Ford, the American automaker has officially revealed the much-awaited new 2017 Ford EcoSport for the European market. The company claims that the SUV is claimed to offer improved versatility, capability and more refined styling and technologies. This time, the American SUV is equipped with Ford Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system to provide better traction on- and off-road. European spec car also get Ford Performance-inspired EcoSport ST-Line model. This system also offers several driver assistance technologies including Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter, SYNC 3 connectivity and Rear View Camera.
As a reminder, Ford will soon launch the new EcoSport in the Indian market. However, the Indian model is slightly different than the European car. Ford has already unveiled the India-bound model in the Chinese market. Combined with Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive technology, the EcoSport facelift will get an advanced new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine delivering up to 123.29bhp and improved CO2 emissions.
The new model is available in 12 bold colours. It offers even more personalisation options such as contrasting painted roof color options that extend to the window pillars, rear roof spoiler, door mirrors and door frames. The updated cabin of the SUV gets floating central 8-inch touchscreen, heated steering wheel and smart stowage solutions including an adjustable boot floor. Also See – India-Spec New Ford EcoSport Images
New Ford EcoSport Images
The new EcoSport for European markets will be developed at the company’s manufacturing plant in Craiova and Romania. The company has also announced that a new SUV-inspired Fiesta Active crossover will also go on sale in Europe next year. Powering the new EcoSport is an all-new 1.5-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel engine that is capable of producing 123.29bhp and 300Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. It will also feature the existing 100PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine coupled with front-wheel-drive and all-new six-speed manual gearbox.
Also offered will be Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol in 140 PS, 125 PS and – from mid-2018 – 100 PS power outputs, with a six-speed manual gearbox; and 125 PS with a six-speed automatic gearbox featuring steering-column mounted paddle-shifters for convenient gear-shifting. The compact SUV is likely to offer improved ride and handling. Ford has optimised springs, dampers, steering gear, rear axle twist beam, Electronic Stability Programme settings and steering assistance profiles.
The styling of the updated EcoSport is largely inspired from the mid-sized Kuga and large Edge. It gets a sculpted bonnet with a central bulge, which is supported by heated washer nozzles hidden beneath the upper bonnet lip. Upfront is a new large trapezoidal grille design, revised angular headlights that has a high intensity discharge lighting system, and new LED daytime running lights. At the back, the SUV gets revised bumper and tail-light. The SUV also gets new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
The cabin of the SUV gets a new interior with easier to use controls and soft-touch materials, a new centre console, new seats designs and new leather upholstery. The boot space has been increased to 334-litres. A new centre console features a built-in folding, sliding passenger armrest with a storage compartment ideal for tablet computers or snacks. For the first time, the new Ford EcoSport will get sporty new ST-Line variant.
This ST-Line variant offers Ford performance-inspired bumpers and side skirts, black-finish roof rails and headlight bezels, 17-inch Dark Tarnish alloy wheels, ST-Lie leather-trimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather handbrake lever and gear knob; ST-Line branded scuff plates; and stainless steel sports pedals.
