The updated Ford EcoSport (which we’ve driven in Portugal) is scheduled to arrive in South Africa in July 2018, but we’ve managed to unearth both the structure of the rejigged local range and the standard specifications of the facelifted models.
While pricing has yet to be confirmed, we now know that the refreshed EcoSport line-up will be trimmed from six derivatives to five. Perhaps more important, though, is the fact that the naturally aspirated 1,5-litre petrol engine (which powers both the entry-level 1,5 Ambiente and the flagship 1,5 Titanium auto in the current range) will fall away completely.
In addition, where the outgoing range includes two 1,0-litre EcoBoost variants, the new line-up will feature as many as four derivatives powered by Ford’s familiar 92 kW/170 N.m turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This powertrain will be offered in mid-spec Trend and top-spec Titanium trim, with the choice of either a manual or automatic transmission.
And, rather interestingly, while the 1,5-litre TDCi mill is currently also offered in both Trend and Titanium guise, in the facelifted range the 74 kW/205 N.m diesel engine will be available solely in base Ambiente form (with a manual gearbox).
The oil-burning Ambiente model’s standard features list will include power-adjustable side-mirrors, manual air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, a six-speaker audio system (equipped with the basic Sync arrangement), a 12V power socket up front, 16-inch steel wheels, six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control and Isofix points in the rear.
Trend models will add heating for the side-mirrors, Ford’s Sync 3 system (with accompanying 6,5-inch touchscreen), a multifunction steering wheel, 16-inch alloys, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, a second 12V power point (this one at the rear), a driver’s knee airbag and hill launch assist.
Titanium derivatives, meanwhile, will furthermore gain keyless start, heated front seats, LED daytime running lights, power-folding side-mirrors (with puddle-lamps), automatic air-conditioning, LED ambient lighting for the cabin, an eight-inch colour touchscreen (with an additional speaker), satellite navigation and 17-inch alloys.
All derivatives will be covered by a four-year/120 000 km warranty and a four-year/60 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).
Outgoing range:
Ford EcoSport 1,5 Ambiente
Ford EcoSport 1,0 Trend
Ford EcoSport 1,5 TDCi Trend
Ford EcoSport 1,0 Titanium
Ford EcoSport 1,5 TDCi Titanium
Ford EcoSport 1,5 Titanium auto
Facelifted range:
Ford EcoSport 1,5 TDCi Ambiente
Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Trend
Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Trend auto
Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium
Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium auto
