That price must be a typo: "Hyundai Creta 1.6 Executive auto90kW/150cm R249 900"
another alternative may be the Honda BR-V
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2018 Ford EcoSport (Facelift)
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
another alternative may be the Honda BR-V
FiestaST
Honorary Master
REVIEW: Ford's all-new EcoSport
With the arrival of the new Ford EcoSport, it confirms my thoughts that there is a definite rise in popularity by many South Africans in all walks of life to switch to SUV and crossover vehicles.
I am also one of the many that have been converted. My family made the switch from a sedan to an SUV, and we have never regretted the move to a more family-orientated outdoor vehicle.
Something to suit the pocket
There are many makes and models out there to choose from, but there is always one that will fit into your budget and meet your minimum requirements at the same time.
The Ford EcoSport is certainly one of those SUV’s that fits in since its arrival in 2013. Fast forward to 2018, we are presented with a revamped and revitalised EcoSport, that I had the privilege of driving in the KZN Midlands, an ideal venue to test the SUV.
This derivative from Ford has sold over 45 000 units since its introduction six years ago. The 2018 version has some 2000 new parts from bumper to bumper, improving the ride and feel of the SUV in every possible manner.
Looking Good
Let’s face it, South Africans are generally particular about the look and feel of their vehicles, which must be relevant. From the outside, the EcoSport has a refined front grille, almost copied from the 2017 Kuga.
It offers bold features and dynamic Ford SUV styling. The front-end design is dominated by a large trapezoidal grille and distinctive angular headlights, incorporating stylish LED daytime running lights on the Trend and range-topping Titanium models.
Buyers will once again have the option to of three trim levels: Ambiente, Trend and Titanium, with notable equipment on the Ambiente being a six-speaker sound system and electric windows.
The trend adds 16" alloys, a hard spare wheel cover, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, hill assist and Ford MyKey. The EcoSport looks rugged to the extent that it says ‘This is me, go on, drive me”.
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. Now, that’s handy for so many reasons.
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.
How does it drive?
I put the EcoSport through its paces on open tar road, twisty and pot-holed dirt tracks, up steep inclines and sharp down-hills and it handled admirably well.
At all times and on different terrains, the ride was pleasant. The ride on the dirt tracks at speed was impressive with the vehicle handling well on braking and cornering, considering that I was driving on loose gravel and not once veering off the chosen and dusty path.
The switch from dirt to tar was noticeable in that the vehicle felt predictably less rumbly and smoother. The automatic gearbox will do enough to get you to your destination but will not set your pulses racing.
The SUV market is flooded with new entrants and this is expected to continue.
The EcoSport meanwhile can hold its own, having already established itself firmly within the SA market. Brand conscious buyers will not have to look any further than the newly and vastly improved Ford EcoSport. Certainly gets my vote.
All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year or unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year or unlimited km corrosion warranty. A four-year or 60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.
https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/review-fords-all-new-ecosport-20180826
With the arrival of the new Ford EcoSport, it confirms my thoughts that there is a definite rise in popularity by many South Africans in all walks of life to switch to SUV and crossover vehicles.
I am also one of the many that have been converted. My family made the switch from a sedan to an SUV, and we have never regretted the move to a more family-orientated outdoor vehicle.
Something to suit the pocket
There are many makes and models out there to choose from, but there is always one that will fit into your budget and meet your minimum requirements at the same time.
The Ford EcoSport is certainly one of those SUV’s that fits in since its arrival in 2013. Fast forward to 2018, we are presented with a revamped and revitalised EcoSport, that I had the privilege of driving in the KZN Midlands, an ideal venue to test the SUV.
This derivative from Ford has sold over 45 000 units since its introduction six years ago. The 2018 version has some 2000 new parts from bumper to bumper, improving the ride and feel of the SUV in every possible manner.
Looking Good
Let’s face it, South Africans are generally particular about the look and feel of their vehicles, which must be relevant. From the outside, the EcoSport has a refined front grille, almost copied from the 2017 Kuga.
It offers bold features and dynamic Ford SUV styling. The front-end design is dominated by a large trapezoidal grille and distinctive angular headlights, incorporating stylish LED daytime running lights on the Trend and range-topping Titanium models.
Buyers will once again have the option to of three trim levels: Ambiente, Trend and Titanium, with notable equipment on the Ambiente being a six-speaker sound system and electric windows.
The trend adds 16" alloys, a hard spare wheel cover, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, hill assist and Ford MyKey. The EcoSport looks rugged to the extent that it says ‘This is me, go on, drive me”.
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. Now, that’s handy for so many reasons.
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.
How does it drive?
I put the EcoSport through its paces on open tar road, twisty and pot-holed dirt tracks, up steep inclines and sharp down-hills and it handled admirably well.
At all times and on different terrains, the ride was pleasant. The ride on the dirt tracks at speed was impressive with the vehicle handling well on braking and cornering, considering that I was driving on loose gravel and not once veering off the chosen and dusty path.
The switch from dirt to tar was noticeable in that the vehicle felt predictably less rumbly and smoother. The automatic gearbox will do enough to get you to your destination but will not set your pulses racing.
The SUV market is flooded with new entrants and this is expected to continue.
The EcoSport meanwhile can hold its own, having already established itself firmly within the SA market. Brand conscious buyers will not have to look any further than the newly and vastly improved Ford EcoSport. Certainly gets my vote.
All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year or unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year or unlimited km corrosion warranty. A four-year or 60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.
https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/review-fords-all-new-ecosport-20180826
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Cars.co.za review
HAL 9000
Honorary Master
- Joined
- May 27, 2008
- Messages
- 22,243
- Reaction score
- 25,935
Ford has recalled the petrol variants of the EcoSport in India to update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software.
