Top 6 things you need to know about the Ford EcoSport (2013-2019)
Ford introduced its small Cross Over, the EcoSport, back in 2013 and it is still one of the top-selling Cross Over models in the country. Here we give a brief summary of the model range, and list the top 6 things you need to know about the latest version of the little Ford.
Ford’s introduced its funky, chunky-looking EcoSport Cross Over to much acclaim in July 2013 to the South African market. At that time you could choose between the small-but powerful three-cylinder 1,0-litre petrol turbo, a non-turbo 1,5 litre petrol model, and a 1,5-litre turbo-diesel engine.
In the first five years of sales here, Ford sold 45 000 EcoSports, making it the most popular model after the company’s big sales-winner, the Ranger pick-up series. Its big selling point was its fuel economy and Ford still claim an average of 5,4 litres/100 km for the 1.0 turbo manual models. This is a bit optimistic. On the automatic model you will be more likely to realise a figure of 7,5 litres/100 km
The EcoSport is based on the smaller hatchback Fiesta chassis, but offers a much higher ride-height in typical Cross Over fashion, and more space.
Substantial facelift in 2018
In June 2018 the EcoSport received a substantial facelift, with significant changes to the exterior and interior. A big plus for the revised EcoSport was the fitment of the Ford Sync3 infotainment system, with touch screen displays measuring up to 8 inches in the top Titanium trim model.
Various safety upgrades were made as well in the post-June 108 revision, and the transmission in the automatic models was also changed.
Click here for a review on the earlier pre-facelift Ford EcoSport in Autotrader.
Since the facelift the EcoSport has continued to sell very well, and in June 2019 Ford recorded sales of over 800 units for the popular little Cross Over. That’s impressive for a model that is now six years old operating in a competitive market segment.
For this reason EcoSports retain good re-sale value. AutoTrader currently lists nearly 700 new and used EcoSport models, which you can browse when clicking on the link.
Top 6 Things you need to know about the Ford EcoSport
- Since the first quarter of 2019 the engine range has changed. The line-up now kicks off with the EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente manual, fitted with a 1,5-litre three-cylinder non-turbo engine. This replaces the more conventional non-turbo four-cylinder 1,5-litre engine fitted until this point to the entry-level EcoSport. The other engines in the range remain the award-winning 92 kW 1,0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit and the 1,5-litre diesel.
- All the EcoSport models now feature Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control.
- On the top-spec Ford EcoSport Titanium, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers are fitted.
- In the face-lifted model introduced in June 2018, a new six-speed torque-convertor automatic gearbox replaced the previous dual-clutch unit used in the automatic versions of the EcoSport. The new gearbox offers much smoother gear changing.
- The Ford EcoSport looks like a little SUV, and has a high ground clearance of 200 mm. But its suspension is very stiff, and it is not great on rutted dirt roads, and not suitable for any serious off-road use. It’s strictly an urban warrior.
- Modern Infotainment systems are fitted to the full range of EcoSport models, since the interior revision in mid-2018. The entry-level 1.5 Ambiente model gets the basic FordSynch system which offers Bluetooth and Voice Control compatibility. The more pricey Trend and Titanium models get the sophisticated Ford Synch3 system with larger touch screens.
