Ford has revealed its latest crossover model, the EcoSport, ahead of its global debut at the Geneva International Motor Show next month. Hot on the heels of the local Ford Fiesta EcoBoost launch last week, Ford South Africa did confirm that the American car maker will be bringing the Ford EcoSport to South Africa this year. Having witnessed the unveiling of the Ford EcoSport in New Delhi, India last year, it’s a compact crossover we’ve been following with some interest.
The Ford EcoSport is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), which Ford is hoping will appeal to a new generation of urban-centric customer. The Fiesta-based SUV will go on sale in developing markets like Brazil, India, and here in South Africa later in the year.
The Ford EcoSport will be powered by the company’s incredible, International Engine of the Year winning, 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. That may not sound like much, but the diminutive engine punches far above its weight, with 92 kW and 200 Nm (on overboost), to keep the car zipping along without hesitation. Other potential engines in the range for South Africa may include the 1.6-litre TDCi, also found in the new Fiesta, as well a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol.
Most notably, the EcoSport has some funky design going for it, with a punchy bonnet, raked A-pillars, raised ride-height, plus, Ford’s new family grille and headlights to give it plenty of on-road attitude. As is Ford’s push at the moment, the EcoSport will also be loaded with interior connectivity, like Ford’s trendy SYNC that links your Bluetooth telephone to the car via voice-activation. Emergency Assistance connects the occupants to emergency services and mobile networks help to pinpoint the car in the event of an accident too, although it’s unlikely this level of integration will be available in S.A. just yet.
“The role of the car is evolving,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford Chief technical officer and vice-president of Research and Innovation. “Customers want to be able to safely enjoy the same level of connectivity in their cars as they would do at home, and SYNC AppLink (offered for the first time in a Ford product) enables then to do just that. By maximising the potential of apps, Ford can offer customers a class-leading range of smartphone app capabilities while on the move.”
Although it’s aimed at emerging markets, we hope the Ford EcoSport will be priced affordably by the time it arrives in South Africa later this year. Anywhere from R200 000 is probably likely starting point.