A total of 7,249 units of the compact SUV manufactured in India between November 2017 and March 2018 have been affected by this recall.
According to the company, the software update will prevent issues such as sudden deceleration and battery drainage.
Owners of vehicles that are affected by this recall will receive a notification from Ford via email or post.
Owners can also check if their vehicles come under the recall by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on this website.
https://www.team-bhp.com/news/ford-ecosport-petrol-variants-recalled
A total of 7,249 units of the compact SUV manufactured in India between November 2017 and March 2018 have been affected by this recall.
According to the company, the software update will prevent issues such as sudden deceleration and battery drainage.
Owners of vehicles that are affected by this recall will receive a notification from Ford via email or post.
Owners can also check if their vehicles come under the recall by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on this website.
https://www.team-bhp.com/news/ford-ecosport-petrol-variants-recalled
FiestaST
Honorary Master
HAL 9000
Honorary Master
- Joined
- May 27, 2008
- Messages
- 22,243
- Reaction score
- 25,935
The crossover and SUV market, being what it is, has been sliced and diced into discrete chunks.
There are the behemoths: true full-size SUVs like the Chevy Suburban. There's the luxury market, where the relevance of "utility" sometimes falls into question.
Then there are the subcompacts, cars like the Mini Cooper Countryman and the Honda HR-V—small crossovers with an SUV profile, a reasonable amount of cargo space, and a backseat that's not punishment for those over five feet tall.
And then there's the Ford EcoSport.
New to the US market in 2018, Ford's bite-size crossover sits below the Escape (Kuga) in Ford's soon-to-be-sedan-less lineup, and it has an attractive sticker price.
The base model, the EcoSport S, starts at $19,995 and offers a 1.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected three-cylinder engine.
The model we tested, the SES, begins at $26,880. Engine size is doubled, with a 2.0L four-cylinder direct-injection Ti-VCT engine. That's paired with a six-speed transmission and all-wheel drive (on the SES only; the other three models are front-wheel drive).
Safety-wise, the EcoSport has side air-curtain tech for both the front and back seats, roll stability control, and Ford's SOS Post-Crash Alert System.
From the exterior, the EcoSport looks the part, cutting a high profile. It has de rigueur black plastic trim running along the bottom of the doors, a largish grille with the familiar Ford oval, and roof rack rails.
Instead of the standard liftgate, however, the EcoSport has a fifth door that swings open to the side. It's not unattractive, but the body and styling isn't going to make anyone swoon.
As one person who saw me drive up in it commented, the EcoSport looks like a cousin to the Smart Fortwo with a back seat thrown in for good measure.
The interior is uninspiring but functional. The car we drove has black leather-trimmed seats with tan accents. The driver's seat has mechanical controls for everything but lumbar support, while the passenger seat gets by with all manual controls.
The instrument panel is analog with a small digital display in the middle. It can be customized to show trip info or speed, but Ford also uses it as a means of sending you messages about what's going on with the car, which you dismiss by hitting the OK button on the steering wheel. It's kind of useful when you're low on gas—every time I started the car with less than 50 miles of range, I got a message telling me how many miles until empty.
The problem comes when you're doing more mundane things, like backing up. Each time I put the car into reverse, I'd get a prompt saying that the rear-view backup camera was active, which I knew because I could see the camera view on the HD display.
Speaking of the display, it looks out of place with the rest of the interior. It's positioned center-front on the dash, and it's made from a glossy black plastic that looks out of place with the rest of the matte finishes on the dashboard and the interior.
It left me with the impression that Ford remembered at the last minute that the EcoSport was supposed to have a display and dropped one in there.
Sync itself is just OK. The interface feels dated at this point, and there's significant lag when switching functions or even radio stations. When changing stations, for instance, the display often wouldn't update for five to 10 seconds.
It's also a long reach from the driver's seat to the right of the display, meaning you'll need to take your eyes off the road if you want to switch which radio presets you're cycling through.
Android Auto and CarPlay are both supported, and a pair of USB ports in the center console are for plugging in and charging your phone.
Sight lines are good from the driver's seat. You have the traditional SUV perch feeling when behind the wheel, even if your perch is lower than many of the other SUVs on the road.
The seats are supportive enough, but the armrests are in a strange position on the door, both too high and too low for it to feel natural when using them for their intended purpose. On the passenger side, the side of the center console is angled in a way that cuts into your leg room.
The back seat is bad news for anyone who's too old for a car seat. There was about 3 inches of leg room behind me when I had the driver's seat in my preferred position.
Part of the reason the backseat is so small is due to the amount of cargo area. For a car that's only 161 inches long, you still get 20.9 cubic feet (592L) of cargo space and 50 cubic feet (1,416L) with the rear seat folded down.
My time with the EcoSport coincided with a trip to GingerMan Raceway near South Haven, Michigan, for a track event sponsored by the Midwestern Automotive Media Association, so I got more highway time than I usually get in a loaner.
There's not much in the way of acceleration in the EcoSport, as it takes close to 10 seconds to make it from zero to 60mph.
Driver-assist tech is sadly lacking as well: there's old-school cruise control and warning lights in the side-view mirrors... and nothing more. That's a shame, because other cars in the EcoSport price range—like the $30,000 Subaru Crosstrek I reviewed in the spring—offer adaptive cruise control, collision warning, and lane-keep assist.
