Ford Ecosport: Hits and misses

The Ford Ecosport first entered the local market as the first sub-compact SUV back in 2013. At the time, it was the only crossover that was priced at less than Php 1 million. Despite its first-mover advantage, Ford has fallen behind in resurrecting the EcoSport numerous times throughout its career, resulting in an increase in competition.

With its latest 2020 version, Ford reinvented the EcoSport and stripped away the outdated tech and engineering. The EcoBoost is currently being offered with five variants at the following price points:

Ford Ecosport prices in Philippines 

Ford EcoSport 1.5L Ambiente MT	P920,000
Ford EcoSport 1.5L Trend MT	P970,000
Ford EcoSport 1.5L Trend AT	P1,030,000
Ford EcoSport 1.5L Titanium AT	P1,100,00
Ford Ecosport 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium AT	P1,190,000

While its premium offerings already carry a million peso price tag, they are still some of the most affordable models in their segment.

Ford also ditched the four-cylinder engines for a simpler three-cylinder that generates more power and torque compared to the previous generation’s 108 hp and 150 Nm.

We listed the engine specs below:

Ford Ecosport engine specs

Specs	Ford EcoSport 1.5L Trend AT	Ford EcoSport 1.5L Trend MT	Ford EcoSport 1.5L Ambiente MT	Ford EcoSport 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium AT
Engine Type	1.5L Petrol			1.0L EcoBoost Petrol
Maximum Power	121 hp @ 6,500 rpm			123 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque	150 Nm @ 4,500 rpm			170 Nm @1,500-4,500 rpm
Transmission Type	6-Speed Automatic	5-Speed Manual		6-Speed Automatic
Auto Start-Stop Technology	Not Available			Standard

Ford is also offering a premium Titanium variant with a 1.0L EcoBoost engine. It is capable of generating a bit more power for those who prefer an extra boost to their EcosSport. The EcoBoost is also equipped with Start-Stop technology.

Overtime, the EcoSport has received mixed reviews towards its driving performance and overall performance. With the latest 2020 upgrade, Ford is hoping to finally give the EcoSport of our dreams. However, has it lived up to its expectations? We looked at the hits and misses of the latest Ford EcoSport to determine if it's worth a second chance.

Ford Ecosport hits

Updated exterior

It wouldn’t be an upgrade without a makeover. The new EcoSport received the most facelifts compared to the previous generations. Ford ditched the projector lens and outfitted new, bigger headlights onto the vehicle. Gone as well is the slim upper grille that holds the headlights and brand emblem and replaced with a wider grille. They also added some chrome detailing and painted the roof rails black to give it a more modern touch.

The premium Titanium EcoBoost variant has a couple of personal touches such as its HID projector headlights.

Compact for city driving

What made the Ford EcoSport so well-known was how ideal it was for city driving—and it still is. Despite its bulky size, the vehicle remains compact and maneuvers easily through Philippine roads. It has a ground clearance of 209 mm and an excellent suspension that makes driving across potholes and bumpy roads painless.

Smoother driving

One of the most common complaints about the EcoSport is its jerky driving performance. Ford addressed this by replacing the old Powershift dual-clutch transmission with a six-speed automatic. This has resulted in, while not completely eliminating its jerky nature, has made shifting from gears smoother and more predictable.

Advanced tech features

The previous generations of the EcoSport felt like it was still ages away from a modern vehicle. For the latest version, Ford Ecosport specs sheet has a handful of new tech features and accessories such as:

• Smart keyless entry
• Push-start ignition
• Digital instrument panel
• Expanded steering wheel controls
• USB ports
• Cruise control
• Speed-sensing door locks
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Hill-start and hill-descent controls
• Rear parking sensors
• Rain-sensing wipers

Ford Ecosport misses

Limited legroom

Being a compact vehicle, some might not be a fan of the limited rear legroom of the EcoSport. The space is maximized, so it can be a little cramped. However, legroom isn’t an issue for the front.

Shaky drivetrain

We mentioned how Ford has somehow minimized the jerkiness of the EcoSport’s driving experience. While it’s a good thing Ford has improved this, they still haven’t completely resolved it. In fact, they may have added a new problem. While the jerky Powershift is gone, the new self-shifter can make the vehicle feel heavier, causing the driver to step down more on the gas.

Not as fuel-efficient

One would expect from its namesake that the EcoSport has top-notch fuel economy. Well, not exactly. It currently has a fuel economy rating of 8 kilometers per liter — a figure that most 2.0L engines today can also achieve. In light traffic, it can manage 12.8 kilometers per liter and 15 kilometers per liter when on the highway.

Too light steering

This is the most common complaint for the new EcoSport. While it can maneuver smoothly in the city, the steering tends to become lighter when driving outside and can reach speeds above 80km/h. It can also tend to understeer when dealing with curves at high speeds. We recommend adding some power-assisted steering features.

Verdict

The all-new Ford EcoSport definitely returned to the market with a bang. Ford has clearly taken note of the shortcomings of the previous generations and made the necessary improvements. While still an impressive vehicle, it still falls flat from what many expect from the model.

Most of the upgrades and improvements could have been made with the previous versions, resulting in the 2020 version still appearing to fall behind its competitors. Should you decide to take home the new Ford EcoSport, the entry-level variants should already serve you well.

What do you think about the new Ford Ecosport: was it a hit or a miss? Share with us your thoughts on our social media.

Also Read: 2019 Ford Mustang - All you need to know