Ford Ecosport

The Ford Ecosport is targeted at entry-level segment, however, the tough build quality and a long list of features do make it steer away from the fact that it is a budget-oriented vehicle. Everything inside the cabin of the Ecosport feels plush, premium and built to last.

The Focus inspired three-spoke steering wheel with trapezoidal centre boss and cluster of buttons look very posh, and so does the floating-style 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which features Android Auto, Apple Carplay, reverse camera, navigation from Sirius and a window to the 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system. The cascading style centre console with silver bordering and sleek AC vents above it look well designed too.

The compact size of the Ford Ecosport shows in the interior cabin space, as the mini SUV falls short in legroom and knee room, and even the shoulder room is limited. However, the Ecosport makes up with this compromise by offering a long list of features like a moonroof, electrically operated driver’s seat, cruise control, heated front seats, ambient lighting, and leather upholstery.

Despite its compact dimensions, the Ford Ecosport has got the perfect macho stance and big car-like feel, and that is all down due to its raised stance and muscular design. The Ford Ecosport sources inspiration from bigger SUVs like Explorer and Expedition, which makes it look larger than what it actually is.

The front fascia of the Ford Ecosport is dominated by the huge hexagonal grille, which has got two thick slats with Ford’s logo in the middle. The large rounded trapezoidal-shaped projector headlamp assembly and angular fog lamps do contribute in making the front face look large. In addition, the body cladding as well as silver skid plate do add butch appeal to the front.

From the sides, the sense of a large vehicle continues with large side glasses, roof rails, door-mounted big rearview mirrors, high ground clearance of 200mm and 17-inch machined alloy wheels. It is at the rear, where the efforts of Ford seem to be toned down, with a very simple layout for the boot hatch. The door mounted spare wheel as seen in Asia-spec model would have been welcomed here as well

Ford’s SUVs are known to offer best-in-class driving dynamics, and the Ecosport follows the tradition despite having a short length and high ground clearance. The body roll is well under control and steering feels taut and precise too.

The Ford Ecosport has got two petrol engine options, both of which get a common 6-speed automatic transmission. While the smaller 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 125 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque, the larger 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine makes 168 PS of power and 202 Nm of torque.

With class-leading safety features like front, side, curtain and knee airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system, blind-spot monitoring system, roll stability control, hill start assist and MyKey security system, the Ford Ecosport feels generously equipped when it comes to safety features.

The Ford Ecosport makes for a brilliant entry-level vehicle, by offering a plush interior cabin, tough looks and punchy performance at a very accessible price point. While it has smaller footprints, the Ford Ecosport manages to garner attention with its promising nature and big car-like feel in and out. If only it had good rear seat experience, the Ford Ecosport would have been the de facto choice of entry-level buyers. Still, it makes a very strong case for those who are looking for a driving oriented small car.