Ford EcoSport - Buyer’s guide

The second-generation Ford EcoSport gets a refreshed design both inside and out while still managing to be the same subcompact crossover SUV we’ve come to know and love. Just to refresh your memory, the first generation EcoSport made its debut in Brazil and exclusively manufactured there. Come 2012, other Ford factories across the globe including those in Asia— i.e. India and Thailand, started assembling this Ford crossover. And in 2014, Ford Philippines officially launched the EcoSport in our shores.

Ford wanted to target the budget-conscious buyer that want a small vehicle but have the flexibility of a large SUV. And now that Ford recently unveiled a facelifted version, here’s a buyer’s guide on what to expect on the new EcoSport and how it competes with its rivals in our local market.

How much does the facelifted EcoSport cost?

The 2020 EcoSport is available in five model options with detailed prices as follows:

Variant	Suggested Retail Price
1.0L EcoBoost Titanium AT	Php 1.19 million
1.5L Titanium AT	PhP 1.1 Million
1.5L Trend AT	PhP 1.03 Million
1.5L Trend MT	PhP 970,000
1.5L Ambiente MT	PhP 920,000

The Ambiente and the Trend variants are the only ones available with a manual transmission and have the most affordable price tag that did not even reach the 1 million peso mark. These price points are more affordable compared to its closest rival with the likes of Chevrolet Trax, Nissan Juke, Hyundai Tucson, and Subaru Forester, all of which have a starting price pegged at the one million mark.

What’s under the hood?

Specs	1.0L EcoBoost Titanium AT	Titanium, Trend, Ambiente
Engine	1.0L EcoBoost Petrol	1.5L Petrol
Maximum power	125 PS @ 6,000 RPM	123 PS @ 6,500 RPM
Maximum Torque	170 Nm @ 1,500-4,500 RPM	150 Nm @ 4,500 RPM
Transmission type	6-Speed Automatic	Manual / Automatic
Auto Start-Stop Technology	YES	NO

Under the hood of the updated Ford Ecosport flagship model is the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the rest of this Ford crossover variant is powered by a 1.5-liter Ti-VCT petrol engine that is either mated to a six-speed automatic, as in the case of the Titanium AT and Trend AT. OR a five-speed manual transmission found in Trend MT and Ambiente MT.

Updated second-generation design

Specs	1.0L EcoBoost Titanium, Titanium, Trend,	Ambiente
Overall length	4,325 mm	4,325 mm
Vehicle width (without mirrors)	1,765 mm	1,765 mm
Height	1,656 mm	1,640 mm
Wheelbase	2,519 mm	2,519 mm
Ground clearance	209 mm	209 mm

The new Ford EcoSport now has a bolder new street smart design. This compact SUV’s most obvious upgrade is the refreshed, larger, hexagonal radiator grille. Before, there was a split on its front grille, but now, it’s just one giant chunk with chrome trims. There’s also the curvier hood that matches the fender flare on the sides. The sporty looking projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights also get an update with the matching front fog light just below it. Up above, the Titanium comes with power sunroof while down below, it rides on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

On the rear is the same side-opening Other touches that will make a typical SUV more badass and ‘off-road’ looking like the crossbars, splash guards, scuff plates, and spoiler does not come standard. Another downer, EcoSport maintains the old rubber duck antenna and did not even bother to update it into a shark fin. Lastly, the EcoSport decided to keep its iconic rear as is with the spare wheel holder. This is a hotly contested feature, you might think that since the updated Everest got read of the ‘spare tire on the rear’ look, the updated one will follow suit. But alas, it’s there for keeps, at least for now. The same goes for the wide rear window and side opening of the rear door instead of going upwards.

Smart spaces inside the cabin

Inside the cabin, the EcoSport highlights smart spaces with flip and fold seats that can be configured based on cargo and passenger needs. A new center console has a sliding armrest and an integrated storage bin. There are also 20 plus cubbies scattered around the cabin to ensure that all your stuff has its proper place and keep your car organized. Both the Titanium models are equipped with a 4.2-inch Instrument Cluster Display Screen, an 8-inch touchscreen display standardly equipped with SYNCTM 3 connectivity system with Applink and voice control. While the rest of the model has 2.3-inch Instrument Cluster Display Screen coupled with a 9-inch touchscreen display. Features such as rain-sensing windshield wipers, electrochromic rearview mirror, satellite navigation, and leather seats come exclusively standard for the EcoBoost variant.

Key safety features

The Ford EcoSport specs sheet comes with a ton of safety features beginning with six SRS airbags for driver and front passenger, front side, and side curtain for the Titanium models. The Trend and Ambiente models do not get the side curtain airbag. Other standard active and passive safety features, as well as driver-assist technologies available across all models, are:

• Beltminder System (driver)
• Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Front Disc Brakes
• Hill Start Assist
• Traction Control System
• Electronic Stability Control
• Rear View Camera
• Child Proof Door Locks

All automatic variants come with hill descent control while rear park assist and front side airbags are not available on the base trim but can be found on the other models.

How does the EcoSport stack up with the competition?

Compared to its closest rivals, the Ford EcoSport has a lot to give and is adequately competent to take on other 5-seater crossover SUVs in the market. In terms of power, the EcoSport’s engine is not the most powerful and can even be classified as mediocre compared to that of the Forester, Tucson, and Trax which has a performance output of 154 Hp, 153 Hp, and 140 Hp respectively. But the Ford offering is not completely lagging at 121 Hp of output since the Juke can only churn 114 Hp of power. And when it comes to price and value for money, Ford is very competitive. Its convenience and safety features are among the best bundles given its price range.

And as mentioned the Ford EcoSport is the most affordable at PhP920,000 – PhP 1.19 million as compared to Chevrolet Trax variant with prices that range from PhP 1.19 million – Php 1.54 million; Nissan Juke at PhP 1.02 million; Hyundai Tucson between PhP 1.37 million – Php 1.88 million; and Subaru Forester at Php 1.6 million – Php 1.8 million.

Also Read: Ford pulls out 2020 guidance and suspends dividend due to Covid-19 pandemic