What’s more interesting is the sheer variety of options out there, especially in the lucrative compact segment, where the Ford EcoSport has been the dominating force since its arrival in 2013. Now though, there is an updated EcoSport and I travelled to KwaZulu-Natal to find out more.
What is an EcoSport?
First things first, it is pronounced “echo sport” and not “eco sport” as I quickly found out. Regardless of how you pronounce it, the simple fact is that Ford has already moved 45 000 units since its introduction six years ago.
In fact, so well was the EcoSport received that it was given a subtle facelift in 2015. While the 2018 EcoSport follows pretty much the same principle, Ford has fitted it with some 2 000 new parts, therefore making it the most extensive update to date.
The looks
From the outside, Ford has taken inspiration from the Kuga with a new grille flanked by restyled headlights, a more sculpted front bumper that cuts into the extended wheel arches, new daytime running LEDs, an updated rear bumper and slightly tweaked taillights. Unlike the EcoSport sold in North America and Europe, local model are again fitted with the spare wheel mounted on the tailgate.
Spec me up
Like the pre-facelift EcoSport, buyers will again have the option of three trim levels; Ambiente, Trend and Titanium, with notable equipment on the Ambiente being a six-speaker sound system and electric windows all around, while Trend adds 16-inch alloys, a hard spare wheel cover, body coloured door handles and mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, Hill Launch Assist and Ford MyKey.
The Titanium meanwhile comes outfitted with 17-inch alloys, a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display, centre console and footwell ambient lighting, front scuff plate, seven-speaker sound system, electrically folding mirrors with puddle lamps, auto on/off headlights, silver roof rails and one-touch electric windows all around.
What’s inside?
Where Ford has made the biggest change though is inside, by ditching the outdated smartphone-inspired dashboard for a more modern, simplistic layout highlighted by a new freestanding infotainment display as seen on the new Fiesta.
While the Ambiente makes do with a static 4.2-inch display, the Trend’s touchscreen system measures 6.5-inches and comes with Ford’s SYNC 3 software, although for the full effect, the Titanium ups this to eight-inches and adds both Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation. Dual USB ports are however standard on all models as is Bluetooth connectivity.
The outlay is a huge improvement over the previous EcoSport and also sports better quality materials, a new climate control panel and improved levels of comfort. In terms of practicality, the EcoSport now comes with a height adjustable boot which can swallow 334-litres or up to 1 238-litres with the rear seats folded down.
The grunt
Under the bonnet, the EcoSport has been kept unchanged and retains the multi-award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that makes 92kW/170Nm, albeit this time connected to a new six-speed manual gearbox with a similar ratio torque converter replacing the PowerShift dual-clutch as the automatic option. Combined fuel consumption is a claimed 5.4-litres/100km for the manual and 6.3-litres/100km for the auto.
Buyers seeking diesel power can opt for the familiar 1.5-litre TDCI that produces 74kW/205Nm, but, despite the claimed 4.6-litres/100km consumption figure, are still saddled up with a five-speed manual ‘box and in Ambiente trim only.
The drive
My time with the EcoSport saw me meander through the Natal Midlands via twisty country roads as well as the odd off-road trek down rolling hills. Much to my surprise, the EcoSport performed admirably with little in terms of an unpleasant ride quality.
On the road, the petrol engine is eager to keep up with the traffic flow and the auto gearbox is seamless. It won’t set your heart racing, but will get you to where you want to go with ease.
Verdict
The market is more competitive than ever before with the likes of Suzuki, Renault, Hyundai and a barrage of new entrants from the Far East are all fighting for market share. The EcoSport however has established itself rather firmly and South African customers, if anything, are rather loyal to their brands. Is it worth a look? Indeed.
Price
Standard on all models is a four-year/120 000km warranty and a four-year/60 000km service plan.
EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Ambiente - R264 500
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend - R287 500
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend AT - R300 700
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium - R327 800
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium AT - R339 900
