Top 3 Ford EcoSport features that stand out from the competition.

By Farzana Chaumoo

The Ford EcoSport has been a major player in its segment ever since its launch in 2013. It was last updated in mid-2018 with better styling and refinement. Here's what else makes the recent model stand out.

 

1. All-new interior

The Ford EcoSport delivers a new level of interior refinement with easier to use controls and soft-touch materials, along with an entirely new instrument cluster and centre console ergonomically designed for easy operation with fewer buttons.

New seat designs are optimised for greater front and rear occupant comfort, and deliver a more upscale feel, with luxurious full leather on the Titanium derivatives. The interior features a host of smart stowage solutions, including a new height-adjustable boot floor that can be raised to provide concealed storage, or lowered to increase luggage capacity to 334 litres. The boot floor uses a special honeycomb construction that makes it gram-for-gram stronger than steel and able to support more than 300 kg.

A new centre console features a built-in folding, sliding armrest (Titanium models) with an integrated storage compartment that is ideal for tablet computers or snacks. Buyers will also enjoy the practicality of under-seat storage underneath the passenger seat (Titanium models). Power windows are provided all-round, enhancing comfort and convenience for all occupants.

 

2. Sophisticated driver assistance technology

The new EcoSport builds on its commanding SUV driving position, advanced technologies and Ford’s well-established reputation for rewarding driving dynamics to deliver an even more enjoyable and safer driving experience.

Ford’s sophisticated SYNC^®3 communications and entertainment system is fitted as standard on the Trend and Titanium models and incorporates Bluetooth and Voice Control. SYNC^®3 is supported by the new floating colour touchscreen, which can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures. A 6.5-inch screen is fitted on the Trend models, while the Titanium features an 8-inch version as well as embedded turn-by-turn navigation. A new 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, in the Titanium models, makes key driving information easier to access, while power-foldable mirrors add to the list of convenience items.

Even at the most affordable end of the spectrum, the EcoSport Ambiente benefits from Ford’s first-generation SYNC^® with Bluetooth and Voice Control, as well as steering wheel audio controls.

EcoSport for the first time provides Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter on the Titanium derivative that helps drivers keep within speed limits, while rear parking sensors are provided on all models to make parking manoeuvres more efficient and safer.

Active driving safety has been stepped up markedly across the range with standard fitment of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TC), as well as Roll Stability Control (RSC) in the EcoBoost range, that adjusts engine torque and braking to help drivers maintain control. Additionally, the 1.0 EcoBoost-powered models gain Hill Launch Assist (HLA) that makes pulling off on steep inclines easier, along with Ford’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

On the top-spec EcoSport Titanium, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers remove some of the stresses of driving and enable customers to better concentrate on the road ahead, while the Electronic Automatic Temperature Control further enhance overall comfort.

 

3. Safety

Six airbags are fitted as standard on the EcoSport Ambiente, comprising dual front, side and curtain airbags, while the Trend and Titanium models are additionally equipped with a driver’s knee airbag. The side airbags have been redesigned to provide extra thorax protection and direct the occupant away from an impact, and new curtain airbags provide increased side-impact coverage.

The new EcoSport is also more secure and is fitted with a standard perimeter alarm, remote central locking and new anti-theft door locks. The Trend and Titanium models benefit from a Thatcham alarm with double dead-locking, while the latter also gains keyless entry and start for added convenience.