Ford EcoSport

The EcoSport is Ford’s competent sub-for-metre compact SUV. It’s been around for a while but a comprehensive update in 2017 brought with it revised styling, a redone cabin and a new petrol engine, keeping the EcoSport current. The Ford EcoSport is available in petrol-manual, petrol-auto and diesel-manual forms, including a sporty turbo-petrol variant.

The EcoSport is Ford’s competent sub-for-metre compact SUV. It’s been around for a while but a comprehensive update i...

The EcoSport is Ford’s competent sub-for-metre compact SUV. It’s been around for a while but a comprehensive update in 2017 brought with it revised styling, a redone cabin and a new petrol engine, keeping the EcoSport current. The Ford EcoSport is available in petrol-manual, petrol-auto and diesel-manual forms, including a sporty turbo-petrol variant.

The Ford EcoSport has a youthful air about it and there’s a sporty vibe to the cabin as well. It’s particularly nice to see how solidly everything feels put together. However, drivers don’t get the best of views out and the thick A-pillars can be bothersome at crossroads. At the rear, comfort is fine but space is down on rivals – and not everyone will be a fan of the EcoSport’s side-opening tailgate.
The Ford EcoSport’s 123hp, 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is refined, peppy and likeable. While the standard fit 5-speed manual gearbox isn’t the slickest, the torque converter auto is smooth. Buyers looking for a sportier experience will like the EcoSport S which is powered by the high-tech 125hp, 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol engine. As for the diesel, Ford’s 100hp, 1.5-litre engine works really well on the EcoSport. It’s not the quietest engine but the linear power delivery makes it an easy one to live with.
The EcoSport distinguishes itself among compact SUVs for its keen handling. The suspension is absorbent too but variants with larger wheels do ride with a degree of firmness.

The Ford EcoSport has a youthful air about it and there’s a sporty vibe to the cabin as well. It’s particularly nice ...

The Ford EcoSport has a youthful air about it and there’s a sporty vibe to the cabin as well. It’s particularly nice to see how solidly everything feels put together. However, drivers don’t get the best of views out and the thick A-pillars can be bothersome at crossroads. At the rear, comfort is fine but space is down on rivals – and not everyone will be a fan of the EcoSport’s side-opening tailgate.
The Ford EcoSport’s 123hp, 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is refined, peppy and likeable. While the standard fit 5-speed manual gearbox isn’t the slickest, the torque converter auto is smooth. Buyers looking for a sportier experience will like the EcoSport S which is powered by the high-tech 125hp, 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol engine. As for the diesel, Ford’s 100hp, 1.5-litre engine works really well on the EcoSport. It’s not the quietest engine but the linear power delivery makes it an easy one to live with.
The EcoSport distinguishes itself among compact SUVs for its keen handling. The suspension is absorbent too but variants with larger wheels do ride with a degree of firmness.

With multiple versions on offer, it can be hard to pick the right EcoSport. We’d recommend the EcoSport S only for buyers who are more interested in speed than mileage. Meanwhile, the efficient diesel is a good buy for anyone with lots of running. Urban buyers will find a good option in the petrol-automatic but the sole version on sale doesn’t come cheap. The 1.5-litre petrol-manual variant is a fine choice with the mid-spec Titanium trim delivering a fair value for the money. Higher-spec versions get leatherette seats, a sunroof and six airbags; but they are also pricey. What’s also disappointing is that modern day essentials like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are reserved for the EcoSport S only.

With multiple versions on offer, it can be hard to pick the right EcoSport. We’d recommend the EcoSport S only for bu...

With multiple versions on offer, it can be hard to pick the right EcoSport. We’d recommend the EcoSport S only for buyers who are more interested in speed than mileage. Meanwhile, the efficient diesel is a good buy for anyone with lots of running. Urban buyers will find a good option in the petrol-automatic but the sole version on sale doesn’t come cheap. The 1.5-litre petrol-manual variant is a fine choice with the mid-spec Titanium trim delivering a fair value for the money. Higher-spec versions get leatherette seats, a sunroof and six airbags; but they are also pricey. What’s also disappointing is that modern day essentials like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are reserved for the EcoSport S only.