Built in India; massaged to meet the demands of North American buyers
Ready for North America By Clare Dear in St. John’s, NFLD To fill out its SUV/CUV lineup, Ford is joining the small SUV/CUV segment (the hottest-growing segment last year and showing no signs of cooling anytime soon) by bringing the 2018 EcoSport (a vehicle it has been selling in other markets since 2012) across the Atlantic. Of course, the iteration we’ll be getting here, which is being built in India, has been massaged to meet the demands of North American buyers. ▲
Noticeably smaller than Escape The EcoSport is noticeably smaller than the Escape – the previous smallest child in the Ford utility vehicle family. Its overall length is 427 mm shorter than the Escape and its wheelbase is 170 mm shorter. Visualize a “tall” Fiesta or an Escape left too long in the dry cycle and you get the idea ▲
Room for five, snuggly Ford says the EcoSport will accommodate five passengers, but I’m sure it would be a snug fit. While the front seats offer reasonable room, things get far more cozy in the rear. Leg room is at a premium, especially if the front-seat occupants have their seats well back on the tracks. In fact, my driving partner on this media first-drive got in the back to take some photos and then couldn’t get his feet back out. For three youngsters strapped into the back, accommodations should be adequate; three adults, not so much. ▲
5 interior colours; 7 ambient lighting choices Although things can be cramped in the back row, the cabin itself is nicely appointed. I checked out both a near-base SE model and top-of-the-line Titanium; both were attractively trimmed, with the Titanium getting leather seat coverings rather than the cloth upholstery of the SE. The décor in both vehicles was black, but five other interior colour choices are offered. There’s also seven ambient lighting choices. ▲
Visibility not helped by thick A-pillar with small glass triangle My driving partner and I found the front seats lacking in lateral support – it felt like the seat cushions were a bit too narrow for our not-so-svelte frames. Both of us also had issues with the pedal placement – the brake and accelerator pedals were positioned too close together, causing our right foot to catch both pedals if one failed to make a specific effort to plant the shoe precisely. We also found the thick A-pillar created a significant blind spot – and the small glass triangle at the base of the windshield post did nothing to resolve the issue. ▲
Exterior styling open to debate The exterior styling of the EcoSport is open to debate – some journalists on this media launch liked its looks, others found it uninspiring, so you can decide whether it’s to your liking. Certainly, the lines are clean and flow well front to rear. There’s definite evidence of Ford DNA, such as the large grille that reflects the family design ties. Early sales indicate consumers are responding positively, with EcoSports rolling out of dealer’s lots at a quick pace. Optional halogen projector-beam headlights are available and you can choose your EcoSport’s finish from an exterior palette of 10 hues. ▲
Ideal solution for vertically challenged users The most unique feature of the EcoSport’s exterior is its swinging tailgate. Instead of the traditional liftgate, the whole rear panel swings out to the left, so you don’t have to step into traffic for curbside access. It’s an ideal solution for vertically challenged users who often have to stretch (or jump) to snatch the overhead-style liftgate. Likewise, taller folks won’t be whacking their head on a panel that doesn’t open high enough. The gate is equipped with a hydraulic strut to make opening and closing easier, although I did notice you can’t partially open the gate and leave it – it’s either full-stop open or it will start closing itself. One must also be aware if someone in the parking lot pulls too close to your back bumper as there’s no room to swing the gate open. ▲
Cargo carrying from 592 to 1,415 litres Flexible, functional space is one of the factors attracting so many buyers to the SUV/CUV segments and the EcoSport, despite its small overall size, still delivers on these points. The 60/40-split rear seat flips and folds flat to provide 1,415 litres of cargo space. With the rear seatback upright, there’s still 592 litres available for stuff. In addition, there’s an available cargo management system ($115) that features a movable floorboard that can be configured to tuck away valuables out of sight or protect fragile items while in transit. Throughout the cabin, Ford says there are about 30 stowage pockets, bins and hooks to store all kinds of items families on the go accumulate. ▲
1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder The base engine in the EcoSport is a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder. This little member of the EcoBoost family runs smoothly as it churns out 123 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500. Coupled with a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, it handles urban driving demands adequately, but things get more stressful when it’s asked to hustle the EcoSport on the highway. Level roads are no problem, but steep grades, as I encountered during our drive route north of St. John’s, seemed to push this little 3-banger to its limit. When I asked it to accelerate our 1,397-kg (weight varies, depending on the model, from 1,370 to 1,524 kg) EcoSport SE past a slower vehicle, I could almost hear it complain: “Really?” ▲
