Ford EcoSport SUV talks the tech

The European-spec Ford EcoSport compact SUV has been revealed in full production trim with cutting-edge smartphone connectivity, and could become the first vehicle to offer such technology when it arrives in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, one of Europe's pre-eminent mobile technology events, the new EcoSport SUV will allow drivers to sync their phone with the car to a degree not yet seen in mainstream motoring, delivering functionality far beyond call taking and music streaming.

Drivers will be able to voice-activate apps via Ford's SYNC Applink system, while on the move for example, and together with improved connectivity, this technology could potentially increase safety as drivers would not need to divert attention to their phones. One of the apps confirmed for Ford's Applink system is music streaming program Spotify, where driver's can voice-activate songs from a 20 million strong playlist.

As the compact SUV segment continues to grow, car connectivity will play a key role particularly in regards to attracting younger drivers. Paul Mascarenas, Ford's vice president for research and innovation, points out that we are approaching a new era, the "age of the connected car".

"The role of the car is evolving. Customers want to be able to safely enjoy the same level of connectivity in their cars as they would do at home, and SYNC AppLink enables them to do just that. By maximising the potential of apps, Ford can offer customers a class-leading range of smartphone app capabilities while on the move," says Mr Mascarenas.

As well as voice-operated apps, the Ford SYNC system offered in the EcoSport incorporates an Emergency Assistance feature, which automatically alerts the relevant authorities to the location of the accident (using GPS) and can do so in multiple languages depending on the country in which the incident takes place.

Based on the same global small car platform that underpins the Ford Fiesta, the EcoSport compact SUV is expected to be priced at around $25,000 in Australia when it arrives here in the fourth quarter.

Though Ford Australia is yet to confirm whether local versions of the EcoSport will get all the high-tech smartphone fruit offered in Europe, it is looking increasingly likely, as the Emergency Assistance feature has already been confirmed for locally delivered versions of the next generation Kuga, due in Oz in the second quarter of 2013.

The Indian-built EcoSport baby SUV will be offered in a number of grades and has several engines available to it, including a new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol EcoBoost engine that develops 88kW/170Nm and was voted 2012's "International Engine of the Year". This compact and frugal new engine will also be offered in the Fiesta.

Two other engines are available, 1.5-litre petrol and turbo-diesel engines respectively. Gearbox options will include manual and dual-clutch PowerShift automatics.

First shown in January 2012 at a special event in New Delhi, India, Ford says the new EcoSport offers the "go anywhere" appeal of an SUV with the agility of a small car, and will join the home-grown Territory and Kuga in the Blue Oval's SUV range.

Rivals for Ford's Brazilian-designed baby SUV include the Mitsubishi ASX and upcoming models such as the Holden Trax and Opel Mokka.

Ford of Europe also confirmed the next generation of the Ford Edge SUV will be sold in Europe, which could improve its chances of coming to Australia where it would slot in between the Territory and Kuga.

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