The Ford EcoSport has been a popular choice of crossover amongst the South African public. You can't make a trip to any shopping mall without atleast seeing one EcoSport. Now what if you add some smartphone app technology to the mix? The FordPass Connect-enabled EcoSport is here to answer that, and we took one for a week-long test.
In this article:
Ford EcoSport – now with FordPass Connect
The Ford EcoSport (Ambiente trim level excluded) now comes with FordPass Connect integration. Now what’s FordPass you may ask? In short, you have an embedded modem in your vehicle that works with an app that you install on your smartphone. FordPass integration is not exclusive to the EcoSport, it is also on the Everest and Ranger models. On test here is the Connect-enabled EcoSport 1.0t Titanium 6AT.
FordPass gives convenience features to applicable models in various ways such as remote operation for certain vehicle functions, point of interest locations like dealerships, fuel stations and parking, and to even alleviate a big fear to some, losing your vehicle in a massive parking complex. Have no fear, FordPass will help you find your vehicle using GPS. So it’s pretty nifty tech to have on hand.
Styling
With the Connect-enabled EcoSport, there are not really any elements that distinguish them from your average EcoSport. The only characteristics that give away the Connect integration are within the infotainment system where the FordPass app lies and little window decals denoting that the vehicle is ‘Connect enabled’. You’d easily miss that FordPass was there if you were none the wiser.
That being said, the Ford EcoSport still retains an overall half-cut oval shape. The side and rear remain the same even with an EcoSport branded wheel cover. There are smatterings of chrome around the vehicle but not too much to the point where you could use it as a make-up mirror.
One thing we quite like about the EcoSport is the set of 17-inch 5-split spoke silver wheels. The wheel design suits the vehicle well keeping within the sporty aspect. The wheel size as well doesn’t detract from the overall comfort of the vehicle. We still believe that a simple badge indicating if the vehicle is Connect-enabled would help as well as garner a bit of curiosity from individuals.
When you tie everything together, the EcoSport’s motif shows urban adventure – much like the Toyota RAV4 of yesteryear, except this car has the blue oval badge.
Related: New vs used Ford EcoSport: what are the top 3 differences?
Space & Interior
Keep in mind that the EcoSport is based on the Fiesta platform. Its compact size would lead you to think that the cabin size is more or less the same as the Fiesta. There is enough space for a family, definitely but in our view, the EcoSport lacks slightly in the luggage space department. The boot area capacity is big enough at 333l but needs a slightly better utilisation of space for the tailgate to close properly in instances like where you’d stack 2 XL suitcases on top of each other. The interior has a lot of hard plastics but the seats in the EcoSport are comfortable with a mix of cloth and leather. Seat adjustments are manual but easy with lumbar adjustment being a welcome feature.
The interior materials are for the most part hard, but with contact points such as elbow rests being padded leather.
Related: Is the Ford EcoSport a good SUV for families?
Comfort & Convenience
We quite appreciate the layout of the EcoSport’s interior in that when you jump in, it just makes sense in terms of ergonomics. While other manufacturers in this price range forgo buttons in favour of touch controls, the EcoSport maintains buttons for components like aircon and audio mute for example. This we feel is better because more often than not, you’d rather access such controls quickly and through feeling without taking too much of your attention away from the road. Not only that, the driving position is comfortable and the thickness of the steering wheel adds to the urge of you wanting to grab the wheel and drive.
FordPass does add to the convenience features of the EcoSport. Let us paint a scenario for you, you’re about to leave for work and it’s a winter morning. By using the remote features in FordPass, you can remotely start the vehicle which not only warms up the engine, but also pre-warms (Pre-cools if it’s in summer) the cabin. You can lock and unlock the vehicle remotely as well.
The FordPass application does seem novel but honestly, it feels dated in that it’s not as instantaneous as you’d expect. Especially considering that with manufacturers like Chery, the voice recognition and commands are prompt and integrated within the vehicle infotainment more than those features being behind a smartphone application. It’s a very handy application to have to eliminate some of the guesswork when it comes to owning a vehicle.
Related: Ford EcoSport vs Suzuki Jimny vs Renault Captur: which one has the best infotainment system?
Performance
This is where the ‘Sport’ in EcoSport shines. The Fiesta the EcoSport is based on is known to be a fun vehicle of note to drive. This fun factor filters down into the EcoSport as well. The Connect-enabled derivative on test here is powered by the 1.0l 3-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine. You get 92kW of power and 170Nm of torque.
The 1.0l EcoBoost is a hoot to drive. The EcoSport has a silky smooth powerband with a satisfying turbo build-up and surge. Even with medium throttle input, the motor has enough poke to give you a cheeky grin. In this test unit, there’s a 6-speed conventional automatic gearbox which is fine, but could do with slight revisions to the gearbox programming to improve downshifts and get rid of some rev hang.
The handling on the EcoSport is surprisingly agile with a communicative steering feel and this is where the 17-inch wheels also help. This is a fun car to drive on winding roads as far as crossovers go. The engine and handling combo here works and left me wanting to play more.
FordPass doesn’t really add to the performance of the vehicle, but it offers some diagnostics like fuel capacity and maintenance schedules.
Fuel Economy
The EcoSport Connect during a week of driving used around 6.8l-7.2/100km of petrol in a combined cycle. It’s not that bad, considering that the EcoSport is a bigger vehicle compared to the Fiesta it’s based on. The most FordPass will show you here is your distance to empty and the vehicle’s current location.
Safety
The Ford EcoSport Connect in Titanium trim utilises passive collision avoidance systems along with park distance sensors in the front and rear. In terms of active collision avoidance, you get emergency brake assist. You also get dual front, side and curtain airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts and the usual safety & security features you’d tend to expect in this range of vehicles like ABS, EBD, stability control, and hill-start assist to name a few.
FordPass assists safety by sending vehicle alerts to your phone via the FordPass application. A tyre pressure monitoring system is also on the application.
Price
*FordPass comes standard on all trim levels except Ambiente.
| Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| EcoSport 1.5l Ambiente 5MT | from R311 400 |
| EcoSport 1.5TDCi Ambiente 5MT | from R322 500 |
| EcoSport 1.5l Ambiente 6 Auto | from R331 800 |
| EcoSport 1.0T Trend 6MT | from R358 700 |
| EcoSport 1.0T Trend 6 Auto | from R373 300 |
| EcoSport 1.0tTActive 6 Auto | from R393 700 |
| EcoSport 1.0T Titanium 6MT | from R401 600 |
| EcoSport 1.0T Titanium 6 Auto | from R416 900 |
*The Ford EcoSport comes with an optional service plan and optional extended warranty. Optional service plans are available for up to 8 years or 135 000km from the original warranty start date. As standard, you get a 4-year/120 000km limited new vehicle warranty, 4-year roadside assistance and a 5-year/Unlimited km corrosion warranty. Optional service and maintenance plans can be purchased from your Ford Dealership.
Related: 5 Ford EcoSport accessories you didn’t know you needed.
Competitors
There is some stiff competition in the land of the cross-overs. For the same price bracket as the Connect-enabled EcoSport in Titanium trim, you can get the Mazda CX-3, Haval Jolion or Volkswagen T-Cross.
Verdict
The EcoSport with FordPass connectivity is nifty and convenient. However, the app does seem a little bit dated and is in need of some updates to at least improve response times and have some more added features to control the vehicle. In spite of that, FordPass is nice to get information about your Ford and control some basic functions. You don’t have to be the most tech-savvy person to operate the app and it makes vehicle ownership that much more pleasant for day-to-day duties. It does need to stand out a bit more when it comes to aesthetics but it’s a good cherry on top of what is already a good crossover.
Tayedza MbiriStarting his petrol-infused passion at a ripe young age playing a plethora of racing video games, Taye has been into the motoring industry for years. During his university years studying Law, he dipped his toes into motoring photography, videography, and exploring what Southern Africa has to offer for the motoring scene at large. Most recently, he presented a YouTube series for a famous Japanese manufacturer and now finds himself fresh on the AutoTrader content creation team. He hopes to own a 90s Subaru one day soon. View News & Reviews
Keyword: Ford EcoSport (2022) 1.0T Titanium Review