On the other hand, highway mileage topped the 29mpg advertised, as I got 30.7mpg on pure interstate driving. Overall, I averaged 27.9mpg for the week, just a hair over the 27mpg advertised for city driving.
In comparison with other cars in its class, it's not as compelling. The aforementioned Honda HR-V does 34mpg/28mpg, while the Crosstrek clocks in at 39mpg/29mpg, and both cars offer more cargo space and more-powerful engines.
You'll also feel all of the road in the EcoSport. There's a section of I-196 in southeastern Michigan with pronounced seams in the concrete. If you've ever driven on such a road, you'll know what I'm talking about—that steady, rhythmic "ba-dump" that you feel to a varying degree depending on the car you're in.
With the EcoSport, I felt every seam, and it had me looking to see how many miles I had left to my destination. The EcoSport's ride borders on unpleasant on poor pavement.
Handling is adequate in the EcoSport. Even as small as it is, there's still the sense of SUV-ness when taking a tight curve or a cloverleaf on-ramp.
Judging by the advertising, Ford has positioned the EcoSport as a mini-SUV for an urban streetscape. I lived on the Chicago lakefront for half a decade and would have loved parallel parking a 161-inch car in tight spaces.
But that swing-open tailgate is an odd choice for a car that's otherwise optimized for tight squeezes.
Beyond size, however, it's just not a very pleasant ride. You'll feel all of the road, all of the time, and the 166hp engine feels underpowered in some settings. The front seats are comfortable to sit in, but the back seat is really not for people over four feet tall.
At $20,000, the 3-cylinder EcoSport is priced competitively with the opposition—the base, 11-inch-longer Honda HR-V starts at the same place, but at $26,000, it's not a very compelling buy. Yes, you get a fair amount of cargo space and the SUV form-factor that is all the rage in the US.
At the end of the day, however, the EcoSport is not terribly economical, and there's little about driving it that feels sporty. Unless you're a diehard Ford fan, steer clear of this one.
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2018/0...into-the-mini-suv-segment-with-tiny-ecosport/
There are the behemoths: true full-size SUVs like the Chevy Suburban. There's the luxury market, where the relevance of "utility" sometimes falls into question.
Then there are the subcompacts, cars like the Mini Cooper Countryman and the Honda HR-V—small crossovers with an SUV profile, a reasonable amount of cargo space, and a backseat that's not punishment for those over five feet tall.
And then there's the Ford EcoSport.
New to the US market in 2018, Ford's bite-size crossover sits below the Escape (Kuga) in Ford's soon-to-be-sedan-less lineup, and it has an attractive sticker price.
The base model, the EcoSport S, starts at $19,995 and offers a 1.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected three-cylinder engine.
The model we tested, the SES, begins at $26,880. Engine size is doubled, with a 2.0L four-cylinder direct-injection Ti-VCT engine. That's paired with a six-speed transmission and all-wheel drive (on the SES only; the other three models are front-wheel drive).
Safety-wise, the EcoSport has side air-curtain tech for both the front and back seats, roll stability control, and Ford's SOS Post-Crash Alert System.
From the exterior, the EcoSport looks the part, cutting a high profile. It has de rigueur black plastic trim running along the bottom of the doors, a largish grille with the familiar Ford oval, and roof rack rails.
Instead of the standard liftgate, however, the EcoSport has a fifth door that swings open to the side. It's not unattractive, but the body and styling isn't going to make anyone swoon.
As one person who saw me drive up in it commented, the EcoSport looks like a cousin to the Smart Fortwo with a back seat thrown in for good measure.
The interior is uninspiring but functional. The car we drove has black leather-trimmed seats with tan accents. The driver's seat has mechanical controls for everything but lumbar support, while the passenger seat gets by with all manual controls.
The instrument panel is analog with a small digital display in the middle. It can be customized to show trip info or speed, but Ford also uses it as a means of sending you messages about what's going on with the car, which you dismiss by hitting the OK button on the steering wheel. It's kind of useful when you're low on gas—every time I started the car with less than 50 miles of range, I got a message telling me how many miles until empty.
The problem comes when you're doing more mundane things, like backing up. Each time I put the car into reverse, I'd get a prompt saying that the rear-view backup camera was active, which I knew because I could see the camera view on the HD display.
Speaking of the display, it looks out of place with the rest of the interior. It's positioned center-front on the dash, and it's made from a glossy black plastic that looks out of place with the rest of the matte finishes on the dashboard and the interior.
It left me with the impression that Ford remembered at the last minute that the EcoSport was supposed to have a display and dropped one in there.
Sync itself is just OK. The interface feels dated at this point, and there's significant lag when switching functions or even radio stations. When changing stations, for instance, the display often wouldn't update for five to 10 seconds.
It's also a long reach from the driver's seat to the right of the display, meaning you'll need to take your eyes off the road if you want to switch which radio presets you're cycling through.
Android Auto and CarPlay are both supported, and a pair of USB ports in the center console are for plugging in and charging your phone.
Sight lines are good from the driver's seat. You have the traditional SUV perch feeling when behind the wheel, even if your perch is lower than many of the other SUVs on the road.
The seats are supportive enough, but the armrests are in a strange position on the door, both too high and too low for it to feel natural when using them for their intended purpose. On the passenger side, the side of the center console is angled in a way that cuts into your leg room.
The back seat is bad news for anyone who's too old for a car seat. There was about 3 inches of leg room behind me when I had the driver's seat in my preferred position.
Part of the reason the backseat is so small is due to the amount of cargo area. For a car that's only 161 inches long, you still get 20.9 cubic feet (592L) of cargo space and 50 cubic feet (1,416L) with the rear seat folded down.
