Ford’s baby SUV, the EcoSport, has received a mid life refresh.
Ford yesterday released pictures of the updated model, which is based on the Fiesta platform.
The new car boasts revised exterior styling, an overhauled interior, plus a new engine, fresh technology and the option of all-wheel-drive.
In terms of appearance, the EcoSport’s exterior changes are most evident from the front. The car boasts a new face, ditching the split grille of the outgoing model in favour of a look more in line with the rest of Ford’s line-up. It gets a new large grille, fresh, Mustang inspired headlights with daytime LED running lights, plus new fog lamps.
Added to the existing 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol engine option is a new 1.5-litre Ecoblue diesel that produces 123bhp.
From mid-2018 onwards, Ford will also add a 99bhp version of its Ecoboost three-cylinder unit to sit below the 123bhp and 138bhp versions in the line-up.
There are also new chassis settings to improve handling. As before, the EcoSport gets a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
A new ST Line model gets 17in alloy wheels, ST-Line badging and a leather interior as standard. The car is also available with larger 18in wheels. Although this model’s based on the chassis of the outgoing Fiesta, the interior lifts switchgear and the touchscreen from the all new version of the supermini.
Practicality is improved with the introduction of a height adjustable boot floor.
There’s now cruise control with speed limiter functions. A rear-view camera is also available, alongside automatic headlights and wipers, blind spot detection, automatic climate control and power-folding mirrors. A Bang and Olufsen sound system is one of the new luxuries on the options list.
The new EcoSport will be on sale by the end of this year. Expect a slight rise on the current model’s £15,645 entry price.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk