D’Original Buko Pie and the Ford EcoSport

Nifty was the first word that came to mind when I got behind the wheel of the Ford EcoSport recently.  The EcoSport is what I would describe as the perfect first SUV — and this does not necessarily mean for the first-time driver.

It is that SUV that makes a great chum when one has to drive out of town and do a bit of off-roading, and it becomes the BFF when one is stuck driving in Metro Manila — and then one of those sudden downpours occur. It handles flooded situations with ease and is one of the easiest SUVs to maneuver in tight spots: largely because it is small enough to fit a snug spot yet big enough to muscle its way around the sedan taxis that often like to cramp one’s space, especially if they see a woman behind the wheel.

It is no wonder that Ford has christened the EcoSport as the “SUV for the city.” The EcoSport was recently introduced as first-ever B-Segment SUV in the country.

Created for the urban world, the all-new Ford EcoSport serves up style, space and versatility in an agile, fuel-efficient package.  The Ford EcoSport offers a high driving position, superior water-wading capability, and an array of smart features such as the Ford SYNC connectivity system, making it the perfect vehicle for city driving and out-of-town exploring.

Space and more: The interiors of the EcoSport allow for a comfortable ride for passengers with lots of room for excess baggage.

Agile and Affordable

The all-new Ford EcoSport combines the agility, affordability, and fuel efficiency of a compact car with the flexibility and spaciousness of a sport utility vehicle (SUV). And, these features are really good stuff when one is considering an SUV for the first time.

Based on Ford’s global B-segment platform, the all-new EcoSport is a great alternative to the compact sedan as it is spacious enough for five adults and their gear. The EcoSport’s blend of versatility and smart connectivity will appeal to lifestyle customers who are independent and love exploring the world around them.

The EcoSport’s high-driving position, rugged capability, superior fuel economy and convenient features make it just the right vehicle for both city streets and mountain roads.

“The all-new EcoSport was designed to break through the boundaries of today’s compact car and SUV segment. With a combination of quality design, an array of smart technologies, and great value for money, it sets a completely new standard in the market,” said Lance Mosley, managing director of Ford Philippines.

As the EcoSport sat in my garage, I was immediately drawn to its aerodynamic build, that is both modern and powerful — looks like it is ready for a rough drive in style.

Its wide hood sweeps into its oh-so modern sculpted bodylines, conveying a dynamic spirit of energy in motion. Slim headlamps frame a high-mounted trapezoidal grille, which gives the compact SUV a signature Ford face.

Blacked-out B-pillars unify the side glass into one elegant shape, while the muscular beltline, formed by the windows and door creases, ascends as it runs to the rear of the car. At the back, the large rear window wraps around to the sides along with oblique tail lamps. This feature allows for great visibility of what is driving behind me. 

The Ford EcoSport has been designed to provide high levels of protection and driver support through a range of advanced safety features. 

 There are the advanced safety technologies such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which is available on models with automatic transmission, help customers remain in control of the Ford EcoSport at all times, especially on slippery roads. 

The Ford EcoSport’s system includes the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking up and helps the vehicle to stop quickly on slippery road surfaces.

A Beauty inside and out

Inside, soft-touch fabrics, tight gaps and the ice blue dashboard illumination are a show of great quality and craftsmanship. Controls and knobs are ergonomically placed while seats are designed to be soft enough for comfort and firm enough for longer journeys.

The cabin of the all-new EcoSport is extremely quiet at high speeds because of Ford’s efforts to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Add to this a very effective climate control system, and the occupants will be very comfortable on any journey.

The other features like the Smart Keyless Entry are a really heaven-sent safety features when one entering the car late at night in a dimly-lit area.  Drivers no longer need their key to unlock the SUV or to start the engine. With the key in their pocket or bag, they can unlock the doors automatically by pulling the door handle; push the Ford Power Start Button and go — safe and sure.

Another ingenious feature of this urban SUV is Ford SYNC, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system. The award-winning system enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while choosing their favorite music from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB and making phone calls using voice commands.

Buko Pie for breakfast

I started the EcoSport and had my driving sights set on a short trip to nearby Los Baños. I was in the mood for buko pie — and in this country, at least for me there is no place like Los Baños for D’Original.

I made it to Los Baños without a hitch by 8 a.m. The buko pie aroma wafting in the air as each one on the counter was freshly baked. Of course, I made it safe and sound because of the EcoSport’s 1.5-liter Ti-VCT four-cylinder engine, which delivers 110 PS of power at 6,300 rpm and peak torque of 142 Nm at 4,500 rpm. It is mated to either the fuel-efficient six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission or five-speed manual transmission that is well-suited to urban driving conditions.

 I was also feeling really refreshed even if it was an early Saturday morning, after having come home from a late night at The STAR office. Give credit to the cabin of the trusty EcoSport that is maximized for ample headroom and knee room for all occupants. The cabin also has 20 practical storage spaces, including a glove box that can keep up to six beverage cans cool.

As I sat and started to eat my first box (yes, a box), I walked around the EcoSport to check out the rear seats and the compartment space. I sat on the rear seats as I savored the buko pie and a cold can of Coke Zero.

Compact, contemporary and capable — these are three words that best describe the EcoSport. And, yummy, relaxing and perfect are three words that describe that Saturday morning and my box of D’Original Buko pie.