Little engine; big fuel thirst Perhaps the biggest surprise was its thirst for fuel. Although the official government consumption ratings (8.6 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway, 8.4 combined) suggest the 1.0L is the more efficient engine choice, in real-world driving on highways and urban streets during our day behind the wheel, my partner and I both recorded average fuel consumption readings of 13.8 to 14.3L/100 km. ▲
2.0-litre Ti-VCT 4-cylinder The optional EcoSport engine (standard only in the SES) is a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Ti-VCT 4-cylinder, also mated with a 6-speed transmission. It is also automatically paired with Ford’s intelligent all-wheel drive system. For me, this would be the engine of choice. It’s output of 167 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 149 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,450 feels better suited to the vehicle. It cruises quietly and has significantly more response when urged to accelerate rapidly. In several zero-to-100 km test launches, the 2.0L was at least a full second quicker (average time was 12.57 seconds), despite the test vehicle, a Titanium, weighing 127 kg more than the SE. More impressive, compared to the 1.0L EcoBoost three, was our average fuel consumption – 9.1L/100 km. (Officially, the 2.0L is rated at 10.2L/100 km city, 8.0 highway and 9.3 combined.) ▲
MacPherson strut front, twist-beam rear suspension The EcoSport rides on an independent MacPherson strut suspension up front and a twist-beam setup in the rear. The package worked well, with the vehicle showing minimal sway or leaning, even on some twisty roads. It also absorbed Newfoundland’s infamous potholes without much pain. Surprisingly, given its short wheelbase, the ride was quite comfortable. The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system was decent, and the 4-wheel disc brakes did their job without fuss. Overall, the EcoSport’s dynamics were good – it’s not a sports car, but as SUVs go, this one is a pleasure to drive. ▲
Cold weather package attractive to SES buyers Ford is offering a special cold weather package that should be attractive for many Canadian EcoSport SES buyers. The $350 package (standard on the Titanium) features a windshield wiper de-icer, heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors and floor liners front and rear ▲
Connectivity features upgraded as you move up in price Connectivity is a highlight of the new EcoSport. The base S model includes Ford’s SYNC system and a 4.2-inch touchscreen. Connectivity features are upgraded as you move up the price walk, with the SE getting the SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system controlled by a 6.5-inch tablet-like touchscreen atop the centre stack for easy access. SES and Titanium models have an 8.0-inch touchscreen that controls the available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, as well as the audio system. Thankfully, the audio settings can also be adjusted by two large knobs. ▲
Mobile app acts as remote; lots of charge ports inside A mobile phone app, SYNC Connect with FordPass, enables you to remotely check out vehicle information, such as the fuel level and odometer, as well as start, stop, lock and unlock the vehicle. It will even help you locate your EcoSport in a crowded parking lot. Other features valued by our mobile, connected society include a couple of quick-charging USB ports, a 12-volt power outlet and an available 110-volt power outlet behind the centre console. ▲
Prices start at $22,099 for base S The EcoSport comes in four trim levels, starting with the base S model at $22,099 with front-wheel drive and 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine. Standard equipment includes 4.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC, 6-speaker audio, two USB ports, rearview camera, hill start assist, automatic headlamps and cruise control. The SE trim, expected to be EcoSport’s volume leader, starts at $25,099 also with the 1.0L. Adding all-wheel drive to either of these trim levels boosts the price tag by $2,500, but includes an upgrade to the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder. Other SE standards include moonroof, remote keyless entry, heated front seats, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic temperature control, reverse-sensing system and 6.5-inch touchscreen with SYNC3. ▲
Sporty SES from $29,399; Titanium tops out at $31,099 Only in AWD, the sporty EcoSport SES starts at $29,399, with the 2.0L engine. Standard equipment includes a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot monitoring, upgraded 7-speaker audio system, partial leather trimmings and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation and SYNC Connect. Titanium starts at $28,599 in front-wheel drive configuration with the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine. Opting for the 2.0L “four” and AWD boosts the starting price to $31,099. Additions include full leather, 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, 17-inch wheels, SYNC Connect, rain-sensing wipers, HD radio and premium 675-watt Bang & Olufsen Play audio system with nine speakers and subwoofer. ▲
Attractive to first-time buyers and downsizers The new EcoSport is especially attractive to first-time buyers and empty-nesters downsizing to fit their changing needs. Its compact dimensions and nimbleness make it ideally suited to urban use – and if that’s where you do the majority of your driving, the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder EcoBoost will certainly be adequate. If you venture regularly onto the highway and/or prefer the security of all-wheel drive, then definitely give the 2.0L iteration a close look. Either way, Ford has joined the subcompact crossover market with a solid contender. ▲
Keyword: FIRST DRIVE: 18 things you should know about Ford's EcoSport