Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has quietly expanded its EcoSport range with the addition of a new automatic version of the base Ambiente trim level.
The arrival of the newcomer increases the local EcoSport line-up from six to seven derivatives, and comes as Ford SA adds to its Figo range with fresh Freestyle cross-hatch variants.
The 1,5 Ambiente AT is priced at R297 600, which makes it some R17 900 more expensive than the manual version and R36 300 cheaper than the 1,0 EcoBoost Trend AT. The new variant employs the Blue Oval brand’s naturally aspirated 1,5-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit, which sends its 91 kW and 150 N.m to the front axle via a six-speed automatic transmission (as opposed to a five-speed manual).
As a reminder, the entry-level Ambiente specification includes items such as Ford’s SYNC infotainment system (SYNC3 is reserved for higher-specced models), electric windows, heated side mirrors and air-conditioning. Six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors and Isofix child seat anchors are furthermore part of the Ambiente package.
A four-year/120 000 km warranty and a four-year/60 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) are also included in the price.
Pricing:
Ford EcoSport 1,5 Ambiente: R279 700
Ford EcoSport 1,5 TDCi Ambiente: R289 900
Ford EcoSport 1,5 Ambiente AT: R297 600
Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Trend: R319 200
Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Trend AT: R333 900
Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium: R357 000
Ford EcoSport 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium AT: R370 400