My time with the EcoSport coincided with a trip to GingerMan Raceway near South Haven, Michigan, for a track event sponsored by the Midwestern Automotive Media Association, so I got more highway time than I usually get in a loaner.
There's not much in the way of acceleration in the EcoSport, as it takes close to 10 seconds to make it from zero to 60mph.
Driver-assist tech is sadly lacking as well: there's old-school cruise control and warning lights in the side-view mirrors... and nothing more. That's a shame, because other cars in the EcoSport price range—like the $30,000 Subaru Crosstrek I reviewed in the spring—offer adaptive cruise control, collision warning, and lane-keep assist.
On the other hand, highway mileage topped the 29mpg advertised, as I got 30.7mpg on pure interstate driving. Overall, I averaged 27.9mpg for the week, just a hair over the 27mpg advertised for city driving.
In comparison with other cars in its class, it's not as compelling. The aforementioned Honda HR-V does 34mpg/28mpg, while the Crosstrek clocks in at 39mpg/29mpg, and both cars offer more cargo space and more-powerful engines.
You'll also feel all of the road in the EcoSport. There's a section of I-196 in southeastern Michigan with pronounced seams in the concrete. If you've ever driven on such a road, you'll know what I'm talking about—that steady, rhythmic "ba-dump" that you feel to a varying degree depending on the car you're in.
With the EcoSport, I felt every seam, and it had me looking to see how many miles I had left to my destination. The EcoSport's ride borders on unpleasant on poor pavement.
Handling is adequate in the EcoSport. Even as small as it is, there's still the sense of SUV-ness when taking a tight curve or a cloverleaf on-ramp.
Judging by the advertising, Ford has positioned the EcoSport as a mini-SUV for an urban streetscape. I lived on the Chicago lakefront for half a decade and would have loved parallel parking a 161-inch car in tight spaces.
But that swing-open tailgate is an odd choice for a car that's otherwise optimized for tight squeezes.
Beyond size, however, it's just not a very pleasant ride. You'll feel all of the road, all of the time, and the 166hp engine feels underpowered in some settings. The front seats are comfortable to sit in, but the back seat is really not for people over four feet tall.
At $20,000, the 3-cylinder EcoSport is priced competitively with the opposition—the base, 11-inch-longer Honda HR-V starts at the same place, but at $26,000, it's not a very compelling buy. Yes, you get a fair amount of cargo space and the SUV form-factor that is all the rage in the US.
At the end of the day, however, the EcoSport is not terribly economical, and there's little about driving it that feels sporty. Unless you're a diehard Ford fan, steer clear of this one.
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2018/0...into-the-mini-suv-segment-with-tiny-ecosport/
HAL 9000
Honorary Master
- Joined
- May 27, 2008
- Messages
- 22,243
- Reaction score
- 25,935
Indian-made Ford EcoSport recalled in Europe
Ford EcoSport compact SUVs imported from India have been recalled in Europe for improper lower control arm welds.
According to an alert posted on the European Commission's website, the incorrect welds may cause the front wheel assembly to hit the wheel arch. This could cause the front wheel to lock up resulting in loss of steering control.
Cars built between May 2, 2017 and June 10, 2017 have been affected by this recall. The alert also states the risk of injury as serious.
In the UK, the EcoSport is offered with a choice two engines - 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel.
The 1.0-litre, EcoBoost engine comes in 3 states of tune - 99 BHP / 170 Nm, 123 BHP / 200 Nm and 138 BHP / 200 Nm. The 1.5-litre diesel unit is offered in two states of tune - 99 BHP / 215 Nm and 123 BHP / 300 Nm.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is offered with the top-spec diesel.
https://www.team-bhp.com/news/indian-made-ford-ecosport-recalled-europe
Ford EcoSport compact SUVs imported from India have been recalled in Europe for improper lower control arm welds.
According to an alert posted on the European Commission's website, the incorrect welds may cause the front wheel assembly to hit the wheel arch. This could cause the front wheel to lock up resulting in loss of steering control.
Cars built between May 2, 2017 and June 10, 2017 have been affected by this recall. The alert also states the risk of injury as serious.
In the UK, the EcoSport is offered with a choice two engines - 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel.
The 1.0-litre, EcoBoost engine comes in 3 states of tune - 99 BHP / 170 Nm, 123 BHP / 200 Nm and 138 BHP / 200 Nm. The 1.5-litre diesel unit is offered in two states of tune - 99 BHP / 215 Nm and 123 BHP / 300 Nm.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is offered with the top-spec diesel.
https://www.team-bhp.com/news/indian-made-ford-ecosport-recalled-europe
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Seeing a few more on the road. (Not as much as I would have thought by now.)
Comprehensive facelift. Nice one Ford.
Comprehensive facelift. Nice one Ford.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford EcoSport 1.0T Trend Auto (2018) Quick Review
Fast Facts
Price: R306 900 (October 2018)
Engine: 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 6.3 L/100 km (claimed)
Power/Torque: 92 kW/170 Nm
Pricing & Back-Up
The Ford EcoSport range starts from R267 500 (for the 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine in Ambiente spec). This Trend Auto retails for R306 900, while the asking price for the flagship Titanium Auto is R346 900. All versions come standard with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year/60 000 km service plan, 3-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.
