HARD to believe that it has been four years since Ford launched the EcoSport that not only pioneered the “Mini-SUV” segment but redefined it, as well. As of today, Ford Philippines has already sold more than 34,000 units of this fine sport-utility vehicle, thereby grabbing the market share in its segment.
Ford Philippines recently unveiled to the media the refreshed version of this highly successful model. Bertrand Lessard, the company’s managing director, summed it all up when he said in his speech, “The Ford EcoSport is an SUV in a league of its own combining quality design, rugged capability, best-in-class features, superior economy and great value for money, all into a single and fun vehicle.”
Design-wise, the front end has been revised quite extensively, which now features a full grille that is similar to its Everest kin as opposed to the double grill design of the old model. The bigger headlamps, which now incorporate the daytime running lights (DRLs), are available on all models except on the base Ambiente trim, provide better illumination at night and it matches the new triangular shaped foglamps located immediately below it. Rounding it off is a new sculpted hood that has a bigger central dome.
The rear, on the other hand, features a pair of slightly tweaked taillights that is barely noticeable, but the newly designed spare tire cover will surely elicit attention from those following the vehicle, especially when stuck in traffic.
Meanwhile, the interior receives a makeover, as well. It now features soft materials that scream quality with the top-of-the-line Titanium variant getting a more stylish design and a leather dashboard to boot. Controls have been relocated for better ergonomics, with Ford deciding to stick to traditional knobs rather than going digital. The much-appreciated SYNC infotainment system now on its third iteration features an offline GPS aside from voice control command to use your phone features, whether IOS or Android. This can be accessed on the newly designed 8-inch touchscreen monitor for the Titanium model and an even bigger 9-inches for the lower variants Trend and Ambiente.
The 2019 Ecosport offers two engine trims for its buyers, the award-winning 1.0L Ecoboost and the new and more powerful 1.5L equipped with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TiVCT). Both engines produce an almost identical horsepower rating of 125 and 123, respectively.
The Ecoboost, Ford’s most technologically advanced engine, is better than ever as it now comes with an auto start/stop feature that temporarily shuts down the engine in traffic and restarts it as soon as the driver lifts his/her foot off the brakes. This new feature decreases emission and improves fuel economy further.
Both engines can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a new six-speed automatic transmission that promises a smoother and faster acceleration compared to the old dual-clutch setup.
Safety-wise, this model maybe the safest one yet with a slew of safety features designed to prevent accidents from happening and protect its passengers if ever it happens, such as Hill-Start Assist Control, Electronic Brake-force distribution system, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-lock Brake System, and most of all six air bags that are available across all variants.
But the good news for all buyers is that Ford has only raised the prices of the vehicles only a bit starting at P918,000 for the Ambiente MT; P968,000 for the Trend MT; P1.028 million for the Trend AT equipped with the 1.5L engine while the top-of-the-line Ecoboost Titanium AT is priced at P1.168 million.
The EcoSport is available in six stylish colors—Ingot Silver, Absolute Black, Crystal White, Ruby Red (Trend and Titanium variants only), and Canyon Ridge and Blue Lightning for the top variant Titanium.
For more information about the new Ford Ecosport, interested buyers may visit the nearest Ford dealership.
Image credits: Patrick P. Tulfo