2014 Ford EcoSport Review: Design, Quality, and Performance
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2014 Ford EcoSport Review: Design, Quality, and Performance
The Ford EcoSport is a top-selling vehicle in Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, and Mexico. In these regions, where streets are often narrow and filled with gravel, a powerful vehicle is not a necessity. However, the Gulf region presents a stark contrast. So, why is the Ford EcoSport being sold here? The answer lies in the popularity of cars like the Renault Duster, which have seen significant sales. This segment is one that Ford is eager to explore. We took the EcoSport for a spin, and here’s our experience:
Design and Style
Design and Style
The design of the Ford EcoSport may be its strongest suit. Unlike the Duster, it doesn't have a boxy appearance. The Titanium model we drove features front and rear fog lights, roof rails, and sleek chrome accents. It also includes a brake light indicator and a rear towing hook. The 16-inch alloy wheels are attractive, though I wasn't a fan of their color.
Build Quality
Build quality was the biggest downside of the Ford EcoSport. It falls short compared to its competitors. I'm not exaggerating; you need to slam the door shut for it to close properly. Improvements in build quality are essential for the next generation.
Interior Materials and Quality
I didn't expect much from an economy class vehicle. The seats are the standout feature, being sporty and stylish. The Titanium variant comes with leather seats (though they didn't feel like leather to me). Other than that, there is plastic everywhere, which is expected at this price point.
Interior Space and Visibility
Interior space is decent, accommodating up to five passengers, and visibility is good. The trunk space surpasses that of the Renault Duster (compare here). However, if you have multiple bags, you’ll need to fold the rear seats in a 60:40 configuration. They could have increased space with some minor adjustments, such as utilizing some empty areas in the front for storage. The cup holders are placed quite low, making it necessary to check if you're placing your cup in the right spot.
Technology and Interior Features
Unlike the Duster, the Titanium model comes equipped with six airbags, automatic climate control, and six speakers. Most importantly, it features cruise control. The entertainment system is from Microsoft, but the audio controls on the steering wheel weren’t very effective. The car also includes technologies for iPod and USB devices. The biggest issue was adjusting the seats; the manual controls were cumbersome. It’s best to set them once and leave them alone!
Driving Performance
The EcoSport was originally designed for markets in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, and Mexico. Now manufactured in India, it still suits those regions. However, markets in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have larger roads and demand more powerful engines. Our model came with a weak 1.5-liter engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, similar to the Duster, offering a comparable torque of 142 Nm. With a high center of gravity, you’ll feel the body roll during turns. I remember it was at 5,000 rpm and didn’t exceed 80 km/h, so I didn’t even need to test acceleration. So, after all this, why does it have a sport mode? Yes, the EcoSport has a sport mode! But it’s useless. The car lacks power and needs at least a 2.0-liter engine, similar to the Hyundai Tucson. Plus, cruise control doesn’t help much.
Conclusion
Starting at AED 60,000, the EcoSport is better than the Duster but also pricier. Both vehicles are underpowered and not particularly enjoyable to drive. We recommend looking at the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 AWD, which offers more power at a similar price point. This vehicle is suitable only if you're looking for a stylish car for short city trips.
