Confidence and comfort
FORD ECOSPORT SUV: IMPROVEMENTS MAKE THIS CAR A REALLY ATTRACTIVE PROPOSITION
New exterior syling and a new, more upscale user-centric interior.
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.
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.
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 SUV 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.
Ford’s sophisticated 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. A 6.5-inch screen is fitted on the Trend models, while the Titanium features an 8-inch version as well as embedded turnby-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).
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.
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.
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.
The frugal yet torquey 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine remains part of the line-up.