Ford EcoSport: An Affordable Urban Subcompact Crossover

Overview of the Ford EcoSport

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, 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.

Competition

The 2019 EcoSport’s prime competition comes in the form of:

• Renault Captur
• Nissan Kicks
• Hyundai Creta
• Mitsubishi’s ASX

Trims and Pricing

In the UAE, there are three different trims of the new EcoSport available:

1. Base Ambiente - AED 74,000
2. Mid-level Trend - AED 79,000
3. Fully-loaded Titanium - AED 89,000

Regardless of the trim, the powerplant under the hood remains the same - a 1.0-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Being a part of the automaker’s EcoBoost series of engines, this 998cc direct injection motor produces 125 hp at a relatively high 6,000 rpm, with a maximum torque of 170 Nm available from just 1,400 rpm to 4,500 rpm. The EcoSport is essentially a front-engine, front-wheel drive platform, with no all-wheel drive variant available in the local market. This means all of the 125 horses are directed towards the front via a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

Performance

The three-cylinder turbo motor offers a decent amount of pulling power, though it’s not a performance unit by any measure. Even at full throttle, the EcoSport takes an arduous 11.6 seconds to reach the 100 km/h mark. Just like most three-cylinder engines, this EcoBoost motor can become noisy when pushed hard. Additionally, it can feel quite vibey, though it’s manageable for what it’s designed for. The EcoSport truly shines in fuel efficiency; if driven gently, you can achieve around 5.8 L/100 km from this drivetrain.

Interior Features

The 2019 Ford EcoSport boasts a decent build quality, and the materials used inside are generally respectable. The design and layout are more interesting than before, providing sufficient room for five adults. Its total boot capacity of 310 liters is ample for most trips to the mall, while the high-riding position appeals to many wannabe-SUV buyers. Being one of the lower-priced models in their lineup, some lower-quality plastics and trim may be present in the cabin. However, Ford has made significant improvements in the EcoSport’s fit & finish and NVH levels compared to earlier models.

Safety and Technology

To answer the question of “What do I get for my money?”, all variants of the new EcoSport come equipped with:

• Dual front airbags
• Electronic stability control
• Hill-hold assist
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Parking sensors
• ABS with EBD and brake assist

Meanwhile, the top-spec Titanium trim includes additional features such as:

• 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 air conditioning
• Cruise control
• 10-speaker premium audio system
• 8-inch touchscreen head unit with voice recognition and Bluetooth connectivity

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if spending close to AED 90,000 for the Titanium trim is justifiable, as it may seem quite high.