What is it?
This is the updated version of Ford’s troubled Ecosport, a compact SUV that was given a rather rough time when first reviewed by us back in 2013.
We’ve already sampled the 2018 model in Portugal, but now we’re putting it under the microscope on home turf for the first time.
Ford will no doubt expect to see the Ecosport's popularity increase. SUV sales in Europe continue to grow, and the manufacturer predicts that one in every three new cars sold by 2020 will come from this segment, with compact models accounting for a generous portion of that figure.
Rival firms haven’t been lazy when it comes to launching their own contenders, either, which only makes the Ecosport’s job of standing out even tougher.
Ford is keen to point out that the revised Ecosport features 2300 new parts, although the basic layout remains largely the same.
For the suspension, that means independent MacPherson struts up front with a torsion beam at the rear. However, Ford says that it has now tuned the Ecosport’s chassis specifically with European drivers in mind.
A familiar engine line-up is also present. Kicking things off is the 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol, which is available in both 123bhp and 138bhp guises, while a 98bhp 1.5-litre TDCI is the sole diesel offering. A four-wheel-drive 1.5-litre Ecoblue diesel model will join the range mid-year.
The most noticeable change, however, is the revised exterior. Where the original Ecosport looked overly cutesy and cartoonish, this new model looks far more purposeful. The trapezoidal grille has been enlarged, while angular foglight housings help complete a front three-quarter profile that Ford claims was inspired by rucksack straps. Supposedly these hint at the Ecosport’s “adventurous character”. Make of that what you will.
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Utterly contemptible effort by Ford at a small SUV. Late to market and poorly implemented, the competition have nothing to worry about.
You have to wonder what Ford
You have to wonder what Ford's product planners were doing a few years ago, when they spent all that time and money developing the defunct B-Max, and didn't seem to notice the market obsession with SUVs coming. They are certainly trying now with this one, but it will never be great.
catnip wrote:
Well exactly. Ford are very risk-averse but even so i have no idea why the Focus hasn't been used as the basis for a C-segment x-over. Everyone else has been at the party for years.
turd it is, along with cmax
Ford have lost their way getting rid of the family jewels ie JLR,Volvo Aston.They try to sell an over priced and hyped Vignale or whatever the wretched thing is called in each range.Ford if Fiesta and Focus full stop with a few suv's.You hardly see a cmax these days the previous model was a popular family choice .