Best of both worlds
Taking a small SUV for a run presented some fun potential for journalist
Ford’s new EcoSport Titanium has been described as a “mini’’ SUV and could prove an ideal vehicle for its targeted customer group.
The 1.0 litre and 1.5 litre models available could also be a consideration for drivers thinking about fuel economy.
Comfort
The EcoSport Titanium’s leather seats are firm but comfortable and certainly kept my back ramrod straight for the drive.
The pump lever is easy to use to adjust the height for the driver’s comfort and vision.
The vehicle is roomy with adequate leg room in the back seat and plenty of headroom.
The instrument panel is neat, easy to read and trimmed with a silver decor.
The SYNC voice control system connects with Bluetooth and USB devices to allow hands to stay safely on the wheel and eyes on the road.
On the road
The EcoSport is pleasant to drive and meets the challenges of both city driving and rough surfaces out of town.
There is plenty of clearance as it rides on 16-inch wheels and sits 200mm off the ground.
The Titanium is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that has power enough for a quick start at the traffic lights or taking on a hill when down to 40kmh because of roadworks.
The six-speed automatic transmission provided seamless gear changes and the front wheel drive had smooth and stable cornering.
Maximum power output of the Titanium is touted at 82kW@6300rpm and the maximum torque at 140Nm@4400rpm.
What you get
The EcoSport has a long list of standard features such as cruise control and air-conditioning with electronic automatic temperature control. Other features include overhead console with sunglass holder, follow-me-home headlamp lighting, two 12-volt power points and push-button start/stop.
The SYNC has an emergency assistance feature, the single CD/MP3 audio system has six speakers and there is a 3.5-inch multi-function display screen.
The safety and security list is headed by seven airbags. There are driver and front passenger airbags, driver’s knee airbag, front side thorax airbags and side curtain airbags.
Other features include ani-lock brake system with ESC, EBA, hill launch assist in automatics, perimeter alarm, engine immobiliser, blind spot elimination and reverse parking sensors.
Practicality
The Titanium has a swing door rear opening and the 60:40 split rear seats fold down to provide 705 litres of space in the back.
There are 20 storage locations, the glove box doubles as an air-conditioned beverage and there is a slide-out drawer under the front seat.
The vehicle is also equipped to handle three children’s seats.
A full-sized spare wheel is standard.
Running costs
Ford rates fuel consumption for the Titanium as 6.5l/100km from the 52-litre tanks.
Warranty is three years or 100,000km and cap price servicing is for seven years or 105,000km. Roadside assistance is also available.
Funky factor
The EcoSport has a robust aerodynamic design and combines the styling of a SUV with the agility of a small car.
An interesting feature on the inside is the turn dial air-conditioning control with digital temperature reading that goes up or down half a degree at a time.
The vehicle also comes in a one-litre, three cylinder model with an official consumption of 5.7l/100km.
The test vehicle was provided courtesy of Southern Cross Ford.