Ford EcoSport Black more than just a pretty face

To spice up the Blue Oval’s compact SUV offering, the limited-edition Ford EcoSport Black recently joined its popular local line-up.

Based on the 1.5 Ambiente auto trim level, the EcoSport Black receives distinctive dark-hued enhancements as the name suggests. At a premium of R14 200 over the R323 200 model in standard trim.

Sexy features

As striking as the blacked-out front grille, skid plate, mirror caps, roof and roof rails, decals on the bonnet and sides, spare wheel cover and 16-inch alloy wheels are, underneath is a very familiar vehicle.

Quite cleverly, Ford decided to place more emphasis on the journey than the ride itself by inviting us on getaway weekend. Suitcases packed, my family of two adults and two primary school children set off on a 420 km roundtrip to a game lodge east of Bela-Bela in the scenic Limpopo Bushveld.

The EcoSport has been a top seller since its local launch in 2013. A position it has defended with vigour despite the barrage of compact SUVs debuting in our market in the last 24 months.

There is no denying that the car is getting long in the tooth though. Despite receiving an update in 2018, the EcoSport is finding it increasingly tough to keep up with the new players constantly raising the bar. While the flagship 1.0 EcoBoost derivatives can hold its own in terms of specification, the lower-specced Ambiente models are found wanting on some fronts in what has become a fiercely contested space.

Comfort over features

Glaring omissions on the EcoSport Black are a push-button start/stop function, cruise control, reserve camera, an automatic electric window for the driver, automatic lights and daytime running lights. The tiny 4.2-inch static infotainment display also uses a dated Ford SYNC system which is a far cry from the eight-inch touchscreen with newer SYNC versions standard on the EcoBoost derivatives.

But for the buyers who can live without all these creature comforts on a daily basis, the EcoSport Black will richly reward them by virtue of solid ride comfort. The cabin is spacious and comfortable and some old school buyers might actually prefer the simplicity of the layout and controls. The 333-litre boot is also as suitable for a family’s weekend luggage as it is for daily city life.

Under the bonnet

The EcoSport Black is powered by the tried and trusted 1.5-litre, three-cylinder free-breathing Dragon petrol engine that also does duty in the Figo. While the powerplant’s soundtrack might be less refined than the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engines, it does what it says on the box.

The 91kW/151Nm sent to the front wheels via a smooth six-speed automatic transmission is just enough grunt for daily city commuting, while cruising at the national limit on the open road requires a comfortable 2 800 rpm up front. Acceleration required for overtaking on the open road is less hasty than that offered from the EcoBoost engines, but keeping it on the boil for longer gets the job done. 

ALSO READ: Ford blacks-out entry-level EcoSport

Ford claims a combined fuel consumption of 6.9L/100 km and we managed to achieve 8.3L/100 km over a total distance of 499km. We thought this number is decent taking a kerb weight of 1 368 kg in consideration plus the fact that we carried a full load in blustery conditions on the 420 km round trip to Limpopo.

Ride height

Although the EcoSport Black is not a hard core off-roader in any sense, its solid suspension makes light work of gravel roads with the added benefit of generous ride height. And speaking of ride height, it is prominent big SUV features like these that adds to the EcoSport’s longevity.

With an exceptional ground clearance of 206 mm, the EcoSport is on par with bigger and more expensive SUVs. To put this number into perspective, it’s much higher than that of competitors like the Volkswagen T-Cross (185 mm) and the Hyundai Creta (190 mm). Even the more expensive and bigger Toyota RAV4 (195 mm) is measured at 11 mm lower.

Blue Oval’s masterstroke

Ford’s decision to mount the spare wheel on the tailgate is also a masterstroke. Not only did it free up space inside the cabin, but also gives the EcoSport a much more distinguished and rugged look.

Adding to this is the tailgate door that swings open, unlike the usual lifting door found on most compact SUVs. The combination of the rear mounted spare wheel and swinging tailgate sets it apart from other compact SUVs. It actually lends a bit of serious SUV persona in the mould of a Land Cruiser Prado or Land Rover Defender to its exterior.

Conclusion

The EcoSport Black is a solid offering well suited for everyday life in the week and ready to make road trip memories across Mzansi’s scenic landscape over weekends. It offers bang for your buck should you value space and comfort over more modern touches. With the added benefit of looking quite windgat too.

The EcoSport Black is sold with a four year/60 000 km service plan and a four year/120 000 km comprehensive warranty. For more information, click here.