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Ford’s refined EcoSport for SA: Here’s all you need to know about this stylish new SUV

Ford’s new EcoSport compact SUV sports enhanced styling and increased technologies.

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 with floating central touchscreens on most models along with smart stowage solutions – including an adjustable boot floor.

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.

GALLERY: 2018 Ford Ecosport

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/170Nm.

Trend and Titanium variants can be fitted with either a six-speed manual 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 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 205Nm.

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" versions on the Trend series, or striking 17” rims on the Titanium. The entry-level Ambiente model is fitted with 16” steel rims with wheel covers.

All-new interior

Inside it gains a 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. 

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

Ford’s SYNC3 communications and entertainment system is fitted as standard on the Trend and Titanium models, and incorporates Bluetooth and Voice Control. SYNC3 is supported by the new floating colour touchscreen, which can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures. A 6.5” screen is fitted on the Trend models, while the Titanium features an 8" 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.

A new 4.2” 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.

Prices:

EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Ambiente 5MT - R264 500

EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6MT - R287 500

EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT - R300 700

EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6MT - R327 800

EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT - R339 900

All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year or unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A four-year or 60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.


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