Earlier in June 2018, we brought you the low-down on the updated Ford EcoSport line-up. Now, Ford South Africa has officially launched the refreshed model, confirming pricing of the rejigged range.
As we pointed out in that earlier story, the updated EcoSport line-up has been trimmed from six derivatives to five, with the naturally aspirated 1,5-litre petrol engine falling away. In addition, the 1,5-litre TDCi mill is now available solely in base Ambiente form, with a manual gearbox.
Pricing starts at R264 500 for the aforementioned diesel and runs through to R339 900 for the 1,0 EcoBoost engine (mated to a six-speed automatic) in flagship Titanium trim.
Ford’s 1,0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine now powers four of the five derivatives, sending an unchanged 92 kW and 170 N.m to the front wheels. Trend and Titanium buyers have the choice between a six-speed manual gearbox and a new six-speed torque-converter automatic. Meanwhile, the 1,5-litre TDCi still makes 74 kW and 205 N.m, and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
The entry-level Ambiente model runs on 16-inch steel wheels, while Trend derivatives upgrade to five-spoke 16-inch alloys and Titanium variants boast 17-inch items.
Inside, Ford claims an increase in soft-touch materials, along with an “entirely new” instrument cluster and centre console with far fewer buttons. There are also new seat designs and full leather on the Titanium derivatives.
Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system is fitted as standard on the Trend and Titanium models (Ambiente employs the first-generation Sync set-up), and incorporates a new floating colour touchscreen. A 6,5-inch screen is fitted on Trend models, while Titanium versions gain an eight-inch version as well as navigation and a new 4,2-inch digital instrument cluster.
The EcoSport also gains cruise control with an adjustable speed limiter (on Titanium models), while all models now boast rear parking sensors. All but the diesel model feature roll stability control (which adjusts torque and braking to help drivers maintain control), hill launch assist and tyre pressure monitoring.
The flagship Titanium variants furthermore gain automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers. Six airbags are fitted as standard on the Ambiente model, while Trend and Titanium derivatives add a driver’s knee airbag to the mix for a total of seven each.
A four-year/120 000 km warranty and four-year/60 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) come standard.
Pricing:
Ford EcoSport 1,5 TDCi Ambiente: R264 500
Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Trend: R287 500
Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT: R300 700
Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium: R327 800
Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT: R339 900
