Ford EcoSport Titanium 2013 Launch

Ford EcoSport Titanium

What we liked:
>> Sharp pricing
>> Peppy turbo engine
>> Ride and handling

Not so much:
>> No sat-nav
>> Tailgate opens wrong way
>> No auto for EcoBoost engine

OVERVIEW
>> There's a good sport!
At first glance the Ford EcoSport has a lot going for it. It's the most affordable SUV in Australia, priced from below $21,000, has more than a modicum of off-road ability, loads of clever features and decent interior space.

It's also the first Ford in Australia to be firing on three cylinders, thanks to a new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. And while this motorcycle-sized 999cc turbo-petrol engine may sound like a pip-squeak, it gets the job done, and is actually more spritely than the second engine in the range, a 1.5-litre four-cylinder mill.

But it's not all lollipops and rainbows for the compact SUV. Ford is launching the EcoSport in Australia with only one of the three models, the most expensive one. The other two variants arrive in February 2014, and there's no automatic available for the perky new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine in the foreseeable future.

Other minor irritants include the lack of a diesel engine, sat-nav and a reversing camera, and a rear tailgate that opens the wrong way for Australians may also put off buyers. Can the car’s positives outweigh its negatives? Let's have a closer look.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
>> Lots of stuff for not much cash
By virtue of being one of the most affordable SUVs in Australia, the new EcoSport will certainly draw customers to dealerships. Three models will be offered from February, including the entry-level Ambiente ($20,790), the mid-grade Trend ($22,290) and the top-shelf Titanium ($25,790).

All EcoSport models are fitted as standard with features like Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio streaming, a six-speaker stereo with AUX and USB ports, and voice-control -- or SYNC -- which is paired with an Emergency Assistant that will automatically call emergency services in the event of a serious accident. All models get a basic 3.5-inch digital display and a full-size spare wheel fixed to the rear tailgate.

Base-spec Ambiente models come with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, power windows/mirrors and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual. A six-speed auto is a $2000 option.

Mid-spec Trend models add 16-inch alloy wheels, exterior chrome highlights, front foglights, black roof rails, sports-styled front seats with upgraded cloth trim and driver's lumbar adjust, cruise control and a cooled glovebox.

Top-spec Titanium models up the ante with one-touch automatic climate-control, automatic rain-sensing wipers and dusk-sensing headlights, smart key vehicle entry and push-button engine start, plus an auto-dimming interior mirror, reversing sensors and leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel. A spare wheel cover is also added.

Unlike the Ambiente model, Trend and Titanium grades are offered with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine but as a manual only, as well as the 1.5-litre engine with a six-speed auto. Ford Australia says it hopes to offer an automatic with the 1.0-litre engine, which is offered in the Fiesta, but has not put a time frame on it.

MECHANICAL
>> High-tech engine missing a key partner...
Based on the Ford Fiesta's platform, the new EcoSport is a front wheel-drive only proposition but thanks to its Fiesta genes it’s also one of the best steering and handling vehicles in its class, while exhibiting good bump absorption and above average ride quality.

Making use of independent MacPherson struts up front and a semi-independent twist beam at the rear, the EcoSport isn't as sharp as the Fiesta but is certainly a better steer than the Holden Trax and quite probably best-in-class dynamically.

On quiet country roads it eats up long flowing corners easily while ensuring good levels of ride comfort.

What's interesting about the EcoSport is its potential for rock-hopping. Unlike most ground-hugging city-savvy micro SUVs, this one has a 200mm ride height, offering more clearance than some medium SUVs. Not only does it provide a much higher riding position than its rivals and a great view of the road, it means the car can (theoretically) tackle rougher conditions.

Ford claims a 550mm water wading depth, but we didn't get a chance to test this claim.

There is an AWD version of the EcoSport in Brazil, though Ford Australia has no plans to introduce an AWD version here.

We did steer the EcoSport on some gravel tracks and it was a predictable, composed unit, easy to keep pointed in the right direction. The electric power steering is light and direct and translates directly on gravel and sealed roads, and features anti-nibble compensation which reduces minor kickback through the wheel.

It also has claimed approach and departure angles of 25 and 35 degrees, and a ramp breakover angle of 25 degrees -- details that some compact SUV makers don't even bother with.

The EcoSport's stoppers function well and, though cost-cutting is evident in the fitment of rear drum brakes, the 278mm fronts disc brakes do most of the deceleration. The brake package features hill-start assist too.

The two engines are available, both petrol, including Ford Australia's first-ever three-cylinder petrol engine. The direct-injection 1.0-litre turbo-petrol EcoBoost unit pumps out 92kW at 6000rpm and 170Nm from 1400 to 4500rpm. There is no overboost function but the engine is a grunty little unit which moves the car's 1280kg mass easily, if not particularly swiftly.

While the five-speed manual a tidy gearbox, the lack of an automatic transmission with the EcoBoost engine is a shame, because most people will opt for the raspy, characterless 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that comes with an auto.

Sure, it gets the job done and six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox is a capable cog-swapper, but the four-cylinder engine lacks the X-factor of its smaller but more powerful three-cylinder sibling.

