The new European-spec Ford EcoSport is here and it looks vividly different from the outgoing model. The popular crossover, in fact, has arrived with new features and a completely new, more contemprary look.
The big update comes in the form of all-wheel drive system coming into the EcoSport range for the first time. The car will also get a new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine developing 125bhp of power and 300Nm of torque. Also available for the first time is a sporty, Ford Performance-inspired EcoSport ST-Line model.
The all-wheel drive system measures how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface and can adjust torque delivery up to 50/50 between the front and rear wheels. The 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel model with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox will offer even lower CO2 and better fuel efficiency than the outgoing car. However, it will be available sometime next year. Instead, Ford’s 100bhp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine will be available for launch.
Also on offer will be the 1-litre EcoBoost petrol in 140bhp, 125bhp and from mid-2018, 100bhp power outputs, with a six-speed manual gearbox. As for the additional equipment, the EcoSport now comes with new driver assistance technologies including SYNC 3 connectivity, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter and rear view camera as standard on certain trim levels.
The new EcoSport for Europe will be built at Ford's manufacturing facility in Craiova, Romania. It will go on sale later this year, joining the Edge and Kuga SUV models in Europe. A new SUV-inspired Fiesta Active crossover model will also be launched in Europe next year.
