Ford EcoSport 2018 Review - International

As the old saying goes, if at first you don’t succeed try and try again. No other car in Ford’s current line-up does this apply more to than its baby SUV, the EcoSport. Since its introduction in 2013, the EcoSport has had limited appeal, and its sales have been eclipsed by rivals from Mitsubishi (ASX), Mazda (CX-3), Nissan (QASHQAI), Honda (HR-V), Holden (Trax), Toyota (C-HR) and even Hyundai’s new Kona.

The new-look front-end design, as revealed at the 2016 Los Angeles motor show, gives the EcoSport a cheekier look.

New headlights with LED daytime running lights on range-topping Titanium models, along with a revamped grille, bring the look of the EcoSport more into line with the rest of Ford’s SUV range, too.

The front bumper gets more detail, with a line wrapping around the new-look fog lights and appearing to extend upwards through the car’s door-handles.

But unlike the Romanian-built European version driven here, Australia’s 2018 EcoSport range, which goes on sale next week, continue to be built in India and therefore missed out on all-wheel drive and retains the horrendous spare wheel mounted to the tailgate.

Base EcoSport Ambiente models still roll on 16-inch steel wheels while the mid-range Trend gets alloys and the flagship Titanium scores 17-inch alloys. The bigger wheels do help the overall look without compromising noticeably on ride quality.

Fresh cabin
Where Ford has made the biggest strides is the EcoSport’s interior. Previously, we had criticised it for lacking in modernity and the extensive use of hard plastics, and Ford has seemingly listened.

The EcoSport’s thoroughly reworked cabin does still have some less-than-impressive plastics in lower sections, but overall, things have improved. Its design mostly mimics that of the new-generation Fiesta (not sold here), including a new free-standing infotainment screen.

For EcoSport Ambiente models this means a 6.5-inch unit, but Trend and Titanium versions benefit from the larger 8.0-inch colour touch-screen unit. Both run Ford’s latest SYNC3 infotainment platform.

Not only does it feature digital radio (DAB+) and Emergency Assistance, users also gain smartphone mirroring through either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Regardless of the music you choose to sing along to, you may want to keep the volume levels up to avoid having to hear the fuel sloshing around in the tank -- something that was prevalent during our time spent driving in traffic…

Satellite-navigation comes with Trend and Titanium models, or you can use your preferred system from your smartphone.

Ford is also adding in a reversing camera that is especially useful on the larger 8.0-inch screen and features guidelines that turn in relation to the steering wheel’s position.

All models come with a five-star ANCAP rating, seven airbags, ISOFIX child safety seat anchorage points, remote central locking and power windows, but there is no autonomous emergency braking (AEB) in our EcoSport.

Other added equipment for the EcoSport Trend comprises front fog lights, leather-bound steering wheel and rear armrest with cupholders.

The EcoSport Titanium features a power sunroof, leather-accented upholstery, climate control, keyless entry/start, electrochromatic mirror and sliding armrest for the centre console.

Additionally, the flagship is also fitted with front parking sensors, blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic alert, auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

For its size, there’s a good selection of storage areas dotted throughout the interior. The door bins are large enough to hold drinks bottles, though smaller items can get a little lost in them.

Between the front seats there are two cup holders next to the manual handbrake and the glovebox, while not wide, is deep enough to have some use.

Unlike several newer compact crossovers and SUVs that are no higher than most hatchbacks, the EcoSport has an elevated driving position, and forward visibility is generally good.

However, the chunky A-pillar could potentially obscure a cyclist when pulling out of a junction, for example. The token front quarterlight window serves little purpose.

Headroom is decent, but rear passenger space isn’t what you’d call overly generous. Ideally, just two would go in the back, as even three kids could find it a bit of a squeeze.

Ford is retaining the side-opening tailgate (hinged on the wrong side and still weighed down by a spare wheel, which was removed from Euro versions two years ago), and the boot gets a new height-adjustable floor that increases capacity to a decent 334 litres by way of a movable shelf that uses a lightweight honeycomb construction.

Under the bonnet
Changes to the engine line-up in Australia see the 92kW turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit come now only with an automatic transmission. This unit is a conventional six-speed auto with a torque converter; a decision Ford claims helps add to the car’s overall refinement.

Considering the compact dimensions of the EcoSport and the blown triple’s power output, the auto transmission leaves it feeling sluggish. The sedate 11.6 seconds required to reach 100km/h from rest gives you a clear impression of to what to expect.

According to Ford Australia’s official figures, the combined fuel consumption is 6.7L/100km, though we struggled to get close to that even on our best behaviour. Expect to get between 7.0 and 8.0L/100km in reality.

Gear changes seem lethargic compared to slicker dual-clutch set-ups, and even though Ford provides small plastic paddles on the back of the steering wheel, the management system doesn’t always allow you to shift.

Ideally, you need to select the transmission’s Sport setting as when manually shifting in Drive it almost instantly defaults back into full auto mode.

It doesn’t feel that much better than a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system, but when you get it up to speed it does at least allow the engine speed to settle down. It’s best driven with the lightest of throttle inputs.

On the road
Not that you’ll feel encouraged to press on too quickly in the EcoSport as – at least in Euro tune -- it does have more body roll than many of its competitors.

That’s a by-product of its 190mm ground clearance and soft suspension set-up that includes a torsion-beam rear axle and coil springs with separate monotube shock absorbers.

One of the features of this updated version is the inclusion of a new seat design. These are said to be engineered for greater occupant comfort, although we found them to be lacking in lateral support, a feature that is further highlighted by the ‘generous’ amounts of body roll.

It’s a similar story on the open road where the Ford continues to feel busy, very much reminding you that you’re in a high-riding SUV. The suspension does absorb most of the bigger bumps, but it never quite seems to settle, seeming very much as if it’s a car jacked up and suffering from a lofty centre of gravity.

In contrast, a drive in the new all-wheel-drive version (which won’t be sold in Australia) revealed a very different feel.

Unlike the front-wheel drive models, this benefits from independent rear suspension and retuned front dampers. The difference is transformative and highlights how the EcoSport can have a good ride quality that matches and, in some cases, betters its competitors.

For those that may need to pull a load, the automatic has the greatest towing capacity at 1100kg braked and 750kg un-braked. The rest of the EcoSport line-up pulls up to 750kg unbraked, but only 900kg braked.

In European form the steering has been recalibrated and although not overly light has a predictable feel to it, with a safe amount of understeer creeping in early should you try carrying more speed in the bends.

In the urban environs where many EcoSports are likely to reside, it feels agile enough and its 10.6-metre turning circle is a boon around town.

At 1324kg, the automatic 1.0-litre EcoBoost is the heaviest of the front-wheel drive EcoSports, yet it can still stop in a reassuringly short distance should you need it to.

In comparison to the outgoing EcoSport this new version is a better car. Much of that is largely down to the improvements that Ford has made to the interior both in design and feel.

Its funky styling should give it more appeal, especially to younger buyers, as will the increased levels of smartphone connectivity and the availability of safety systems that were previously unavailable – with the exception of AEB.

It may not be the company’s most accomplished model, but Ford of Europe has at least brought the EcoSport up to par with its rivals in the segment. although it still hasn’t gone far enough for Aussie market tastes.

2018 Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.0 EcoBoost pricing and specifications:
Price: TBC
Engine: 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol
Output: 92kW/ 170Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 134g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP