We drive the new Ford EcoSport, Ford's Fiesta-based SUV on

British roads for the first time.

Verdict

Ford's Fiesta-based EcoSport crossover SUV captures some of

the hatchback's charm but unfortunately the styling –

particularly from the rear – will divide opinion amongst

potential buyers. Efficiency figures are good but Renault and

Peugeot have more frugal offerings, while build quality is

slightly below par compared to rivals – something the decent

dynamics can't fully make up for.

Ford is strengthening its foothold in the booming SUV

segment, with the flagship Ford Edge on the way and the baby

Ford EcoSport crossover just landing in the UK for the first

time.

Entering the industry’s fastest growing market sector, the

EcoSport is a small crossover SUV destined to challenge the

likes of the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008. Ford bosses are also

hoping that the EcoSport can translate short term profitability

translates into lasting financial success.

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Selling well in such a competitive market hinges heavily on

standing out from the crowd, something the EcoSport

achieves in some style. Looking like a Fiesta on steroids, it

proved something of a head turner on out test route around

Glasgow. The outdated boot-mounted spare wheel no doubt

played its part but it's a feature that does age Ford’s baby SUV.

Along with the quirky styling, there will be a choice of three

engines in the UK. The 89bhp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel, a 111bhp

1.5-litre petrol and the 123bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol make

up the range.

We sampled the £16,495 diesel first, a healthy 204Nm of

torque gives the EcoSport good punch in-gear from a standing

start. Despite the fairly smooth upshift from the five-speed

manual, however, power soon peters out, resulting 14 second

0-62mph time. The TDCi engine is at least refined, going about

its business quietly across a range of speeds and offering up to

61.4mpg while emitting 120g/km of CO2.

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If you put driving dynamics ahead of efficiency you’re probably

better off with the more powerful 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

Aside from being £400 cheaper to buy, turbocharged petrol

unit is lighter and nippier, resulting in a more engaging,

hatchback-like drive.

Either way, Ford’s trademark handling prowess is evident. The

EcoSport is a little too tall to be entirely composed down

twisty B-roads but it holds its line well and responds faithfully,

even to larger steering adjustments.

Given the Fiesta-like handling credentials, it’s perhaps

unsurprising the ride can be a bit firm over speed bumps and

potholes, but overall the suspension strikes the right balance

– we certainly had no complaints after a 350 mile slog.

Inside, the Fiesta family resemblance is once again evident,

and the EcoSport gets a decent amount of standard kit. Only

Titanium spec models will be offered to buyers, but, for a

further £1,000, a Titanium X pack can be added, which sees

full leather trim, 17-inch alloys, cruise control and auto

features all fitted as standard.

Ford Ecosport interior

A higher roof and longer wheelbase than the Fiesta help make

the EcoSport's interior reasonably spacious. Rear passengers

won't struggle for legroom, although three adults will find it a

bit of a squeeze side-by-side.

At the back, the boot lid benefits from a well disguised release

that's concealed within the right tail light cluster.

Unfortunately, making the most of this won't be easy as you

need a lot of space to fully open the wide, side-hinged tailgate

hatch. With the boot open a low load lip makes for convenient

access to the 375-litre luggage capacity, which can be

increased up to 1,238 litres thanks to 60:40 split folding rear

seats. Sadly they don't quite lie completely flat.

Overall, the cabin feels a little rough around the edges, the

leather-trim multifunction steering wheel and seats are

comfortable and easily adjusted, yet visibility is hampered by

the front pillars and the centre console looks busy and dated.

The optional Ford SYNC with AppLink fitted to our test car did

go some way towards making up for the complicated

infotainment controls. This adds £250 to the basic price, which

kicks off from £14,995.

Source:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ford/ecosport/88043/new-

ford-ecosport-diesel-review#ixzz3JGJqWyT5

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