The 1.5-litre engine generates 82kW at 6300rpm and 140Nm at 4400rpm, and is quite the opposite to the tri-cylinder turbo, flaccid low in the rev range where torque appears to be missing in action. It works fine around town and at slower speeds but when pushed or during overtaking at highway speeds is slow to respond.

Both are relatively frugal engines, the 1.0-litre consuming fuel at a rate of 5.7L/100km and the 1.5-litre at 6.5L/100km. Ford says both engines are compatible with 91 RON regular petrol, but that 95/98 premium petrol is recommended for "optimal performance".

PACKAGING
>> Compact proportions, clever interior
Measuring just 4245mm long -- or 4010mm without the spare tyre on the back -- Ford's baby SUV is 638mm shorter than the Territory, but the resemblance is uncanny, especially the front-end design.

While it might be a compact city SUV, the EcoSport has ample room for front passengers, average room in the rear seat and a decent 346-litre boot that expands to 705 litres with the 60:40-split rear seats folded.

Incidental storage is very good, Ford boasting 20 storage cubbies totalling 21 litres of capacity, including a large glovebox that can fit six drink cans, drawers under the front seats plus bottle and cup holders. Oddly though, there's no roof-mounted grab-handles.

Presentation is good. The cabin looks very much like the Fiesta, with a contemporary, angular motif that features an easy-to-read instrument panel. Where it differs from the Fiesta is in the quality of the interior materials. The Thai-built Fiesta has good quality plastics, the Indian-built EcoSport does not. Most surfaces are very hard and unrelenting to the touch.

Bluetooth phone integration was fairly straightforward but unlike the Holden Trax the Ford doesn't have smartphone app integration or a touch-screen, and the compact 3.5-inch dot matrix blue infotainment screen is hard to read at times.

Another issue for some people will be the tailgate, which opens easily enough on pneumatic struts, but hinges on left which means it blocks access to the footpath. On the plus side, it's easy to open via a small touch-sensitive button.

SAFETY
>> Strong protection
Ford's baby SUV has just scored a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating but the Blue Oval's top brass said it is sill projecting a five-star local ANCAP safety rating -- the best attainable.

Standard with seven airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control, the EcoSport also gets Ford's Intelligent Protection System, or IPS, which is essentially a very stiff, high-strength steel safety cell that surrounds occupants. ISOFIX child seat anchors are fitted on two of the three rear seats.

COMPETITORS
>> Holden Trax could be its fiercest foe
The Ford EcoSport is the cheapest mainstream SUV in Australia, unless you count the Suzuki Jimny ($20,490), SX4 ($18,990) and Chery J11 ($17,990 drive-away).

It undercuts the Peugeot 2008 ($21,990), Nissan Juke ($21,990) and Holden Trax ($23,490) and is arguably the most involving of the lot to drive and has the highest riding position.

ON THE ROAD
>> A lot riding on a little crossover
Joining the Kuga and Territory in Ford's three-pronged assault on Australia’s booming SUV market, the EcoSport doesn't disappoint in terms of capability.

It maintains a good balance between ride and handling, is confident on dirt roads and gives the driver an excellent view of the road.

It steers through corners eagerly and retains some of the fun factor evident in its Fiesta sibling. There's some body roll as it tips into corners, but it's more than acceptable given the level of ride comfort it manages.

Bumps and lumps in the road are absorbed easily and it's on gravel roads that it really shines, gliding along like it was born on the dusty, dilapidated rural roads of India or Brazil. Oh wait, it was. That explains it then.

But even on an urban trek through St Kilda the EcoSport proved nimble and easygoing, the light steering taking the effort out of tight turns and cruisey suspension smoothing out decades-old tram tracks.

The only issue I had in the 'burbs was the large blind spot, which is thanks to chubby C- and D-pillars that obscure your view when head-checking.

Ford talked up the car's quietness and while there's very little wind noise as the air rushes around the car’s body, there was a fair amount of tyre roar.

Getting in and out of the EcoSport is easy thanks to its raised ride height and though the centre console is a bit busy with the (obsolete) numeric pad, the contemporary interior design is welcome.

Motivation from the new three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is impressive, the tiny three-pot turbo delivering a good amount of shove from low in the rev range, which makes the traffic-light tango a lot of fun.

It also delivers an engaging growl at low revs that adds character and makes it more interesting to drive as a result.

It's a nice set-up with the manual, which shifts smoothly and surely, but the fact that around 80 per cent of buyers prefer automatic transmissions means most customers will be stuck with the lethargic, breathless 1.5-litre engine, which barely musters much hustle before 4000rpm.

It's not terrible and the extra ratio in the smooth-shifting six-speed gearbox is handy, it's just that it's not as sweet as the turbo triple.

We did notice a minor vibration coming from around the front air-vent in one of the four EcoSport Titanium models we tested, but by and large they felt well screwed together.

Sure, the Ford EcoSport has a handful of serious omissions -- no auto for its high-tech three-banger turbo, no sat-nav, no reversing camera, no diesel -- but the price is right, the fundamentals sound and the car does a lot of things very well. Better than most of its rivals, in fact.

If Ford can convince buyers to take the EcoSport on a test drive, it might find a lot of new friends.