Verdict
It may only be an updated version of a car that we know well, but this EcoSport really moves the game on for the segment. Not only has the number of onboard features and the array of safety equipment improved dramatically, but it retains all those little traits that made it such a popular model. The range is diverse too, with the option of manual and automatic, as well as petrol and diesel. We think going the automatic route will take away the stresses of driving in commuter traffic and given its more-than-fair specification, we regard the Trend a better value-for-money proposition than the top-spec Titanium, which is a finalist in its category of the 2018/19 #CarsAwards.
What's more, the EcoSport is more capable than you'd expect when it comes to travelling on gravel and there's just enough interior and loading space for it to qualify as a near-ideal small family car, although rear legroom at the back is admittedly not the greatest for full-sized adults. Ford claims that 2 300 parts have been changed on this new EcoSport and if our experience of the vehicle during its tenure in our test fleet is anything to go, this new version will continue to sell in respectable numbers.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/ford-ecosport-10t-trend-auto-2018-quick-review/45639/
Fast Facts
Price: R306 900 (October 2018)
Engine: 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 6.3 L/100 km (claimed)
Power/Torque: 92 kW/170 Nm
Pricing & Back-Up
The Ford EcoSport range starts from R267 500 (for the 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine in Ambiente spec). This Trend Auto retails for R306 900, while the asking price for the flagship Titanium Auto is R346 900. All versions come standard with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year/60 000 km service plan, 3-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.
Verdict
It may only be an updated version of a car that we know well, but this EcoSport really moves the game on for the segment. Not only has the number of onboard features and the array of safety equipment improved dramatically, but it retains all those little traits that made it such a popular model. The range is diverse too, with the option of manual and automatic, as well as petrol and diesel. We think going the automatic route will take away the stresses of driving in commuter traffic and given its more-than-fair specification, we regard the Trend a better value-for-money proposition than the top-spec Titanium, which is a finalist in its category of the 2018/19 #CarsAwards.
What's more, the EcoSport is more capable than you'd expect when it comes to travelling on gravel and there's just enough interior and loading space for it to qualify as a near-ideal small family car, although rear legroom at the back is admittedly not the greatest for full-sized adults. Ford claims that 2 300 parts have been changed on this new EcoSport and if our experience of the vehicle during its tenure in our test fleet is anything to go, this new version will continue to sell in respectable numbers.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/ford-ecosport-10t-trend-auto-2018-quick-review/45639/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Tested: Ford's 2018 EcoSport improves successful recipe
Everyone wants a big, butch-looking SUV these days, but real-world budgets get in the way for many, which makes this small SUV segment a complete no-brainer for car manufacturers. In fact, we’re surprised there aren’t even more players in the affordable end of the SUV sand pit.
As one of the earlier entrants, Ford has done rather well with the EcoSport, leading the segment with sales exceeding the 1000 mark in most months. But the little suburban wilderness conqueror is facing a whole lot more competition these days, so thankfully Ford has hit the refresh button.
The previous EcoSport straddled a fine design line that combined some sleek car-like design elements with the towering stance of a proper SUV. The facelift takes things in a more butch and truck-like direction, largely thanks to a more upright trapezoidal grille that’s now positioned between the headlights rather than below them. The new ‘baby Ranger’ look is sure to be a hit with the EcoSport’s target market.
Moving around the vehicle, there’s not much else to tell it apart from the pre-facelift, apart from subtle revisions to the rear bumper and taillights and new 16-inch alloys on the Trend.
It does get a brand new dashboard, however.
This is where things really start to look up for the new EcoSport. Gone is that old-fashioned “was cool for a nanosecond” Nokia 3310 design, and in its place is a user-friendly dash that places Ford’s very latest Sync3 touch-screen infotainment system within very easy reach, although it is only fitted to mid-range Trend and range-topping Titanium models, with respective screen sizes of 16.5 and 20.3cm.
The Sync system is a cinch to operate and features modern-looking graphics. Advanced voice control is also part of the deal as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while navigation is included in the case of Titanium models. Sadly there is no reverse camera, but both versions do get a park-assist graphic display.
Also worth noting is the classy look and feel of the interior, at least in the case of Trend and Titanium models that are now sourced from Europe. The entry-level Ambiente, now with a diesel engine as standard, continues to be sourced from India and has a spec sheet that’s more in keeping with its budget positioning.
The cabin offers decent space, and two adults will fit quite happily in the back, with comfortable leg and head room, although three abreast will be a squeeze. The 334 litre boot has a relatively small load floor but it is very deep so be prepared to stack things on top of each other.
On the road, noise suppression is excellent and overall the EcoSport has a mature and cocooned feel to it out on the road. The ride is reasonably comfortable, nothing to really complain about but perhaps a little more firmly sprung than we’d like from a family vehicle such as this.
Road-holding is not bad considering the vehicle’s relatively tall and narrow stance (just don’t get too carried away when cornering in the EcoSport), and the steering has a nice, weighty feel to it.
Trend and Titanium models are fitted with the familiar 1-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol engine, and it’s a gem of an engine from a driveability perspective, although it’s not as economical as it claims to be. The motor delivers its power smoothly across the rev range and you don’t get any shakes at idle. It’s got enough power to tackle the urban grind and open road relatively briskly, but I wouldn’t call it fast.
Both Titanium and Trend can be had with either a six-speed manual or a new torque converter six-speed autobox, the latter having been fitted to our Titanium test car. The box is not exactly sportscar snappy, but it swops cogs quickly and efficiently.
VERDICT
Priced from R267 500 for the 1.5 TDCi Ambiente to R346 900 for the 1.0T Titanium auto on test here, the EcoSport spreads its net quite widely across the compact SUV market and offers a refined driving experience.
That, and the recent improvements to its styling and cabin design are likely to ensure its continued success in the small SUV segment.
