Marton Pettendy•14 May 2013
NEWS
Ford hatches new baby SUV
Blue Oval's new EcoSport launched in India ahead of its Australian release in DecemberFord’s all-new EcoSport compact crossover has been released in India, where Australia’s version will be produced ahead of its launch here in December.
Priced from about $20,000, the Blue Oval’s brand-new baby SUV will allow Ford to do battle for the first time in Australia’s fastest growing SUV segment, which is currently dominated by sub-$27,000 compacts like the Hyundai ix35 and Nissan Dualis.
A barrage of other new pint-size city-SUVs will beat the EcoSport here though, including Holden’s Trax, the Opel Mokka, Peugeot 2008 and Nissan Juke, while Renault’s Captur, Volkswagen’s Taigun and other all-new mini-crossovers from Mazda and Honda should follow in 2014.
Like them, the EcoSport is based on B-segment light-car underpinnings, in this case from Ford’s Fiesta, but the EcoSport will be smaller than most at less than four metres long.
Three models grades are expected, with entry-level Ambiente, mid-range Trend and top-shelf Titanium variants likely to echo the range of new-generation Kuga models launched here last month, priced from $27,990.
Two petrol engines will be available, but Australia will miss out on the 67kW/204Nm 1.5-litre diesel engine available in India and China, where the EcoSport will also be built.
All Australian models will also be front-wheel drive-only – unlike in Brazil, where the EcoSport was developed before its launch there late last year. The original EcoSport racked up more than 700,000 sales in South America since 2003.
Opening the line-up will be the EcoSport Ambiente, powered by Ford’s familiar 1.5-litre Ti-VCT four-cylinder from the Fiesta, matched with both five-speed manual and six-speed Powershift dual-clutch automatic transmissions, consuming 6.3 and 6.4L/100km respectively.
Topping the EcoSport line-up at under $30,000 will be the Titanium, powered by the same 82kW/140Nm 1.5-litre engine and six-speed twin-clutch auto combo and featuring a host of larger-car features, including automatic headlights and wipers, leather trim, climate-control, keyless entry and starting, foglights, parking sensors and bigger alloy wheels.
Somewhere in between will be Ford’s first three-cylinder engine, the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged petrol triple, probably wearing the Trend badge.
Delivering more performance than the larger naturally aspirated petrol engine at 92kW/170Nm (the latter between a broad 1400 to 4500 rpm), the ground-breaking turbo-triple will also arrive Down Under in the Fiesta around the same time, following the release of a facelifted model with Ford’s latest Microsoft-developed SYNC connectivity platform and a new Fiesta ST flagship in July.
The EcoBoost-equipped EcoSport returns fuel consumption of just 5.3L/100km in India, however, it will be matched only with a five-speed manual gearbox.
All Australian EcoSports will come standard with seven airbags (including twin front, front-side, side curtain and driver’s knee ‘bags), electronic stability/traction control, anti-skid brakes, hill-start assist and Emergency Assist, which automatically notifies emergency services if the car is involved in a serious collision.
As well as being smaller, the EcoSport rides higher than most of its rivals, with a full 200mm of ground clearance helping give it a taller driving position and the capability to wade through water as deep as 550mm.
Other equipment highlights include a total of 20 storage solutions, including nine cup-holders, a laptop-sized drawer under the driver’s seat, a cooled glovebox that can hold six cans, a driver’s seat with centre armrest and height and lumbar adjustment, an auto-dimming interior mirror, follow-me-home headlights and full SYNC hands-free phone and music functionality.
Despite its compact dimensions, Ford says clever packaging and the elimination of wasted space deliver generous rear legroom and headroom for all five occupants.
Efficiency is another key EcoSport catchcry, aided by an “outstanding” aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.37Cd and electric power steering that returns a tight 10.65-metre turning circle.
Ford says a rear-mounted spare wheel aims to produce a ‘classic’ SUV look for the Kuga’s smaller sibling, as well as freeing up 362 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, which in Trend and Titanium models is split 60/40 and can tumble-fold to liberate 705 litres of total luggage capacity – enough to swallow a washing machine.
The rear seatback also reclines, while cargo space measures 1099mm wide and 880mm high. However, the tailgate is hinged not from the top but the left (kerb) side, meaning it opens on the right (road) side.
According to Ford, hydraulic suspension bump stops aim to deliver a comfortable ride and double-sealed doors keep dust and noise out, making it the quietest in its class even at speeds of 130km/h.
Ford said the EcoSport notched up more than two million kilometres in more than 12,000 road and laboratory tests in South America, North America, Asia and Europe, in temperatures ranging between -25 and 50 degrees C and at altitudes of up to 4300 metres.
A more efficient air-conditioning compressor technology was also developed to help reduce fuel consumption while ensuring effective heating and cooling capability at temperatures between -20 and 50 degrees C, and at humidity levels between 20 and 85 per cent.
Seven exterior colours will be offered: Mars Red, Kinetic Blue, Sea Grey, Moondust Silver, Panther Black, Diamond White, and Chill.
Ford will produce the EcoSport for Australia at its Indian plant near Chennai, which will also supply European markets, but also plans to make its smallest SUV in Thailand and Vietnam.
It’s not talking sales volumes but Ford’s Indian plant has the capacity to build 280,000 vehicles annually, including up to 70,000 versions of the Australian-engineered Figo, and the EcoSport is expected to generate even more sales for Ford globally.
Despite being at least $5000 cheaper at base level, the EcoSport is unlikely to outsell the Kuga in Australia, given the larger five-door wagon sells in the nation’s largest SUV segment (mid-size) and early compact SUVs like the original Holden Cruze and closely related Suzuki Ignis failed to set the market alight.
Tags
Ford
Ecosport
Car News
SUV
Family Cars
First Car
Written byMarton Pettendy
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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