Ford EcoSport to shed unpopular rear-mounted spare

The masses (well, sort of) have spoken and Ford has listened – the EcoSport SUV is about to lose its unpopular tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

Ford has promised offer the re-designed rear, already available to overseas markets, to Australian models as part of ongoing upgrades to the compact SUV.

The catch is the spare will be gone once and for all as part of a ‘MY18.5’ update that will arrive mid next year. The revision also means the EcoSport’s spare wheel will be eschewed for an inflation kit thereafter. The lesser of two evils, according to Ford.

In the meantime, Ford has announced pricing for its ‘MY18’ EcoSport range, which arrives in showrooms this week. Significant changes, including the addition of a new engine and the deletion of a manual transmission, have coincided with increases across the range.

The entry-level Ambiente now sits at $22,790 plus on-road costs, a $2000 increase on the predecessor. The hike is justified with a new six-speed torque converter automatic now opening the range in place of a five-speed manual option.

Further up the food chain sits the Trend, at $24,490 (plus on-road costs), a $200 increase. The flagship Titanium is priced at $28,990, up $1200.

As we’ve previously reported, the entry model debuts a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder petrol offering 90kW and 150Nm, an 8kW/10Nm on the four-cylinder predecessor.

A manual transmission has been dropped from the 92kW/170Nm 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder in EcoSport Trend and Titanium models.

Inside, the Indian-built EcoSport boasts new seat designs, upmarket materials and simplified controls in the centre fascia. Ford has redesigned the centre console too for added practicality, with two USB ports and a storage bin under the centre armrest.

In the rear, a new ‘flip and fold’ system for the seats makes life easier freeing up more room for carrying larger payloads or resetting for the passenger-carrying application. Ford claims that this system means an end to “heavy lifting or awkward positioning.”

The introduction of standard SYNC 3 across the EcoSport range brings with it Emergency Assistance, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone users, as well as digital radio (DAB+) and mobile apps like the Spotify music-streaming facility.

Other features bundled with the infotainment system include voice activation and satellite navigation for mid-spec Trend and upmarket Titanium variants.

The EcoSport Ambiente makes do with a 6.5-inch infotainment display, but the Trend and Titanium grades migrate to a new, 8.0-inch colour touch screen that displays the output from the reverse-parking camera that’s new to the EcoSport.

Along with the cosmetic changes – grille, fog light housings, rear bumper and tail lights – the range-capping EcoSport Titanium now features LED daytime running lights. Ford has introduced three new colours to the EcoSport’s palette: Lightning Blue, Canyon Ridge and Diamond White.

The EcoSport Ambiente is equipped as standard with 16-inch steel wheels, seven airbags, ISOFIX child safety seat anchorage points, remote central locking and power windows.

Added equipment for the EcoSport Trend comprises 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, leather-bound steering wheel and rear armrest with cupholders.

The EcoSport Titanium rolls on 17-inch alloys and features a power sunroof, leather-accented upholstery, climate control, keyless entry/start, auto-dimming 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.

Ford EcoSport 2018 pricing

Ambiente - $22,790

Trend - $24,490

Titanium - $28,990

*Excluding on-road costs