything.
The boot is not massive and is possibly one of it’s downfalls. If you put the seats down there is plenty of space but then where will the kids sit? What might appeal to moms is the storage space, think many cup holders including in the centre console which is always handy for the driver. It even has a cooled glovebox and a storage drawer under the front passenger seat – the perfect spot to hide your handbag when driving around town.
There are three engine choices with three trim levels; a 1.5-litre engine in petrol or diesel and the one we drove which is Ford’s award-winning 1,0 EcoBoost model. This three-cylinder engine produces 92 kW of power and 170 N.m of torque. It pulls like a bigger engine but you have to keep shifting gears which can make for a rather tiresome drive. However, if you are popping around town and to and from schools it is nippy and zippy enough. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5,6L/100 km.
This model will set you back R244 000 but this is what you get for it: driver and front passenger airbags, side and curtain airbags, ABS, a traction control system, ISOFIX anchorage points, remote central locking, and side mirrors with blind spot indicators. You also get Bluetooth, CD/MP3 player, USB and AUX connectivity port, multifunction steering wheel, electric windows and automatic headlights.
Definitely worth considering? We think so!