The Ford EcoSport is one of the country’s most popular crossovers or compact SUVs – wherever you see look there is sure to be an EcoSport. While the success of the EcoSport is evidence that its engineering and design catered for a specific segment in the market better than most competitors, its design did not age as well.
One the first occasion that I drove an Ecosport I was left wanting. For its price there were definitely better options with more to offer. The tested vehicle, the Ford EcoSport Active, is based on the Trend and now adds more options to the EcoSport range. It offers a new distinctive design and adds upmarket improvements to the interior. The Active also has FordPass Connect which adds to the desirability of the new model.
The drive
The Ford EcoSport Active is powered by the 1L, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine. This provides a power output of 92 kW and 170 Nm of torque. The EcoSport Active is not lacking in responsiveness and performance and I felt it often performed better than vehicles with the same power output but smaller bodies. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
There is a section of the highway that I like to test cars on because it gives it a real feel for its ability to maintain speed, overtake and provides a good feel for its general performance. On this particular section of the highway, I was impressed that the EcoSport Active performed well in all of these scenarios.
The only thing I was not that enthralled with was the softer, but still-there, 3-cylinder engine sound. I soon became accustomed to it but initially I was surprised to hear it because there have been so many improvements in this area that it makes this concern almost redundant.
The fuel economy was disappointing. This will be an important deciding factor for potential buyers. The economy after it was driven by the writer of Driving Expressions, Eugene Herbert, was at 10L/100km. I only managed to get it down to 9.9L/100km. With more time, it could be bettered but I believe it would still be quite off the claimed 6.3L/100km.
The design
The Ford EcoSport adds black treatment for the front grille, headlamp surround and foglamp bezels and black front and rear skirts. It also features black wheel arch mouldings and 17-inch black alloy wheels for a more muscular stance. There are black mirror caps and roof rails, dark-tinted privacy glass for rear windows and a black roof. An ‘Active’ badge on the front fenders displays the special edition status and is also seen on the upgraded leather seats.
While the addition of the black cladding is part of the attempt to make the EcoSport bolder, I did wonder how well it would age. I am not a fan of black cladding because it tends to fade over time. Only time will tell if the crossover will experience the same or if developments in materials will change this.
Another advantage is the 17-inch wheels. Unfortunately, potholes are such a growing issue that selecting a car that will handle an encounter with one is becoming more important. The larger wheels along with the softer suspension and good ride quality make for a drive that handles road imperfections well and provides a competitive drive in the class.
From the inside
The upgrades to the interior, however, are something to be admired. This was one of the most disappointing parts of the last tested vehicle. Now the interior brings it onto more of an equal footing with competitors.
One of the most noticeable features in the interior is their much improved and impressive 8-inchinfotainment screen. It has the piano gloss black frame which adds a degree of modernisation to the interior that balances out some of the components that could be modernised more.
The Ford EcoSport Active also has leather upholstery which comes as standard. It adds to the luxury and modernised feel of the interior as well.
I think the decision to exclude a rear camera and just have parking sensors is an interesting choice. When you can get a Picanto with a rear camera but not an EcoSport it does seem a bit odd. Rear view cameras are becoming as standard as aircon (remember when entry level derivatives of a model saved money by forgoing the aircon).
The EcoSport Active offers the FordPass Connect system, which includes an embedded modem that allows you to connect with the car and control a number of vehicle functions from your smartphone via the FordPass app. these include fuel level and vehicle health alerts and you can also remotely lock and start the car to cool or heat the cabin. Service and warranty information is also available. In an emergency, you can contact Ford Roadside Assistance from the app.
Safety
It is well spec’d in the safety department which give it a boost in this highly contested segment as not many of its competitors offer as much:
- 7 airbags (dual front, side, curtain and a
driver’s knee airbag) - ABS
- Electronic Stability Control
- Emergency Brake Assist
- Hill Launch Assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Thatcham alarm with immobiliser
Despite my reservations after my first interaction with an EcoSport, I now believe it is one of the best options especially for those in the market for a family vehicle. It has great space, excellent improvements to the design and an impressive record. My only concern is the high fuel consumption which is not ideal in the current climate of high fuel prices.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 1L, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine
Transmission: 6-speed transmission
Power: 92 kW
Torque: 170 Nm
Fuel consumption: 6,3L/100km (claimed)
Price: starting at R393 700
Warranty and service plan: four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty
Read more MasterTests
1 comment