What’s new about the new Ford EcoSport?
June 27, 2018
The new Ford EcoSport compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) delivers enhanced versatility and capability, more refined styling and sophisticated technologies, making the newcomer a more attractive proposition than ever before.
Featuring fresh new exterior styling that is both dynamic and rugged, the latest EcoSport range also gains an entirely new, more upscale and user-centric interior that offers a superior occupant experience with floating central touchscreens on most models along with smart stowage solutions – including an adjustable boot floor.
“Ford has sold more than 45 000 EcoSport models in South Africa since it was launched in 2013, and it has been a major player in its segment ever since thanks to its great looks, impressive space and versatility, superb all-round performance and exceptional value for money,” says Tracey Delate, General Manager, Marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
“The new Ford EcoSport offers customers even more style, comfort, capability and choice – blending rugged SUV functionality with unrivalled city car practicality.”
The SUV segment is one of the fastest growing around the world, and the trend is evident in the lifestyle-oriented South African market too with the rapidly increasing popularity of sport utility models of all shapes and sizes.
As one of the global pioneers and leaders in the sport utility category, Ford offers three trend-setting SUV models to suit the requirements of all types of buyers – from the value-oriented EcoSport to the sophisticated new Kuga that was introduced last year, and the locally built and extremely capable Everest that offers the convenience of a seven-seat configuration and outstanding off-road ability.
Rugged and refined styling
The new Ford EcoSport features bold, dynamic Ford SUV styling, reflecting the new key design traits introduced with the mid-sized Kuga in 2017. The front-end design is dominated by a large trapezoidal grille and distinctive angular headlights, incorporating stylish LED daytime running lights on the Trend and range-topping Titanium models.
A sculpted bonnet with a central bulge delivers a cleaner front-end appearance, while the angular fog light housings complete a front three-quarter profile that was inspired by the straps of a rucksack and designed to reflect an adventurous character.
The EcoSport’s rear bumper and tail light designs also are revised to deliver a cleaner, more sculpted appearance. Customers can choose from seven bold exterior colours across the three model lines, comprising Ambiente, Trend and Titanium.
Attractive new alloy wheel designs complement the rugged, sporty character, and are offered in Gunmetal grey five-spoke 16-inch versions on the Trend series, or striking 17-inch rims on the Titanium. The entry-level Ambiente model is fitted with 16-inch steel rims with wheel covers.
All-new interior
The Ford EcoSport delivers a new level of interior refinement with easier to use controls and soft-touch materials, along with an entirely new instrument cluster and centre console ergonomically designed for easy operation with fewer buttons.
New seat designs are optimised for greater front and rear occupant comfort, and deliver a more upscale feel, with luxurious full leather on the Titanium derivatives. The interior features a host of smart stowage solutions, including a new height adjustable boot floor that can be raised to provide concealed storage, or lowered to increase luggage capacity to 334 litres. The boot floor uses a special honeycomb construction that makes it gram-for-gram stronger than steel, and able to support more than 300 kg.
A new centre console features a built-in folding, sliding armrest (Titanium models) with an integrated storage compartment that is ideal for tablet computers or snacks. Buyers will also enjoy the practicality of under-seat storage underneath the passenger seat (Titanium models). Power windows are provided all-round, enhancing comfort and convenience for all occupants.
Sophisticated driver assistance technology
The new EcoSport builds on its commanding SUV driving position, advanced technologies and Ford’s well established reputation for rewarding driving dynamics to deliver an even more enjoyable and safer driving experience.
Ford’s sophisticated SYNC®3 communications and entertainment system is fitted as standard on the Trend and Titanium models, and incorporates Bluetooth and Voice Control. SYNC®3 is supported by the new floating colour touchscreen, which can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures. A 6.5-inch screen is fitted on the Trend models, while the Titanium features an 8-inch version as well as embedded turn-by-turn navigation.
Even at the most affordable end of the spectrum, the EcoSport Ambiente benefits from Ford’s first-generation SYNC® with Bluetooth and Voice Control, as well as steering wheel audio controls.
EcoSport for the first time provides Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter on the Titanium derivative that helps drivers keep within speed limits, while rear parking sensors are provided on all models to make parking manoeuvres more efficient and safer.
Active driving safety has been stepped up markedly across the range with standard fitment of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TC), as well as Roll Stability Control (RSC) in the EcoBoost range, that adjusts engine torque and braking to help drivers maintain control. Additionally, the 1.0 EcoBoost-powered models gain Hill Launch Assist (HLA) that makes pulling off on steep inclines easier, along with Ford’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
On the top-spec EcoSport Titanium, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers remove some of the stresses of driving and enable customers to better concentrate on the road ahead, while the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control further enhance overall comfort.
Six airbags are fitted as standard on the EcoSport Ambiente, comprising dual front, side and curtain airbags, while the Trend and Titanium models are additionally equipped with a driver’s knee airbag. The side airbags have been redesigned to provide extra thorax protection and direct the occupant away from an impact; and new curtain airbags provide increased side-impact coverage.
The new EcoSport is also more secure and is fitted with a standard perimeter alarm, remote central locking and new anti-theft door locks. The Trend and Titanium models benefit from a Thatcham alarm with double dead-locking, while the latter also gains keyless entry and start for added convenience.
A new 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, in the Titanium models, makes key driving information easier to access, while power-foldable mirrors add to the list of convenience items.
Powerful and efficient
The new Ford EcoSport delivers an enhanced, more refined driving experience with reduced levels of noise, vibration and harshness. Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine takes centre stage in the revised line-up, exclusively powering the Trend and Titanium models.
The six-time International Engine of the Year in the sub-1.0-litre category delivers an exceptional combination of performance and fuel efficiency, and is ideally suited to the EcoSport. It produces an impressive 92kW of power matched to a peak torque output of 170Nm all the way from 1 400 to 4 500 r/min.
Trend and Titanium customers have the choice between a six-speed manual gearbox or the latest-generation six-speed automatic that recently made its debut on the all-new Ford Fiesta.
This torque-converter automatic transmission delivers improved refinement with seamless shifts, making it perfectly suited to bustling urban driving. Steering column-mounted paddle-shifters provide an additional level of control and driver engagement.
The frugal yet torquey 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine remains part of the line-up, offered in Ambiente trim, linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. It delivers 74kW and a substantial 205Nm of torque between 1 750 and 3 250 r/min.
Recommended Retail Prices (incl. Vat and CO2 emission tax):
EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Ambiente 5MT R 264 500
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6MT R 287 500
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT R 300 700
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6MT R 327 800
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT R 339 900
All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A four-year/60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.