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road...-ecosport-improves-successful-recipe-17435293
Everyone wants a big, butch-looking SUV these days, but real-world budgets get in the way for many, which makes this small SUV segment a complete no-brainer for car manufacturers. In fact, we’re surprised there aren’t even more players in the affordable end of the SUV sand pit.
As one of the earlier entrants, Ford has done rather well with the EcoSport, leading the segment with sales exceeding the 1000 mark in most months. But the little suburban wilderness conqueror is facing a whole lot more competition these days, so thankfully Ford has hit the refresh button.
The previous EcoSport straddled a fine design line that combined some sleek car-like design elements with the towering stance of a proper SUV. The facelift takes things in a more butch and truck-like direction, largely thanks to a more upright trapezoidal grille that’s now positioned between the headlights rather than below them. The new ‘baby Ranger’ look is sure to be a hit with the EcoSport’s target market.
Moving around the vehicle, there’s not much else to tell it apart from the pre-facelift, apart from subtle revisions to the rear bumper and taillights and new 16-inch alloys on the Trend.
It does get a brand new dashboard, however.
This is where things really start to look up for the new EcoSport. Gone is that old-fashioned “was cool for a nanosecond” Nokia 3310 design, and in its place is a user-friendly dash that places Ford’s very latest Sync3 touch-screen infotainment system within very easy reach, although it is only fitted to mid-range Trend and range-topping Titanium models, with respective screen sizes of 16.5 and 20.3cm.
The Sync system is a cinch to operate and features modern-looking graphics. Advanced voice control is also part of the deal as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while navigation is included in the case of Titanium models. Sadly there is no reverse camera, but both versions do get a park-assist graphic display.
Also worth noting is the classy look and feel of the interior, at least in the case of Trend and Titanium models that are now sourced from Europe. The entry-level Ambiente, now with a diesel engine as standard, continues to be sourced from India and has a spec sheet that’s more in keeping with its budget positioning.
The cabin offers decent space, and two adults will fit quite happily in the back, with comfortable leg and head room, although three abreast will be a squeeze. The 334 litre boot has a relatively small load floor but it is very deep so be prepared to stack things on top of each other.
On the road, noise suppression is excellent and overall the EcoSport has a mature and cocooned feel to it out on the road. The ride is reasonably comfortable, nothing to really complain about but perhaps a little more firmly sprung than we’d like from a family vehicle such as this.
Road-holding is not bad considering the vehicle’s relatively tall and narrow stance (just don’t get too carried away when cornering in the EcoSport), and the steering has a nice, weighty feel to it.
Trend and Titanium models are fitted with the familiar 1-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol engine, and it’s a gem of an engine from a driveability perspective, although it’s not as economical as it claims to be. The motor delivers its power smoothly across the rev range and you don’t get any shakes at idle. It’s got enough power to tackle the urban grind and open road relatively briskly, but I wouldn’t call it fast.
Both Titanium and Trend can be had with either a six-speed manual or a new torque converter six-speed autobox, the latter having been fitted to our Titanium test car. The box is not exactly sportscar snappy, but it swops cogs quickly and efficiently.
VERDICT
Priced from R267 500 for the 1.5 TDCi Ambiente to R346 900 for the 1.0T Titanium auto on test here, the EcoSport spreads its net quite widely across the compact SUV market and offers a refined driving experience.
That, and the recent improvements to its styling and cabin design are likely to ensure its continued success in the small SUV segment.
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road...-ecosport-improves-successful-recipe-17435293
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford EcoSport 1.0 Titanium Auto Review - MotorMatters
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Long-term test: Ford's reworked EcoSport is a fun ride
When the reworked EcoSport was launched last year in Portugal, Ford had a host of its executives on hand to answer any questions underpinning the importance of the SUV to the manufacturer in the world’s market.
Locally it’s no less important to the people in Waltloo, Pretoria, with more than 45 000 units having left the showroom floor since its launch in 2013. Look in and around the city as well as on the highways: somehow there’s always an EcoSport in close proximity. It’s a bit like when you look for new wheels and decide on which ones, and they keep popping into your line of sight.
Well, we’ve added to the proliferation of EcoSports on our roads with a long-term top-of-the-range 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium six-speed automatic.
I’ve spent some time with it and so has my colleague, Kabelo Chabalala, who will give the views of a younger generation.
First up, though, let’s get the stats and specs out of the way.
Ford has received a multitude of awards for its 1-litre EcoBoost petrol engine over the past six years so it makes sense to slot it under the bonnet, and in the Titanium model they have mated it with a six-speed automatic gearbox with a torque converter.
I found it smooth around heavy traffic on the M1 as well as in town, and gear changes on the open road are almost seamless.
If you want, there are steering column-mounted paddle shifts ostensibly for better driving engagement but, to be honest, I haven’t felt the urge to use them yet because the EcoSport is easy and comfortable enough as is.
The little three-cylinder turbo engine pushes out 92kW and 170Nm of torque: not shabby at all for its size.
In everyday driving you hardly notice that the engine is as small as it is, but at speed you need to give it a bit of stick to make a safe pass, and here the gearbox takes a bit of time to get to the lower gear.
It’s also then that you wish you had a few more cylinders and horsepower.
It’s easily recognisable, with its cheeky SUV stance and the spare wheel mounted on the back door, unique to South Africa. There’s been some debate as to whether it shouldn’t be hidden, but apparently that’s the way South Africans like their SUVs, and owning a Defender, so do I.
