Ford unveils new EcoSport

MANILA, Philippines — Ford Philippines formally unveiled to the media last week at SMX Aura in BGC its new EcoSport crossover.

The new EcoSport features upgrades and updates inside and out, new and upgraded smart and safety features and driver-assist technologies (DAT), and improvements in driving performance and fuel efficiency powered by a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and a new six-speed automatic transmission.

The EcoSport has been one of Ford’s best-selling models since it was first launched in the Philippines in 2014, having gained wide appeal for its unbeatable combination of agility, affordability, and fuel efficiency of a subcompact car with the ground clearance, flexibility, and spaciousness of an SUV.

With the EcoSport, Ford pioneered the mini-SUV segment and led it over the last four years, including a nearly 50-percent share in 2017.

“The Ford EcoSport is an SUV in a league of its own — combining quality design, rugged capability, best-in-class features, superior fuel economy, and great value for money, all into a single and fun vehicle,” shares Bert Lessard, managing director, Ford Philippines.

At the heart of the new EcoSport are two powerplants: the award-winning turbocharged 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and a new and more powerful 1.5-liter Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TiVCT) engine, producing 125 and 123 horsepower, respectively. Both are mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission, closing the chapter on the previous dual-clutch PowerShift transmission.

The 1.0L EcoBoost engine features direct-injection technology and variable camshaft timing with turbocharger. EcoBoost is Ford’s most technologically advanced engine ever, producing more power than bigger engines while consuming less fuel. It also now comes with the auto start/stop technology when idling at traffic light. 

The new and more powerful 1.5-liter engine features TiVCT that helps improve efficiency. Together with the new six-speed automatic, this upgraded engine allows for smoother and faster acceleration.

The new EcoSport has a generous ground clearance of 209mm and its exterior features a bold, new grille, a new hood, headlamps, as well as lightweight new 17-inch alloy wheels. 

Meanwhile, its interior enhancements put driver and passenger comfort and convenience as top priority. The Titanium variant sports a more stylish design and features a leather dashboard, power sunroof, and an eight-inch multicolor touchscreen with a redesigned interface and intuitive smartphone-like actions. The Trend and Ambiente variants are equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen display.

The new EcoSport is also more adaptable than ever with added smart storage spaces. It can handle a load of up to 1,178 liters, with 25 smart storage compartments for coffee cups, smartphones, tablets, umbrellas, bottles and other accessories. Its trunk is spacious enough to accommodate luggage for out of town trips for city dwellers.

The new EcoSport is equipped with multiple smart and DATs that make driving safer and more convenient. These include the Rear View Camera with Rear Parking Assist, Rain Sensing Wipers, Automatic Headlights, and Smart Keyless Entry.

The EcoSport is also powered by SYNC 3 with Navigation that allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while staying connected. SYNC 3 features voice control for the entertainment system and the driver’s calls and text messages. The AppLink 3.0 feature on SYNC 3 also allows passengers to use their favorite smartphone applications via the car’s touchscreen. The new EcoSport also includes a seven-speaker audio system for the Titanium variant.

Aside from being smart, the new EcoSport also comes with a slew of safety features including Hill-Start Assist Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution System, Electronic Stability Program and Anti-Locking Brake System, and six airbags available in all EcoSport variants.

“The new EcoSport retains the strengths of its predecessor while introducing a number of new and exciting features. Its trendier design and sophisticated interior, smart technologies, and the addition of the EcoBoost engine will deliver a more enhanced driving experience. We are excited for Filipino customers to get their hands on the new EcoSport and see for themselves why it’s a street smart vehicle perfect for urban driving,” said Rodel Gallega, VP, marketing and sales, Ford Philippines.     

The latest EcoSport will be available in four variants with the following price points:

* 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium AT at P1,168,000

* 1.5L Trend AT at P1,028,000

* 1.5L Trend MT at P968,000

* 1.5L Ambiente MT at P918,000

It comes in six colors: Absolute Black, Ingot Silver, Crystal White, Ruby Red (Trend and Titanium variants only), Canyon Ridge (Titanium variant only), and Blue Lightning (Titanium variant only).