Ford EcoSport test drive: make sure to check these features out
First introduced locally in 2013 and then heavily updated in 2018, Ford’s EcoSport has been a smashing success for the brand, finding thousands of homes in South Africa along the way. Here are the things to check out when test driving an EcoSport.
Introduced at the time where compact crossovers started gaining momentum, the EcoSport is the very definition of being in the right place at the right time as South Africans have found the compact crossover incredibly appealing since its market launch in 2013. Eight years and a relatively large update later and EcoSport continues to be a popular contender within its segment, thanks to its contemporary styling, raised driving position, practicality, and efficiency. Check these features when test driving the EcoSport derivative that you have your eye on.
1.Pick the powertrain
When looking at test driving an EcoSport, deciding which engine and gearbox combination suits your needs is important. The current line-up consists of three engines with three gearbox options, a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic.
The most attainable engine in the range is the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol which produced 91kW and 150Nm of torque and is available with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, with the former sipping fuel at a claimed rate of 6.4L/100km and the latter 6.9L/100km. The lone diesel in the range is the 1.5TDCi, a four-cylinder turbodiesel with 74kW and 205Nm. The oil-burner is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and will consume fuel at just4.6l/100km.
Moving on to the flagship engine within the range, we find the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol which produces 92kW and 170Nm of torque and comes with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. The manual model uses fuel at a claimed rate of 5.4 L/100km while the automatic is less frugal, with a figure of 6.3L/100km.
2.Touchscreen infotainment system
The EcoSport range boasts impressive connectivity thanks to the brand’s SYNC infotainment systems, which includes a 4.2-inch screen with SYNC technology in Ambiente models, a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen on Trend derivatives and an 8.0-inch unit on the flagship Titanium models, both of which sport SYNC3 software and functionality. The models with the SYNC3 systems also boast Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, while all models have USB, Bluetooth, and voice control functionality.
3.Safety items
While the pre-facelift EcoSport received a 4-Star Euro NCAP safety rating back in 2013, it has since expired, however, for what is a relatively affordable product, it boasts niceties such as ABS with EBD, stability control, 6 airbags, outer rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points and rear Park Distance Control.
4.Big boot
Despite being based on the compact ford Global B-car Platform, the EcoSport boast a healthy 335-litres of boot space, and with the split-folding rear seats, boasts an impressive 705-litres.
5.Roof rails
The Trend and Titanium EcoSport variants come with black roof rails, allowing you to attached bicycle carriers, roof boxes and other leisure and lifestyle activity carriers to the roof.
