Ford freshens up EcoSport range

The EcoSport was a rare duff note by Ford.

With a low-rent interior, Spartan equipment list, dated infotainment system, wallowy handling and – worst of all – a huge spare wheel on the tailgate, it had more in common with an SUV from the 1990s than the second decade of the 21st Century.

For a company that has churned out winner after winner for at least the last 10 years – the Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo are all either class leaders or right up there with the best – it was an unexpected and unfortunate misstep.

And it all looked so good on paper. The EcoSport sat on the same chassis as the superb Fiesta, it had good engines and from some angles, Ford had got the styling right.

Get a drink in them and even Ford’s own PR people would admit the EcoSport just didn’t cut the mustard, however. Now Ford is addressing that, announcing a “significantly enhanced” EcoSport.

So what’s changed? The most obvious difference is the big spare wheel that adorned the vehicle’s rump has now gone. It’s been replaced by an emergency tyre inflation kit. That’s not ideal – many of the EcoSport’s rivals manage to fit a spare tyre under the boot floor – but it’s better than having it strapped to the back of the car.

Ford has also announced that the updated version will cost from £14,245, which is around £700 less than before.

Engines have been tweaked to meet EU6 emissions regulations and the best diesel now returns 64.2mpg.

Inside, Titanium models get partleather seats, while all cars now benefit from a four-inch colour screen and SYNC infotainment system.

Ford has also done something about the EcoSport’s stodgy handling. Ride height has been lowered by 10mm and a stiffer rear suspension should give better body control.

The stability control system and steering have been tailored to European roads, Ford says. The new EcoSport is available to order now with first deliveries in October.

Pictures: Newspress. Changing the game. Ford has announced a raft of improvements for its updated EcoSport which should help it compete in the talented small SUV market.