The Ford EcoSport was one of the marque’s first attempts at a proper, urban subcompact crossover. The first-generation model of the EcoSport was released in the mid-2000s and its production run lasted for nearly a decade. However, in 2012, Ford launched the all-new second-generation iteration of the EcoSport, and it was based on the Fiesta platform. Today, it’s one of the most affordable cars sold by the Blue Oval in countries such as the United Arab Emirates. The 2019 EcoSport’s prime competition comes in the form of the Renault Captur, Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Creta, and Mitsubishi’s ASX.
In the UAE, there are a total of three different trims of the new EcoSport available - the base Ambiente, mid-level Trend, and the fully-loaded Titanium. Prices kick off at AED 74,000, AED 79,000, and AED 89,000 for the three variants, respectively. However, irrespective of the car you choose, the powerplant under the hood remains the same - a 1.0-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder. Being a part of the automaker’s EcoBoost series of engines, this puny 998cc direct injection motor puts out 125 hp at a relatively high 6,000 rpm, and a max torque of 170 Nm that’s available from just 1,400 rpm till 4,500 rpm. The EcoSport is essentially a front-engine, front-wheel drive platform and in our market, there’s no all-wheel drive variant available. This means all of the 125 horses are directed towards the front via a 6-speed torque-converter automatic.
The three-cylinder turbo motor has got a decent amount of pulling power, though it’s not a performance unit by any measure. Even at full blast, the EcoSport will still take an arduous 11.6 seconds to get past the 100 km/h barrier. Of course, just like most three-poppers out there, this EcoBoost motor will also scream and moan if pushed hard. Not to mention the fact that it can also get quite vibey (and not in a cool way); though it’s not too bad for what it’s meant for. And sportiness is not amongst them. Get over it. Where it really shines, though, is when it comes time to fill up its 52-liter tank. If driven without a lead foot, you can easily get around 5.8 L/100 km out of this drivetrain.
The 2019 Ford EcoSport also boasts a decent build and the materials used on the inside aren’t too nasty, either. The design and layout are also far more interesting than before, and there’s sufficient room for five adults as well. Its total boot capacity of 310 liters should be enough for most trips to the mall, while the high-riding position will appease most wannabe-SUV buyers. Being one of the lower-priced models in their lineup, you might have to put up with the low-rent nature of some of the plastics and trim in the cabin. However, Ford has made significant improvements when it comes to the EcoSport’s fit & finish and NVH levels compared to earlier models.
To answer your question of “What do I get for my money?” All variants of the new EcoSport come with dual front airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, tire-pressure monitoring system, parking sensors, and ABS with EBD and brake assist. Meanwhile, the top-spec Titanium trim brings along a rear camera, HID headlights with LED DRLs, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric sunroof, rear spoiler, roof rails, keyless entry, power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, cooled glovebox, automatic aircon, cruise control, 10-speaker premium audio rig, and an 8-inch touchscreen head unit with voice recognition and Bluetooth connectivity. However, it’s entirely up to you if you can justify spending close to 90,000 dirhams for the Titanium trim - which seems quite high, if you ask me.
