Ford EcoSport – Key highlights

Ford Motors produces anywhere from large utility vehicles like the Expedition to superminis like the Fiesta. Ford EcoSport is in-between these two segments, offering the practicality of a five-seat SUV in a compact body.

The EcoSport is a subcompact crossover that was first introduced in 2014. Back then, the concept of a budget-friendly Ford wasn’t new. There was Ford Fiesta but it was pulled out of the product line. This leaves us with the second generation EcoSport as the most affordable Ford vehicle at a starting price of Php 920,000.

Ford EcoSport is offered in four variants – Ambiente, Trend, Titanium, and EcoBoost Titanium. The first three are mated to a 1.5L Ti-VCT engine that delivers 123 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, EcoBoost Titanium gets a smaller but slightly more powerful 1.0L EcoBoost engine that cranks out 125 hp and 170 Nm.

The entry-level EcoSport Ambiente runs on 5-speed manual while the range-topping Titanium and EcoBoost Titanium gets a 6-speed automatic. Buyers of the mid-range EcoSport Trend have the most flexibility and can choose between manual and automatic transmission.

Is Ford EcoSport a good car?

If you want a smart and practical crossover within the P1M price range, it’s worth considering. To help you decide, we’ve rounded up the key highlights of Ford EcoSport.

1. Elevated ride height

It’s not quite as high as the Ford Expedition. But with a 209 mm ground clearance, you should be able to get past deep potholes and tall islands without damaging the underparts of the vehicle. It also gives the Ford EcoSport a decent wading depth, which means that you can drive across lightly flooded streets without the fear of stalling.

2. Smart road visibility

As soon as it gets dark, the headlights on EcoSport Titanium will automatically switch on as long as the vehicle is running. When it rains, the moisture sensor on the rear-view mirror activates the rear windshield wipers. If you need help with parking, you can use the 8-inch center display to see a live feed of the rear view camera. Whether it’s day or night, these features greatly improve the driver’s visibility.

3. Keyless entry and start-up

Gone are the days when you had to struggle to get the right key into the keyhole, let alone having to insert it in the ignition just so you can start the vehicle. Ford EcoSport will automatically unlock its doors so long as the key fob is on you. All you have to do is lift the driver’s side door handle. To start the engine, simply push the START/STOP button and you can be off in minutes.

4. SYNC3 entertainment

EcoSport’s smart features go beyond the practical here. The built-in audio system raises the bar on automobile entertainment, and it’s not just because of the 7 speaker setup on higher trims. First is the touchscreen display, which in and of itself is a delight to use. It functions like a smartphone, so you can use gestures like swipe and pinch-to-zoom among others.

The third-generation SYNC3 technology integrated into the system has never been better. It lets you connect your smartphone so you can use voice commands to make calls, play music, or listen to text messages. The same feature works on apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so the driver can keep their hands on the steering wheel.

5. Multi-functional cargo and storage spaces

The latest EcoSport has an overload of storage spaces. There are over 20 compartments inside the vehicle alone, giving you room to fit anything and everything – from regular coffee cups to 1.5-liter water bottles, to gadgets such as smartphones and tablets.

Its center console has been redesigned to double as a sliding armrest. Underneath is a built-in storage bin that is readily accessible to front passengers. Rear passengers of Titanium variants can take also advantage of the retractable armrest with cupholders.

It doesn’t have the largest cargo space. But based on the Ford EcoSport spec sheet, its boot space can be maxed out to 1,178 liters which is pretty impressive for a subcompact hatchback.

6. Compact body

The EcoSport is built on the same unibody frame as Ford Fiesta. Combined with its sharp departure angles, you’ll find it easy to park in tight spaces or squeeze into narrow streets. In the hands of a skilled driver, you can even get around heavy traffic thanks to its compact body.

In spite of its size, Ford EcoSport is equipped with enough features that make it a great buy. It may not be the cheapest subcompact hatchback in the market, but there is a good reason why it is one of Ford’s most popular offerings. By combining the functionality of higher-end and larger SUVs in a small package, Ford has created the perfect city car.

Also Read: Ford Ecosport: Hits and misses