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Ford EcoSport lands SA-side
The Ford EcoSport mini-SUV has arrived on the local market and looks to strike a neat balance between the affordability and driving dynamics of a compact car and the versatility of a compact SUV.
Measuring in at just under four metres, the EcoSport is underpinned by the same global-B platform that forms the foundations of the Ford Fiesta and has a respectable 200 mm of ground clearance; enough, Ford claims, to give the EcoSport a wading depth of 550 mm.
Even so, the EcoSport is still a genuine round town proposition thanks to its tight turning circle, high seating position and a pull drift compensation setting on the electrically assisted power steering that gives the rack a fingertip-twirling lightness that aids low-speed manoeuvring.
The most notable member of the EcoSport engine line-up is the award-winning 1,0-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol unit. Developing 92 kW and 170 N.m of torque, Ford claims an average fuel consumption of 5,7 litres/100 km for this engine.
Next up is Ford’s 1,5-litre global petrol engine with outputs of 82 kW and 138 N.m. this unit returns 6,5 litres/100 km.
The most frugal offering is the 1,5 TDCi turbodiesel. Serving up 65 kW and 205 N.m of torque, this model returns a claimed fuel consumption of 4,6 litres/100 km.
All EcoSport models feature a five-speed manual gearbox, with the exception of the 1,5 petrol Titanium model which is fitted with Ford’s six-speed dual-clutch Powershift transmission.
The cabin lifts a number of cues from the Fiesta and features an array of storage spaces that are complemented by a load bay measuring 705 dm3 with the 60:40 split-folding rear benches tumbled.
With the exception of the entry-level petrol model, Ford’s SYNC connectivity system (Bluetooth, voice control, USB media player) is standard across the range. Entry-level Ambiente specification includes such features as electric front windows, air conditioning, electric wing mirrors and a 4-speaker radio/CD/MP3 audio system. Trend specification adds such features as steering wheel-mounted audio controls, extended trip computer, black roof rails and 16-inch alloy wheels. The range-topping Titanium specification brings in leather upholstery, electric windows all round, 6-speaker audio system, climate control, cruise control and front/rear foglamps, among others.
On the safety and security front, all models feature dual front-, side and curtain airbags, Isofix child seat anchor points, remote central locking at the rear. ABS is offered on most models with stability control on higher-specced models.
Article wirtten by Gareth Dean.