The Ford EcoSport mini-SUV has arrived on the local market and looks to strike a neat balance between the affordability and driving dynamics of a compact car and the versatility of a compact SUV.
Measuring in at just under four metres, the EcoSport is underpinned by the same global-B platform that forms the foundations of the Ford Fiesta and has a respectable 200 mm of ground clearance; enough, Ford claims, to give the EcoSport a wading depth of 550 mm.
Even so, the EcoSport is still a genuine round town proposition thanks to its tight turning circle, high seating position and a pull drift compensation setting on the electrically assisted power steering that gives the rack a fingertip-twirling lightness that aids low-speed manoeuvring.
The most notable member of the EcoSport engine line-up is the award-winning 1,0-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol unit. Developing 92 kW and 170 N.m of torque, Ford claims an average fuel consumption of 5,7 litres/100 km for this engine.
Next up is Ford’s 1,5-litre global petrol engine with outputs of 82 kW and 138 N.m. this unit returns 6,5 litres/100 km.
The most frugal offering is the 1,5 TDCi turbodiesel. Serving up 65 kW and 205 N.m of torque, this model returns a claimed fuel consumption of 4,6 litres/100 km.
All EcoSport models feature a five-speed manual gearbox, with the exception of the 1,5 petrol Titanium model which is fitted with Ford’s six-speed dual-clutch Powershift transmission.
The cabin lifts a number of cues from the Fiesta and features an array of storage spaces that are complemented by a load bay measuring 705 dm3 with the 60:40 split-folding rear benches tumbled.
With the exception of the entry-level petrol model, Ford’s SYNC connectivity system (Bluetooth, voice control, USB media player) is standard across the range. Entry-level Ambiente specification includes such features as electric front windows, air conditioning, electric wing mirrors and a 4-speaker radio/CD/MP3 audio system. Trend specification adds such features as steering wheel-mounted audio controls, extended trip computer, black roof rails and 16-inch alloy wheels. The range-topping Titanium specification brings in leather upholstery, electric windows all round, 6-speaker audio system, climate control, cruise control and front/rear foglamps, among others.
On the safety and security front, all models feature dual front-, side and curtain airbags, Isofix child seat anchor points, remote central locking at the rear. ABS is offered on most models with stability control on higher-specced models.
Pricing (incl. VAT and CO2):
EcoSport 1,5 petrol Ambiente MT R199 000
EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Trend MT R224 000
EcoSport 1,5 TDCi Trend MT R229 000
EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium MT R244 000
EcoSport 1,5 petrol Titanium AT R244 000
EcoSport 1,5 TDCi Titanium MT R249 000
