Ford lands EcoSport baby SUV

A starting price of just $20,790 plus on-road costs makes Ford’s new EcoSport one of Australia’s cheapest SUVs, yet it’s also one of the most fuel-efficient.

However, the bad news is that only the most expensive model is available here from December 1. Customers waiting for the entry- and mid-spec models will have to wait until February 2014 to collect their cars.

Ford reckons the new EcoSport compact SUV stands out from the crowd thanks to its ultra-efficient three-cylinder turbo-petrol 1.0-litre engine, ample space for five occupants, high-levels of smartphone Bluetooth interactivity and voice-control, standard safety kit including seven airbags and off-road ability.

But the EcoSport is a front-wheel drive model that remains unavailable with AWD, a reversing camera, satellite-navigation, diesel power and, for the 1.0-litre engine, an automatic transmission.

Two petrol engines will be offered with Ford’s new high-riding five-door wagon, including the first Australian application of Ford's award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol triple.

The compact tri-cylinder develops 92kW/170Nm from its modest size, and has a fuel consumption rating of 5.7L/100km. The only downside to the engine appears to be it's only available with a five-speed manual gearbox, putting it out of reach of many drivers with auto-only licences.

Ford’s smallest EcoBoost engine will come with an auto-box in next month’s upgraded Fiesta, however.

The 1.5-litre four-cylinder Duratec petrol engine doesn't have a turbo, which means it's not as feisty, generating 82kW/140Nm. However, it can be paired with Ford's six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, which costs an extra $2000.

The three-variant EcoSport line-up comprises the entry-level Ambiente, mid-level Trend and range-topping Titanium. All engines are available across the board except for the Ambiente, which is only offered with the 1.5-litre engine.

Starting with the sub-$21,000 Ambiente, it is paired with a five-speed manual, sits on 15-inch steel wheels and gets air-conditioning, power windows/mirrors, Bluetooth phone integration with SYNC  voice control and Emergency Assistant, USB and Aux ports, plus a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo and 3.5-inch display screen.

A full-sized spare wheel is also standard (fitted to the tailgate) and safety features like seven airbags, traction/stability control, anti-lock brakes and an engine immobiliser are also gratis.

Trend models ($22,290) get all of the abovementioned items plus 16-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, black roof rails, sports-styled front seats with driver's lumbar adjustment, cruise control and a chilled glovebox.

Top-spec Titanium ($25,790) models get all of that plus leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, reversing sensors, automatic climate-control, smart key entry and push-button starting, plus automatic headlights and wipers.

Ford is pitching the new model at "customers who want more room while minimising their urban footprint," and says it's a purposeful addition to its SUV range, which includes the Kuga and Territory.

It says the EcoSport's 200mm ground clearance affords it a water wading depth of more than half a metre (550mm) and its short overhangs result is approach and departure angles of 25 and 35-degrees respectively.

The EcoSport has a 346-litre boot that expands to 705 litres when the 60:40-split rear seats are folded down and Ford says it has a 'can do' attitude that will suit a diversity of urban lifestyles.

Stay tuned for our first local drive of the new EcoSport Titanium model to see how it fares on local roads.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...

Don't forget to register to comment on this article.