2018 Ford EcoSport (Facelift)

REVIEW: Ford EcoSport Active is a stylish addition

VERDICT

There is a lot more competition than there was when it was first introduced, so the Ford EcoSport is no longer the obvious choice, but by SUV standards it’s still quite rewarding to drive and the cabin is well appointed. Worth a test drive, but hurry if you want one…

FACTS: Ford EcoSport 1.0T Active auto

Price: R393 700

Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, turbopetrol

Gearbox: 6-speed automatic

Drive: Front-wheel drive

Power: 92kW at 6 000rpm

Torque: 170Nm from 1 400rpm

0-100km/h: 12.7 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 181km/h (claimed)

Fuel use, highway: 6.4 l/100km (tested)

Fuel use, urban: 10.0 l/100km (tested)

Ground clearance: 206mm

Fuel tank capacity: 52 litres

Boot volume: 333 litres

Warranty: 4-year/120 000km

Service plan: Optional

 
Two writers, one car: Ford EcoSport Active joins our long-term fleet

We were impressed with the quality of the leather upholstery – an Active logo is embossed into the seats and the active braking system and a rear parking assist sensor. It would have been nice to have a reverse camera for accurate distance control. Under the bonnet remains the 1,0-litre EcoBoost engine, which produces 92 kW of power and 170 N.m of torque, coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This is the same peppy engine that won World Engine of the Year several times and it punches well above its weight.

www.carmag.co.za

Two writers, one car: Ford EcoSport Active joins our long-term fleet

The Ford EcoSport Active joins our long-term fleet after already having been featured in a driving impression piece months back.
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
Ford EcoSport production ends but SA sales ‘continue’ (for now)

Production of the Ford EcoSport has officially ended in Romania, but the Blue Oval brand’s local arm says sales will “continue” in South Africa… for now, at least.

Back in July 2022, assembly of the Ford EcoSport ceased in India. Now, the Dearborn-based automaker has confirmed its Craiova plant in Romania has likewise ended production of the long-in-the-tooth small crossover, meaning the EcoSport is no longer built anywhere in the world.

While Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa wouldn’t be drawn on how long the EcoSport would remain on the local market, it did state stock was still coming in from the Craiova facility in Europe. For how long, though, remains to be seen.

“Production [of the EcoSport at Craiova] ended in December 2022 but shipping to various markets, including South Africa, still continues,” Ford’s local division confirmed to Cars.co.za.

As a reminder, the SA line-up’s mid- and top-spec Trend, Active and Titanium derivatives powered by the turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine were produced in Romania, while the Ambiente variants fitted with the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine or the 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit were sourced from the Chennai facility in India.

Despite production in Chennai having wrapped up some 7 months ago, the Blue Oval brand says the “Ambiente remains on sale in South Africa, along with the rest of the local EcoSport line-up”. Again, this suggests the company has managed to stockpile a fair number of units.

www.cars.co.za

Ford EcoSport production ends but SA sales 'continue' (for now)

Production of the Ford EcoSport has ended in Romania, but the Blue Oval brand’s local arm says sales will “continue” in South Africa… for now.
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za
 
Ford EcoSport (2013-2023) Buyer’s Guide

Is a Ford EcoSport a good buy?

At the EcoSport’s local launch in 2013, it had few direct rivals, with only the likes of the original Renault Duster and Nissan Juke falling in a similar segment. Over the next decade, however, all manner of competitors emerged (some of which have since moved to a 2nd generation), from the Peugeot 2008, Hyundai Creta, Suzuki Vitara and Renault Captur to the Mazda CX-3 and even the Volkswagen T-Cross.

In addition, a throng of sub-4-metre budget crossovers from India has emerged, including the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Nissan Magnite and Mahindra XUV300. Despite the arrival of these aggressively priced models on the new-vehicle market, the EcoSport continued to prove popular with South African buyers.

There’s thus a wealth of stock on the used market today. While the Ford EcoSport certainly isn’t without its foibles – and it’s a great pity the diesel engine wasn’t available in the Romanian-built version – it nevertheless remains a contender worth adding to your small-crossover shopping list. Just bear in mind there are more modern rivals capable of outclassing the grey-haired Ford in various departments.

www.cars.co.za

Ford EcoSport (2013-2023) Buyer's Guide

Eyeing a 2nd-hand Ford EcoSport? Let's examine this long-running crossover’s history in SA, and outline its strengths and weaknesses…
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za
 
FlashSA said:
Too expensive

2x trim levels: R580k or R630k

I'm waiting to see what the Suzuki Fronx lands at. Such a pity that Ford does not offer an Ecosport replacement, forcing me to change brands for SO's car.
Click to expand...
And poor engine choice...
 
As an example, for R600k, you can buy a brand new Next Gen Ranger Double Cab in XL trim, plus packs, plus change - I had one as a loaner last week and it is A LOT of vehicle for the money and I am basing my opinion on my Next Gen Wildtrak. Not quite sure which 1800 people are going to choose the overpriced Puma over larger SUV's / Crossovers from other brands (Ford SA only bringing 1800 of them as that is all Europe will spare).
 
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