Pretoria - Ford South Africa has announced details and prices of its upgraded EcoSport, which hits local showrooms this week.
The subcompact SUV will be sold in a range of five variants,
with four of them powered by a 1-litre EcoBoost petrol turbo engine and the
other by a 1.5-litre turbo diesel. The 1.5 normally aspirated petrol model has been dropped.
The 1.0T petrol models are available in the medium Trend and top-of-the-range
Titanium trim grades, while the sole diesel model gets the entry-level Ambiente
specification.
Ford has sold more than 45 000 second-generation EcoSport
models in South Africa since it was launched in 2013, and the vehicle has been a major
player in the compact adventure-vehicle segment against rivals like the Renault Captur, Mazda CX-3 and
Peugeot 2008.
The 2018 model sees big improvements in style, technology,
and interior updates.
The outside features a much bolder look with the designers
having taken a leaf out of the new Kuga’s design. The front end now sports the
same shaped grille with angular headlights (and integrated LED daytime running
lights for the upper versions), giving it a beefier look. The back has a new bumper and
tail light clusters.
A new level of interior refinement includes easier to use
controls and classy soft-touch materials, along with an entirely new instrument
cluster and centre console ergonomically designed for easy operation with fewer
buttons.
Ford’s sophisticated Sync3 communications and entertainment
system is fitted as standard on the Trend and Titanium models, and incorporates
Bluetooth and Voice Control.
Sync3 is supported by a new floating colour
touchscreen which can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures. A 16.5cm
screen is fitted on the Trend models, while the Titanium features a 20.3cm
version with navigation.
ENGINES
The petrol line up is powered by the three-cylinder 998cc Ecoboost turbo that has won the sub 1.0-litre category in the International Engine of
the Year awards for the last six years. It produces a sprightly 92kW of power
with a peak torque of 170Nm between 1400 and 4500rpm.
The petrol models are available in a choice of six-speed
manual or the latest-generation six-speed torque converter automatic that recently made its
debut on the all-new Ford Fiesta. Fuel consumption on the combined town/freeway
cycle is claimed at 6.8 litres per 100km for the manual and 8.3 litres for the
auto.
The diesel-powered Ambiente has a five-speed manual
gearbox. The four-cylinder oil burner produces outputs of 74kW and 205Nm of
torque between 1 750 and 3 250 rpm, and is claimed to sip just 5.3 litres per
100km.
All variants are front-wheel driven but have some respectable
gravel road ability due to a generous 206mm ground clearance.
Under the skin there have also been tweaks to the EcoSport
to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels in the cabin,
complemented by new suspension bushes and tyres that enhance refinement and
comfort.
THE RANGE
At the most affordable end of the range, the EcoSport Ambiente
is equipped with Ford’s previous-generation
(non touchscreen) SYNC system with Bluetooth and Voice Control, as well as
steering wheel audio controls.
Active driving safety has been stepped up markedly across
the range with standard fitment of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Also
standard are ABS brakes, a rear parking sensor, and six
airbags.
Aircon, a trip computer, electric windows, central locking, 16” steel
wheels and cloth seats complete the Ambiente package.
The Trend
spec
adds 16” alloy wheels, Roll Stability Control (RSC), Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
that makes pulling off on steep inclines easier, along with tyre pressure
monitoring. Also added is a driver’s knee airbag, leather gearknob and steering
wheel, and LED daytime running lights.
The range-topping Titanium
gains 17” alloys, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, automatic
headlights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless start, climate control, auto-dimming
rear view mirror, leather seats, ambient interior lighting, and auto headlamps.The Titanium also features a new digital instrument cluster that
makes key driving information easier to access.
The upgrades have seen some not-too-drastic price increases, with the pre-facelift range priced
between R257 900 and R318 900, and the latest line up selling from
R264 500 to R339 900.
PRICES
EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Ambiente manual R264 500EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend manual R287 500EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend auto R300 700EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium manual R327 800EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium auto R339 900
All models come standard with a four-year/120 000km
comprehensive warranty and three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance. A
four-year/60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.