LA MOTOR SHOW: Ford EcoSport scores new look

Possessed of an edgy new attitude thanks to sharp restyling of the exterior, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, not to mention being the first vehicle premiere ever on SnapChat, the new-look Ford EcoSport has young buyers in its sights.

Showing off a fresh new look via redesigned front bumper and grille work, new-look headlights and repositioned fog lights, the updated Ford EcoSport compact SUV can also be optioned with a thumping 675-Watt, 10-speaker Harman stereo complete with a subwoofer as it repositions itself a trendy urban cruiser.

For those who didn't check out the SnapChat premiere, North American buyers will get their first look at the EcoSport at the 2016 Los Angeles motor show that begins on November 16, while Australians and many other countries have had access to the car for around four years.

Apart from the new exterior design, the implementation of Ford's SYNC 3 will be a boon for the vehicle which has been a relatively slow-seller in the compact SUV segment in Australia.

The new infotainment system adds Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality via a goodly-sized 8.0-inch touch-screen. These systems allow deep levels of smartphone integration.

Ford has given the interior a once-over too, the new touchscreen display the centre-piece of the more colourful cabin.

The new-look Ford EcoSport will be on sale in Australia in 2017 and the company will be hoping the new look and improved connectivity features will improve its local standing.

The tiny Indian-built Ford EcoSport has struggled to gain a foothold in Australia, which is powered by 1.0- and 1.5-litre petrol engines in this country, but facelifted models delivered to the USA will ditch the 1.5 in lieu of a 2.0-litre engine, the latter standard with AWD. Both US-market EcoSport engines are paired with six-speed automatic transmissions.

It remains to be seen whether the bigger 2.0-litre engine will be offered in Australia and whether it will change buyer habits.

EcoSport sales have slumped by 26 per cent thus far in 2016 compared to the same time last year, to 1530 sales. The big sellers in the segment dwarf the Ford's popularity: the Mazda CX-3 (15,493), Mitsubishi ASX (15,112), Honda HR-V (10,286) and Nissan Qashqai (10,700) are the league leaders.

Ford's US operation is banking on demand for its new compact SUV to stem from advanced connectivity features, explained Chantel Lenard, ?executive director, Ford U.S. marketing.

"More people are choosing to spend their time and money sharing experiences with friends and family instead of buying more stuff," she said. "EcoSport fits perfectly into this growing lifestyle. It's our smallest SUV, packed with features and personality."

In Australia, the Ford EcoSport is priced between $20,790 and $28,090.