Inside all controls are easy to reach, while leather seats make spending time both as a driver and a passenger a pleasure. As an added feature the seats are heated. In summer there’s no chance to use this except to be juvenile and switch it on maximum until a passenger notices and asks questions.
There’s space aplenty for odds and ends, including a sliding, folding armrest with an integrated storage compartment, as well as space under the passenger seat. Ford has also put its SYNC 3 infotainment system in the EcoSport, and without sounding overly dramatic it must rate as one of the best in the industry for ease of use and practicality.
It has Bluetooth, voice control, satnav, and the eight-inch screen can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures. Handy too are the automatic headlight and rain-sensing wipers as we head into summer showers.
Safety peace-of-mind comes in the form of electronic stability control, traction control, roll stability control, hill launch assist and a tyre pressure monitor which will tell you that the tyres are losing pressure long before you may need the use of the six airbags, including dual front, side and curtain as well as a driver’s knee airbag.
I’ve mostly driven the EcoSport in and around town, with an occasional trip along the highway, so I haven’t had the opportunity to put it through its handling capabilities yet, but at the launch driving from Durban back to Joburg along mostly back roads I had loads of fun on a lot of dirt and tar roads around the twisties.
Keep in mind it’s an SUV with a smallish engine so don’t expect X5 cornering and suspension, but it’s more than capable and steering feedback is light without feeling compromised.
I’ll be taking it down to the KZN South Coast in December and with three of us travelling I suspect the 334 litre boot will be well-filled. The trip will also be an indicator of how the EcoSport behaves loaded on the open road.
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road...ords-reworked-ecosport-is-a-fun-ride-17586983
When the reworked EcoSport was launched last year in Portugal, Ford had a host of its executives on hand to answer any questions underpinning the importance of the SUV to the manufacturer in the world’s market.
Locally it’s no less important to the people in Waltloo, Pretoria, with more than 45 000 units having left the showroom floor since its launch in 2013. Look in and around the city as well as on the highways: somehow there’s always an EcoSport in close proximity. It’s a bit like when you look for new wheels and decide on which ones, and they keep popping into your line of sight.
Well, we’ve added to the proliferation of EcoSports on our roads with a long-term top-of-the-range 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium six-speed automatic.
I’ve spent some time with it and so has my colleague, Kabelo Chabalala, who will give the views of a younger generation.
First up, though, let’s get the stats and specs out of the way.
Ford has received a multitude of awards for its 1-litre EcoBoost petrol engine over the past six years so it makes sense to slot it under the bonnet, and in the Titanium model they have mated it with a six-speed automatic gearbox with a torque converter.
I found it smooth around heavy traffic on the M1 as well as in town, and gear changes on the open road are almost seamless.
If you want, there are steering column-mounted paddle shifts ostensibly for better driving engagement but, to be honest, I haven’t felt the urge to use them yet because the EcoSport is easy and comfortable enough as is.
The little three-cylinder turbo engine pushes out 92kW and 170Nm of torque: not shabby at all for its size.
In everyday driving you hardly notice that the engine is as small as it is, but at speed you need to give it a bit of stick to make a safe pass, and here the gearbox takes a bit of time to get to the lower gear.
It’s also then that you wish you had a few more cylinders and horsepower.
It’s easily recognisable, with its cheeky SUV stance and the spare wheel mounted on the back door, unique to South Africa. There’s been some debate as to whether it shouldn’t be hidden, but apparently that’s the way South Africans like their SUVs, and owning a Defender, so do I.
Inside all controls are easy to reach, while leather seats make spending time both as a driver and a passenger a pleasure. As an added feature the seats are heated. In summer there’s no chance to use this except to be juvenile and switch it on maximum until a passenger notices and asks questions.
There’s space aplenty for odds and ends, including a sliding, folding armrest with an integrated storage compartment, as well as space under the passenger seat. Ford has also put its SYNC 3 infotainment system in the EcoSport, and without sounding overly dramatic it must rate as one of the best in the industry for ease of use and practicality.
It has Bluetooth, voice control, satnav, and the eight-inch screen can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures. Handy too are the automatic headlight and rain-sensing wipers as we head into summer showers.
Safety peace-of-mind comes in the form of electronic stability control, traction control, roll stability control, hill launch assist and a tyre pressure monitor which will tell you that the tyres are losing pressure long before you may need the use of the six airbags, including dual front, side and curtain as well as a driver’s knee airbag.
I’ve mostly driven the EcoSport in and around town, with an occasional trip along the highway, so I haven’t had the opportunity to put it through its handling capabilities yet, but at the launch driving from Durban back to Joburg along mostly back roads I had loads of fun on a lot of dirt and tar roads around the twisties.
Keep in mind it’s an SUV with a smallish engine so don’t expect X5 cornering and suspension, but it’s more than capable and steering feedback is light without feeling compromised.
I’ll be taking it down to the KZN South Coast in December and with three of us travelling I suspect the 334 litre boot will be well-filled. The trip will also be an indicator of how the EcoSport behaves loaded on the open road.
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road...ords-reworked-ecosport-is-a-fun-ride-17586983
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford EcoSport Titanium 2019 review - CarsGuide
joshuatree
Expert Member
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2012
- Messages
- 3,841
- Reaction score
- 1,247
Struggling EcoSport compared to the other vehicles going up the road. Driver related maybe...
