Test drive Ford Ecosport 1.0 Ecoboost: adventure companion

The Ford Ecosport earns a solid grade in the ever-difficult task of standing out in the SUV segment. Without a doubt, the performance of the EcoBoost engine is its best ally.

The latest facelift of the Ford Ecosport was, without doubt, the best move for a model that struggled to take off in the European market. Thanks to its physical makeover and with a benchmark powertrain, the small SUV from Ford positions itself as the fourth best-selling model of the brand, behind only the bestsellers Kuga, Focus and Fiesta. And it does so just as new competitors arrive from its own home, since the recently presented Active range of Ford comes with interesting rugged options derived from the new KA+, Fiesta and Focus. Three new SUVs for a segment overflowing with options in every color.

Even so, the new Ford Ecosport stands out as a good investment for anyone looking for a competent SUV, without great off-road demands, but with good driving dynamics. That is how we would define the test unit we had at our disposal. It was none other than the Ford Ecosport 1.0 EcoBoost with 140 CV in Titanium trim.

Ford Ecosport Titanium 1.0 EcoBoost with 140 CV

The new Ford Ecosport, refreshed at the end of 2017, has improved in every way. At first glance we can see a more attractive vehicle, something of great importance in a segment where near-extreme customization and constant restyling make it necessary to stay up to date. Thus, the new widened front grille gives the Ecosport greater robustness, while at the same time losing the rugged ‘punch’ the previous model had with its spare wheel mounted on the rear.

Once inside the vehicle, the interior finishes and quality have been upgraded. Multifunction steering wheel, soft-touch plastics with good fit and a infotainment system topped by the standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, which can optionally be upgraded to eight inches. As for interior space and cargo volume, we are talking about a small SUV (4,096 mm long and 1,765 mm wide) with the characteristics typical of its segment. That is, five seats, with the space being somewhat tight for three adults in the rear seats, and a boot that is modest but practical, with 356 liters of maximum capacity (expandable to 1,238 liters with the rear seats folded down).

As for the engine, we are talking about the well-known three-cylinder EcoBoost with 1,000 cc displacement that has always delivered such good performance in the Ford range, in this case in its 140 CV variant. A more than sufficient unit for a vehicle that doesn’t reach 1,300 kilos in weight, and that moves with agility both on the road and off the tarmac. Although its off-road capabilities rely on a ground clearance of 190 mm that lets it cope with terrain irregularities without missing all-wheel drive or an electronic assist to overcome more demanding situations. Because, let’s not kid ourselves, this Ecosport is a clearly urban SUV. And it is in the asphalt jungle where we have felt most comfortable behind the wheel.

Behind the wheel

As we said, the Ford Ecosport is a very city-oriented SUV. Elevated driving position, excellent visibility and good maneuverability in traffic situations thanks to its compact size. Basic conditions for getting around urban areas perfectly, while also behaving remarkably well on longer journeys thanks to an engine of undoubted quality.

And moving with an Ecoboost from Ford, one of the market’s benchmarks, is a guarantee behind the wheel. This particular unit, with 140 CV and paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, is one of its best weapons for winning over buyers. A refined, agile engine with long gear ratios, that responds really well from low revs and has a wide usable range, allowing it to perform perfectly up to beyond 6,000 rpm. In other words, an EcoBoost in every sense. If anything, you may notice some slightly “lighter” zone in terms of push when the tachometer needle sits in the mid-range, depending on the gear selected and how it’s driven. But the gearbox responds precisely, and you’ll soon find the right gear.

So, we can say we have come through nearly every situation we faced with flying colors. With relaxed, comfortable driving, in which we did not have to push gear changes too often to seek more power with the engine at its redline. And we didn’t want to either, partly so as not to spike the consumption of the Ford Ecosport, which has hovered around 6.5 liters on a regular basis. Although, in dense traffic and with more frequent acceleration, we reached an average of 7 liters. A consumption figure that may seem somewhat high but is actually within the segment average.

Finally, the Ecosport also scores well for ride comfort and interior finish. Neither the engine’s three cylinders nor its 1.0-liter displacement cause noise or excessive vibration while driving, with sound insulation that makes the drive genuinely comfortable. The step up in the materials and finishes of the new Ecosport’s cabin also helps. While interior plastics are still present, the level of fit is quite good and the interior finishes deliver quality both to the eye and to the touch.

The competition

Since its refresh, the Ford Ecosport has been one of the models generating the most sales for the brand. And that is commendable, since we are in one of the segments where competition is fiercely intense. Ever more urban SUVs are arriving on the market eager to carve out their niche, while the benchmark models maintain a high share of sales. The Opel Mokka X, Nissan Juke and Fiat 500X have more and more rivals, such as the new SEAT Arona, Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen T-Roc. And among all of them, the Ford Ecosport. But, what does it offer to convince us?

Let’s start with its more rugged styling than average which, for those who like it, is a clear point in its favor. We also have the assurance of an EcoBoost from Ford. And, to top it off, one of the most attractive prices in its segment. You can find an Ecoboost with a starting price of €13,990 with the financing discounts offered by Ford for the 100 CV version of the EcoBoost 1.0 engine with six-speed manual gearbox in the Trend trim, the entry-level version of the range.

And if we want something more, such as our test unit (EcoBoost 1.0 with 140 CV in Titanium trim and several extras such as the 8″ screen with navigation, sound system, 17″ alloy wheels and heated front seats, among others), we can see very competitive prices. In the middle of the range, we find an Ford Ecosport Ecoboost 1.0 with 125 CV in the same Titanium trim (with automatic climate control, rear parking sensors and a 6.5″ touchscreen included as standard) for €16,208 starting price, with no extras fitted. In other words, a competitive price for a distinctive model, with an outstanding engine and an attractive design. A package that makes the Ford Ecosport an option to seriously consider within its segment.

Let’s look at a comparison example. To start, we get 10 more CV of power and €500 in savings compared with the SEAT Arona 1.0 TSI with 115 CV in Style trim. You will find more savings compared with the Opel Mokka X, whose 140 CV version has a starting price of €23,000, which can drop to just over €18,500 with the brand’s discounts. The one that is on a par on price is the model that led the segment until not long ago, the Nissan Juke; which we can find with a very similar powertrain (115 CV DIG-T with six-speed manual gearbox) for €16,110 provided we take advantage of the financing offers.

In short, we can recommend the Ford Ecosport without fear of getting it wrong. It is a well-priced option, well executed, with an excellent engine, that will give you more than adequate solutions for everyday use.