The 2019 Ford Ecosport Lives Up To Its Name
August 1, 2019
Categories:
The 2019 Ford EcoSport hovers at around $22,000 for the Ambiente base model, a steal compared to competitors such as the Honda HR-V VTi, which is closer to the $25,000 mark.
Yes, it’s economical, and yes, it’s sporty, but it’s also so much more. The compact SUV, having inherited some characteristics from its hatchback cousin the Fiesta, is packed with innovative features at an affordable price.
Sporty and Chic Design
The first thing you’ll notice about the Ford EcoSport is this is not a heavy-duty SUV – it’s compact, classy and not the least bit pretentious. The second think you’ll likely notice is a lack of a spare wheel on the back hatch – a change from the 2018 edition. Ford made this alteration because they heard consumers didn’t need the extra 12 kilograms it added to the vehicle. The plastic guards on the underside show that this is a vehicle still more than capable of off-roading, but make no mistake – the EcoSport really shines when used for city driving. The vehicle is less boxy than its predecessor and tapered, sharp lines in the back give it a sporty feel, as does the overall chic, sleek design.
21st Century Technology
Once inside the vehicle, you’ll likely notice the plethora of electronic goodies – a 6.5-inch multimedia touchscreen that is a pleasure to use, two USB ports, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, wing-mirror mounted indicators and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The multimedia system also comes equipped with Ford’s Sync3 voice recognition system, a truly impressive inclusion for a vehicle of this price. You can up your game with the Trend grade, which includes alloy wheels, a bigger 8.0-inch multimedia screen and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Direct Fuel Injection & Turbocharging
The Ambiente is powered by a 1.5-litre non-turbo three-cylinder engine that produces 90 kW of power and 150 Nm of torque and a six-speed front-wheel drive torque converter automatic transmission. Those looking for a bit more umph can consider the Trend and Titanium trims, which come with a 1.0-litre three cylinder turbo EcoBoostengine, which combines direct fuel injection and turbo-charging for improved fuel economy without any sacrifice to power. The EcoSport is not a powerhouse, but is the perfect vehicle for zipping around the city due to its compact size, stellar steering, excellent visibility and high seating position.
Spacious Storage & Slick Design
And while we’ve mentioned the EcoSport is compact (several times), it doesn’t sacrifice size for space. The interior of the vehicle is spacious enough to offer comfort both in terms of head and leg room, in both seating rows. Ford has also included additional storage under the air conditioning controls, with a deep and spacious boot in the back, which becomes even more accommodating with the back seats down. Ford made the conscious decision to not include a full-size spare wheel in the back, but instead includes an inflation kit. Based on consumer reviews, it won’t be missed.
Excellent Safety & Fuel Consumption
The EcoSport comes with a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating and claims 6.7L/100 km in fuel consumption. It’s the perfect vehicle for getting around the city, running errands and is also well-suited for the freeway for family trips. If you’re looking for a capable SUV in a tight package, with an abundance of space at a reasonable price, the 2019 Ford EcoSport is a worthy consideration.