FiestaST
Honorary Master
joshuatree
Expert Member
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2012
- Messages
- 3,841
- Reaction score
- 1,247
Quite amazing - the masters of the clone and the urge to do so continuously.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Juliet drives the new Ford EcoSport
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Update: Ford EcoSport (2018) Specs & Price
Ford's updated EcoSport compact family car arrived in South Africa earlier this year but Ford has now bolstered the lineup with the addition of a new entry-level 1.5-litre petrol Ambiente derivative. See specification and pricing details for the facelifted EcoSport below
Engine choice
A total of 3 engines power the EcoSport in South Africa. A new 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine now serves as the entry point to the EcoSport range with 92 kW and 170 Nm of torque and comes mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. A 3-cylinder 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol engine with 92 kW/170 Nm of torque is also available with a fuel consumption claimed at 5.8 L/100 km. In Trend and Titanium trim, buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
There's also a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine with peak outputs of 74 kW and 205 Nm on offer with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.6 L/100 km. This engine is offered in Ambiente trim and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/update-ford-ecosport-2018-specs--price/44426/
Ford's updated EcoSport compact family car arrived in South Africa earlier this year but Ford has now bolstered the lineup with the addition of a new entry-level 1.5-litre petrol Ambiente derivative. See specification and pricing details for the facelifted EcoSport below
Engine choice
A total of 3 engines power the EcoSport in South Africa. A new 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine now serves as the entry point to the EcoSport range with 92 kW and 170 Nm of torque and comes mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. A 3-cylinder 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol engine with 92 kW/170 Nm of torque is also available with a fuel consumption claimed at 5.8 L/100 km. In Trend and Titanium trim, buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
There's also a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine with peak outputs of 74 kW and 205 Nm on offer with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.6 L/100 km. This engine is offered in Ambiente trim and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/update-ford-ecosport-2018-specs--price/44426/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford expands EcoSport range with new 1.5 base model
When Ford launched its reinvigorated EcoSport range back in July, it seemed odd that the price leader from the previous range, the 1.5-litre normally aspirated Ambiente, was missing from the range.
However, a really great consolation came in the form of a 1.5-litre turbodiesel Ambiente that wasn’t priced too far north of the previous entry model. And now Ford is giving customers both options at the bottom end with the reintroduction of a 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol Ambiente.
Priced at R264 500, it costs R3000 less than the diesel and as per the Figo range, the previous four-cylinder engine makes way for Ford’s new three-cylinder unit, but while it loses a cylinder it’s actually got more power than before.
The new 1.5 Ti-VCT petrol unit in the Ambiente produces 91kW and 150Nm, up from the previous four-cylinder 1.5's 82kW and 138Nm.
The only gearbox option is a five-speed manual, which drives the front wheels.
Trend and Titanium models continue to be powered by Ford’s 1-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol.
Standard kit on the Ambiente includes a Ford Sync audio system (non-touch 10.6cm colour screen) with Bluetooth, voice control and steering controls, while other comfort features include air conditioning, remote central locking, multi info display, electric mirrors and power windows (front and rear).
Safety kit comes in the form of six airbags, ABS, ESC stability control and Isofix child seat mounting points.
As per other EcoSport variants, the Ambiente is sold with a four-year/120 000km warranty and four-year/60 000km service plan.
PRICES
1.5 Ti-VCT Ambiente 5-spd manual R264 500
1.5 TDCi Ambiente 5-spd manual R267 500
1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6-spd manual R293 500
1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6-spd auto R306 900
1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6-spd manual R334 500
1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6-spd auto R346 900
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...cosport-range-with-new-15-base-model-18268705
When Ford launched its reinvigorated EcoSport range back in July, it seemed odd that the price leader from the previous range, the 1.5-litre normally aspirated Ambiente, was missing from the range.
However, a really great consolation came in the form of a 1.5-litre turbodiesel Ambiente that wasn’t priced too far north of the previous entry model. And now Ford is giving customers both options at the bottom end with the reintroduction of a 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol Ambiente.
Priced at R264 500, it costs R3000 less than the diesel and as per the Figo range, the previous four-cylinder engine makes way for Ford’s new three-cylinder unit, but while it loses a cylinder it’s actually got more power than before.
The new 1.5 Ti-VCT petrol unit in the Ambiente produces 91kW and 150Nm, up from the previous four-cylinder 1.5's 82kW and 138Nm.
The only gearbox option is a five-speed manual, which drives the front wheels.
Trend and Titanium models continue to be powered by Ford’s 1-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol.
Standard kit on the Ambiente includes a Ford Sync audio system (non-touch 10.6cm colour screen) with Bluetooth, voice control and steering controls, while other comfort features include air conditioning, remote central locking, multi info display, electric mirrors and power windows (front and rear).
Safety kit comes in the form of six airbags, ABS, ESC stability control and Isofix child seat mounting points.
As per other EcoSport variants, the Ambiente is sold with a four-year/120 000km warranty and four-year/60 000km service plan.
PRICES
1.5 Ti-VCT Ambiente 5-spd manual R264 500
1.5 TDCi Ambiente 5-spd manual R267 500
1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6-spd manual R293 500
1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6-spd auto R306 900
1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6-spd manual R334 500
1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6-spd auto R346 900
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...cosport-range-with-new-15-base-model-18268705
Not quite sure WTF Ford intended with the 1.5 triple. It's great in that is will satisfy the likes of me who won't buy a turbo equipped car to run years out of warranty, but pricing it only R3k below the oil burner is just stupid!
Considering I paid R190k for my 2015 Ambiente via a Ford Credit deal, R220k is where the new sweet spot needs to be for the Ambiente Ford Credit pricing...
Considering I paid R190k for my 2015 Ambiente via a Ford Credit deal, R220k is where the new sweet spot needs to be for the Ambiente Ford Credit pricing...