Ford EcoSport updated

Ford has today announced the arrival of its updated EcoSport SUV for 2018, featuring a mild facelift, a redesigned interior with added equipment and CarPlay/Android compatibility via the new SYNC 3 infotainment system.

But most importantly for Ford and for would-be EcoSport buyers, the SUV now offers an automatic transmission option for the turbocharged three-cylinder engine.

“The Ford EcoSport brings a new, smart look to Ford’s expanding SUV line-up, but importantly allows Australians – who we know love SUVs – a compact vehicle that offers a raised seating position, interior space and overall flexibility,” said Ford Australia president, Graeme Whickman, as quoted in a press release.

“That’s why we’ve seen SUVs overtake passenger car sales in 2017, and we’ve responded to this with a broader range for Australians to choose from, with a new Escape, more Everest models and the confirmation that we will launch the all-new Endura in 2018.”

Ford will continue to offer the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine in the EcoSport at entry level (the EcoSport Ambiente), but now with a six-speed automatic transmission in lieu of the dual-clutch transmission of the superseded model. This engine delivers increased power (90kW) and torque (150Nm) – an 8kW and 10Nm improvement, respectively. The official combined-cycle fuel consumption figure for this powertrain is 6.9L/100km.

For the 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder in the EcoSport Trend and Titanium models, the manual transmission has been dropped altogether, and the flagship variant comes equipped with shift paddles.

The automatic transmission, like the unit bolted to the 1.5-litre engine in the EcoSport Ambiente, is an epicyclic type, with torque converter – not the dual-clutch transmission that has been problematical for Ford in Australia. Engine output is 92kW and 170Nm, for an official fuel consumption figure of 6.7L/100km.

Unfortunately, the Indian-built EcoSport continues in Australia with the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, contrary to the images released this time a year ago in the lead-up to the LA motor show, and unlike the UK-spec EcoSport, which has been on sale in Britain for two years now.

Inside, the 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, 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.

No pricing details for the updated EcoSport will be available before its media launch on December 14.