The Ford Ecosport has not had an easy life in Europe. Developed under the One Ford strategy, Ecosport was developed in Brazil and is produced in several places such as India and Thailand, and optimized considering these types of markets. His arrival in Europe coincided with the “explosion” of sales in the segment. It would be impossible to go wrong, right? Wrong.
Criticized for being below the requirements of the European consumer and even what was expected of a Ford, the Ecosport proved to be ineffective in standing up to the leaders of the segment, either in comparisons or in the sales tables. Among its rivals are the former Nissan Juke leader, the current leader Renault Captur, passing by other highly successful models such as the Opel Mokka or the Peugeot 2008.
Ford was quick to act and two years after it was introduced on the market, it received a set of changes that allowed it to correct some of the model's less positive points.
Sales improved, but still it wasn't enough. Compared with other models of the American brand, which are usually among the best sellers in their segment, the Ford Ecosport continues to have no arguments for competition developed and focused on the European market.
the ultimate offensive
But Ford doesn't give up. Ecosport receives its biggest update to date, coinciding with reaching more or less half of its lifecycle. The facelift sees the small SUV get a new front – new bumpers, headlights and grille – and a new one for rear bumpers. It also receives a new set of 17-inch and 18-inch wheels, new colors and for the first time the possibility of having two-tone bodywork.News under the bonnet
In addition to a revised bodywork at its ends, the Ecosport is now receiving the services of a new Diesel unit named EcoBlue: a 1.5 with 125 hp and 300 Nm, capable of official average consumptions of 4.5 l/100 and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. It will join the other 1.5 TDCI with 100 hp and both are mated to a new six-speed manual gearbox.
As for gasoline engines, it will be in charge of the well-known 1.0 EcoBoost with 125 and 140 hp versions, to which in 2018 a new 100 hp variant will be added. All of them also use a six-speed manual transmission, with the option of a six-speed automatic transmission for the 125 hp Ecoboost.
Unlike other proposals, in addition to two-wheel drive, Ford Ecosport also offers four-wheel drive, with a system called Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive.
More refined interior
The interior was also the focus of attention from Ford. Now it is coated with new materials – softer -, has new seats and gets a new center console, with fewer buttons. The SYNC 3 infotainment system compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto becomes part of the Ford Ecosport. The SYNC 3 is accessible through a touch screen that can come in different dimensions, depending on the version: 4.2″, 6.5″ and 8″.
The Ford Ecosport also receives new equipment such as a B&O sound system, cruise control or rear camera. In the safety chapter, the Ford Ecosport gets new side and curtain airbags.
Also for the first time, it receives a sportier ST-Line version. It stands out for its uniquely designed bumpers, as well as the presence of side skirts and two-tone bodywork. Inside it comes with a steering wheel with a flat leather bottom, as well as the gearshift knob and handbrake. The seats are also partially covered in leather and come with sporty stainless steel pedals.
Gary Boes, Global B Auto Line DirectorWe've improved the quality, technology and versatility of the new Ford Ecosport to deliver more confidence and control that compact SUV customers want. Drivers will feel more comfortable and safer than ever behind the wheel.
Will all the changes made be enough to bring the Ford Ecosport closer to its rivals, both in terms of product and sales? We'll see. The “European” Ecosport will be produced in Romania at Ford's Craiova facility.
The new Ford Ecosport will be at the Frankfurt Motor Show and is scheduled to be sold later this year.