DAILY TREBLE
EcoSport update will please young and mature alike
If you’re thinking about a Ford EcoSport and a full-size spare is on your list of must-have items, you need to move fast. The spare is about to be plucked from the back of the EcoSport as part of a midlife update that brings some visual tweaks, more equipment and a $2000 higher entry price.
The price increase results from Ford dropping the unpopular manual version of the car for a conventional automatic. The troublesome dualclutch transmission has also gone.
A new 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine replaces the old four-cylinder on the cheapest Ambiente model, bringing slightly more power and torque, while Ford’s award-winning 1.0litre turbo triple remains in the higher spec Trend and Titanium.
Inside, the cabin gets a much-needed makeover, with new materials, a redesigned centre console and more soft-touch materials.
More expensive Trend and Titanium models get a larger 8.0-inch screen while all three can mirror smartphones. Digital radio is standard, as are some popular apps including Spotify.
A new “flip and fold” feature allows owners to fold the rear seat backs at the touch of a button, leaving a completely flat load area.
There’s also a reversing camera, although no sign of auto emergency braking, which would make it ineligible for a five-star crash rating under new rules coming into force next year. A bolder grille, bringing the EcoSport into line with the mid-size Escape, is the biggest visual change.
The spare tyre cover has been redesigned but will disappear in the first third of 2018 when Ford drops the spare in favour of a cheaper, lighter inflation kit.
Built in five countries, the EcoSport is sold in 142, with Australian examples from India.
The buyer split is typical of the compact SUV class, with shoppers either young and getting into their first car or older and getting into their last car.
“There are some significant improvements, a refreshed exterior and interior. And we expect this segment to make up a larger and larger proportion of SUV sales,” says Ford Australia general marketing manager Danni Winter.
ON THE ROAD
The EcoSport gets the job done, just as it has in the past. It feels roomy and solid and is fine for the city and suburbs.
The new 1.5-litre engine is solid without doing anything special and the 1.0-litre turbo gives a worthwhile kick. Neither is going to be heavy on fuel.
The new look is a little cleaner and sharper, with move visual punch in the front, but the car’s biggest drawback remains.
It’s the tailgate – hinged from the side instead of lifting like its rivals – making access in tight spaces compromised and annoying.
Still, for a few more months, it provides support for the spare wheel.
Having Sync 3 in the EcoSport is a welcome boost for younger buyers, who will appreciate the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Older owners are likely to enjoy the eightinch screen for the reversing camera on the Trend and Ambiente.
VERDICT
The EcoSport is not as trendy as some other compact SUVs but it does what it needs to do.
It’s a good drive, the price is right and the update hits the important points for buyers young and old.