Zululand Observer - Monday

Versatile crossover is upgraded

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The latest Ford EcoSport delivers enhanced versatilit­y and capability, more refined styling and sophistica­ted technologi­es, making the compact crossover a more attractive propositio­n than ever before.

Upgraded a year ago, the Ecosport features a fresh new exterior design that is both dynamic and rugged.

The crossover also has 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.

All-new interior

The Ford EcoSport 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.

The boot floor uses a special honeycomb constructi­on that makes it gram-for-gram stronger than steel, and able to support more than 300kg.

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 underseat storage underneath the passenger seat (Titanium models).

Power windows are provided all-round, enhancing comfort and convenienc­e for all occupants.

Driver assistance technology

EcoSport for the first time provides Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter on the Titanium derivative to help 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 enhances 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.

The latest EcoSport is also more secure and is fitted with a standard perimeter alarm, remote central locking and new anti-theft door locks.

Trend and Titanium models benefit from a Thatcham alarm with double dead-locking, while the latter also gains keyless entry and start for added convenienc­e.

A new 4.2-inch 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.

Powerful and efficient

The 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.

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 of power matched to a peak torque output of 170Nm all the way from 1 400 to 4 500rpm.

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.

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 frugal yet torquey 1.5-litre TDCi turbo-diesel engine remains part of the line-up, offered in Ambiente trim, linked to a five-speed manual gearbox.

It delivers 74kW and a substantia­l 205Nm of torque between 1 750 and 3 250rpm.

All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehens­ive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and fiveyear/unlimited km corrosion warranty.

A four-year/60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km

service intervals.

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