Ford EcoSport shifting into sixth gear

Since its launch in 2013, the Ford EcoSport has grown in popularity and remains a leader within its segment. Aiming to continue on its local success, Ford SA has paired the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a six-speed automatic gearbox to smoothly convert the 91 kW into propulsion. Furthermore, Ford has supplemented the EcoSport’s value by introducing their Collision Mitigation System to the Ambiente, Trend and Titanium derivatives. The system alerts the driver of a potential collision with the vehicle ahead, pre-charges the brakes and, if necessary, applies maximum braking pressure once the driver presses the brake pedal.

In addition, the Trend variant gains Cruise control with an adaptive speed limiter and the Titanium derivative sees the fitment of front parking sensors to complement the rear sensors which come standard across the range. The Trend and Titanium derivatives further benefit from the addition of an underbody protection shield. The introduction of the new six-speed automatic variant results in the EcoSport range growing to seven offerings.

Starting with Ambiente, the model is now available with a five-speed manual or the new six-speed automatic transmission mated to a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 91 kW and 151 N.m of torque. Also on offer in the Ambiente trim level is a 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and produces 74 kW and 205 N.m. Powering the Trend and Titanium models is the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost motor capable of 92 kW and 170 N.m of torque.

Safety remains a key focus in the EcoSport with the entry-level Ambiente variants fitted with six airbags with the Trend and Titanium derivatives benefitting additionally from a driver’s knee airbag. The safety features are further strengthened by the inclusion of ABS brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC) and Roll Stability Control (RSC) while 1.0 EcoBoost-powered models further benefits from Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

EcoSport occupants further profit from the infotainment systems installed throughout the model range. The Ambiente comes standard with Ford’s SYNC system which features Bluetooth and Voice Control, as well as two USB ports, six speakers and a 4.2-inch screen while Trend models feature a more sophisticated version of the SYNC infotainment system and a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen. However, the Titanium models come fitted with an 8.0-inch display installed with Ford’s SYNC 3 system which includes navigation functionality.

Warranty and Services

The Ford EcoSport model comes standard with a four-year/60 000km Ford Protect service plan, four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty and a three-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance. Furthermore included is a five-year/unlimited-kilometre corrosion warranty.

 Pricing

EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente 5MT                                     R279 700

EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Ambiente 5MT                           R289 900

EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente 6AT                             R297 600

EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6MT                         R319 200

EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT                          R333 900

EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6MT                   R357 000

EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT                    R370 400