Australian New Car Buyer – June 2019

50 | AUSTRALIAN NEW CAR & SUV BUYER’S GUIDE

F

ord’s fi rst major overhaul
of its compact EcoSport
brings substantial improvement,
with more suitable powertrain
choices, a more contemporary
interior and higher standard
equipment levels. So low pricing
is no longer its sole drawcard.
The front-wheel-drive-only
range kicks off from a reasonable
$22,790 for the Ambiente, which
now includes a conventional
six-speed torque-converter auto
(the problematic Powershift dual-
clutch auto and all manuals have
been ditched), joining a reverse
camera, digital radio and Apple
CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity
— items many base rivals lack.
Under the cheapest EcoSport’s
bonnet is an all-new 1.5-litre
three-cylinder petrol engine —
a thrummy but willing worker
that punches well above its size
considering no turbocharger is
attached. It produces a healthy
90kW of power and 150Nm

of torque, so around town

acceleration is ample, with a

pleasing amount of response

on tap for the cut-and-thrust

of modern traffi c conditions.

Only when overtaking out on the

open road or over inclines is that

fourth cylinder missed.

That’s where the mid-range

Trend (from $24,490) and Titanium

fl agship (from $28,990) step in,

since both boast the smaller yet

gutsier 1.0-litre three-cylinder

turbo, delivering an impressive

92kW and 170Nm. Also mated to

a six-speed auto, this powertrain

provides usefully more mid-range

oomph for noticeably stronger

performance across the board.

Competitive fuel economy is

another bonus.

Previous EcoSport interiors were

among the industry’s drabbest

and most dated, but now Ford

fi ts a simple and smart-looking

dash offering excellent ventilation,

concise instrumentation and an

intuitive central touchscreen.

Suffi cient space for four adults,

heaps of storage, a lofty driving

position and easy entry/exit are

further plus-points.

However, the plastic textures

remain on the nose; the console

switchgear and air outlets

are set too-far down; and the

tailgate still swings open the

wrong way, forcing people onto

the road to access the (class-

competitive at 346 litres) load

area. Earlier versions of the

Series II models have a full-sized

spare wheel mounted on that

rear door (obscuring rear vision

somewhat); later vehicles switch

to a puncture-repair kit. Either

solution isn’t ideal.

Dynamically, the EcoSport

continues to underwhelm. While

well-weighted and accurate,

the steering departs from

Ford’s usually driver-focused

characteristics by feeling a little

too nervous at speed, while the

body leans too much. It’s neither

quiet nor settled in the suspension

department, transmitting lots of

noise and bumps through to the

occupants inside. Refi nement

remains a low point.

For many small SUV buyers,

though, the real deal-breaker

may be the lack of Autonomous

Emergency Braking, highlighting

the EcoSport’s advancing

years. Furthermore, even the

Titanium with its leather trim,

sunroof, auto on/off headlights

and wipers, and blind-spot/rear

cross-traffi c alerts, doesn’t offer

adaptive cruise control, heated

seats, automatic high beam or

even rear disc brakes.

Ultimately, then, only a super-

sharp deal could save the latest

EcoSport from total obscurity.

Which is probably what you should

expect next time it inevitably pops

up as an airport rental. Everywhere

else, Ford’s smallest SUV remains

completely outclassed.

By Byron Mathioudakis

FORD ECOSPORT FROM $22,790 S

THINGS WE LIKE

 Commanding driving position

 Spirited three-cylinder powertrains

 Voice-control multimedia system

known as Sync3

 Compact dimensions

 Low fuel consumption

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE

 Lacking in safety features

 Cheapo plastics everywhere

 Unsettled and noisy ride

 Side-hinged tailgate swings open

the wrong way for Australia

 Top-heavy handling feel

 Weak resale values

SPEX (Trend)

 Made in India

 1.0-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo/

six-speed auto/front-wheel drive

 92kW of power at 6000rpm/170Nm

of torque from 1500-4500rpm

 0-100km in 11.6 seconds (claimed)

 5.6L/100km highway; 8.7L/100km

city; 95 octane premium; CO²

emissions are 153g/km

 Warranty: Five years/unlimited km

 The fuel tank holds 52 litres

 Standard: Seven airbags, stability

control, rear parking sensors,

navigation, reverse camera,

touchscreen, digital radio, Apple

CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth,

leather-bound steering wheel, fog

lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and a

full-sized spare

 Redbook future values: 3yr: 40%;

5yr: 31%

Safety

ANCAP

Performance

Handling

Quality and reliability

Comfort and refi nement

Value for money



Overall



STARS

compare with ...

Holden Trax, Honda HR-V, Hyundai

Kona, Mitsubishi ASX, Mazda CX-3,

Toyota C-HR