Ford has taken the wraps off its new EcoSport Storm, a fresh version of its little crossover that boasts four-wheel drive and styling inspired by the F-150 Raptor (and, indeed, the recently revealed Ranger Raptor).
Developed for the Brazilian market, the EcoSport Storm is essentially the production version of the concept of the same name revealed way back at the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show.
Interestingly, the EcoSport Storm doesn’t merely appear brawnier than the standard model, it actually is, measuring in at 88 mm longer and 20 mm wider.
The new variant gains a model-specific grille, complete with the sort of block lettering made popular by the Raptor (although this one reads “Storm” rather than “Ford”). Other highlights include black-masked Xenon headlamps, a model-specific solid spare wheel cover (with the “Storm” lettering repeated), 17-inch alloys and a smattering of special decals.
In the Brazilian market, urge comes from a naturally aspirated 2,0-litre petrol engine worth 127 kW and 202 N.m. A new six-speed torque converter automatic transmission is standard, mating the engine to the on-demand four-wheel-drive system.
The suspension system also benefits from a few changes, with an independent multilink set-up used at the rear, along with progressive springs. The front suspension, meanwhile, has been hiked by 17 mm and features recalibrated springs.
Will the EcoSport Storm come to South Africa? Well, it seems unlikely, although we wouldn’t be surprised to see a few aftermarket Raptor-style kits for the crossover popping up on the local market in the near future…
