The EcoSport was first introduced in South Africa in 2013 and, despite the fact that the segment it has helped to establish is now far more competitive than 4 years ago (rivals include the Renault Captur, Suzuki Vitara and Hyundai Creta, to name a few), the Ford remains a bestseller with over 45 000 units sold since its introduction.
If you think this facelift is a mere nip and tuck, you’re mistaken: Ford has thoroughly enhanced its baby SUV to capitalise on seemingly inexhaustible global demand for compact SUVs. In fact, this latest EcoSport features more than 2 300 new parts.
Although the EcoSport's styling has always been inoffensive, the more grown-up and overtly-SUV styling cues are welcome.
The first thing you may notice is that the latest iteration of the EcoSport features a new look; we think its exterior execution is bolder and more assertive than the previous iteration.
Ford has incorporated styling cues from its larger Kuga family SUV: the front-end is now dominated by a large trapezoidal grille and flanked by angular headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. The rear features a revised bumper and tail light clusters.
Buyers have the choice of 7 exterior colours across 3 trim levels including Ambiente, Trend and Titanium. Wheel designs include 5-spoke, 16-inch alloys finished in gunmetal grey on the Trend, while 17-inch alloys are fitted to Titanium derivatives. The entry-level Ambiente derivative wears 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. Note that theEcoSport also has a full-size spare wheel attached to the tailgate.
Local versions of the EcoSport feature the characteristic spare-wheel-on-the-tailgate look.
Ford has introduced major improvements to the EcoSport’s interior, which draws inspiration from the all-new Fiesta which was also recently launched in South Africa. The biggest revision is that the plastic-dominated, somewhat clumsy interior of the outgoing EcoSport has been replaced.
To put it plainly: the interior overhaul is a breath of fresh air for the EcoSport. The soft-touch dashboard and newly designed fascia (with far fewer buttons than before) contribute to a cleaner, neater look overall and comfort has been enhanced with newly designed seats which are wrapped in leather if you opt for the Titanium derivatives.
Ford's top-selling compact family car now sports a much more modern interior, replete with a raft of connectivity features.
Perhaps the most significant improvement to the EcoSport’s interior is the inclusion of SYNC3 on Trend and Titanium (with navigation) derivatives, which is accessed via a new 8-inch colour touchscreenmounted on the dashboard (Titanium). A 6.5-inch touchscreen is offered on mid-grade Trend derivatives while a simpler 4.2-inch screen with first-generation SYNC will be offered on base models.
The SYNC3 system incorporates pinch and swipe functionality, much like a smartphone and is Bluetooth-enabled, while also being compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Prospective buyers will be happy to know that 2 USB ports are provided.
Features such as cruise control and adjustable speed limiter are offered on Titanium derivatives and all EcoSport models now feature rear parking sensors.
A new 8-inch touchscreen is a highlight and features SYNC3 with navigation, Bluetooth, voice control and Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto functionality.
Other notable features include a new 4.2-inch instrument cluster (Titanium) andelectrically-folding mirrors while active safety features have been beefed up with Electronic Stability Control with traction control, Roll Stability Control, Hill Launch Assist and tyre pressure monitoring. A total of 7 airbags are fitted as standard on Trend and Titanium derivatives while the Ambiente gets 6 airbags, sans a driver's knee airbag.
The luggage bay capacity has also improved with a height-adjustable floor that increases space to 334 litres. The floor is made from recycled material with honeycomb construction that can withstand weight up to 300 kg. With the 60/40 rear seats folded down, space increases to a useful 1 238 litres.
Ford's acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine forms the backbone of the EcoSport range. A 1.5-litre turbodiesel is also in the mix.
A total of 3 engines power the EcoSport in South Africa. A new 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine now serves as the entry point to the EcoSport range with 91 kW and 150 Nm of torque and comes mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. A 3-cylinder 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol engine with 92 kW/170 Nm of torque is also available with afuel consumption claimedat 5.8 L/100 km. In Trend and Titanium trim, buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
There's also a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine with peak outputs of 74 kW and 205 Nm on offer with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.6 L/100 km. This engine is offered in Ambiente trim and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Watch our video review of the Ford EcoSport below!
Ecosport 1.5 Ti-VCT Ambiente 5MT – R254 950
EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Ambiente 5MT – R267 500
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6MT – R293 500
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT – R306 900
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6MT – R334 500
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT – R346 900
All models come standard witha 4-year/120 000kmwarranty, 4-year/60 000km service plan, 3-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.
Find a used Ford EcoSport for sale here
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