Ford Ecosport

Overview:

In the past few decades numerous automobile makers have entered in the global market. Some favored for their innovations in ground-breaking technology, some celebrated for redefining the concept of luxury and some cherished for their economically valued, high quality cars. But only handful of these automobile firms have been able to leave a mark on the industry. One such legendary automobile manufacturer is FORD. Since its founding in 1903, Ford has been a pioneer in global automobile industry. Ford firmly believes in the philosophy of “affordability with superior quality”. Since its commencement, Ford Motors continuously innovated and upgraded its products, to become the most trusted name in the automobile industry. Whether its Sedans, crossovers or SUVs or Trucks and Vans – Ford has not only enhanced their car but completely re-imagined the driving experience. One such legendary wheel, from this acclaimed maker is Ford Ecosport. Launched with all bells and whistles in the year 2013, this sophisticated mini SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) has unquestionably pioneered the wheel world. Since its launch, Ford Ecosport has received astounding response from the car buffs and went on to become one of the best-sellers in the segment beating numerous cars from the house of veteran car-makers.

The Ford Ecosport is made available in three trim levels namely Ecosport Ambiente, Ecosport Trend and Ecosport Titanium. Ecosport is made available in variants powered by a 1.5 litre petrol and a 1.5 litre diesel engine. The 1.5L Ti-VCT petrol engine produces a high power of 82 kW at 6300 rpm and high torque of 138 Nm at 4400 rpm.

The latest entrant features some really inspiring and advanced characteristics that are certainly commendable. The best in class traits imbibed in this sleek versatile exterior and spacious and cheek interiors of the vehicle make driving fun and at the same time very convenient. There are countless features stuffed for the gadgetry freaks alongside there are plentiful of storage knick-knacks for convenience of the occupants on the go. Some of the avantgarde features in the mini vehicle are Ford SYNC with voice control, smart keyless entry, hill launch assist, rear parking sensors, etc.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

The American automakers have not ignored the primary concerns of Bangladeshi car buyers and therefore input technologically advanced system which are economical in every aspect. In Ecosport too, the engine are fuel-efficient irrespective of being Diesel or Petrol. The 1.5L Ti-VCT Petrol engine delivers a fuel-economy of 15.8 kmpl whereas the Diesel 1.5L engine gives a mileage of 22.7 kmpl.

Power:

Along with intriguing design on the exterior, Ford has left no stone unturned in providing reliable engine choices under the hood. Ecosport is made available in 2 engine options to choose from – 1.5L petrol and diesel engine both with Twin-independent Variable Camshaft Timing system. Under the hood, its 1.5L Ti-VCT petrol engine produces a high power of 82 kW at 6300 rpm and high torque of 138 Nm at 4400 rpm. Whereas the other trim level – 1.5L diesel engine generates a maximum power of 66 kW at 3750 rpm and a torque of 205 Nm at 2000-2750 rpm.

Acceleration & Pickup:

When it comes to speed, this mini SUV has real authority on the road. The Ambiente variant of Ecosport with 1.5L Ti-VCT petrol engine of the runs at a top speed of 175Km/h and reaches from 0 to 100 Km/h in a mere time of 11.6 secs. While the Trend and Titanium variant provided a top speed of 160 Km/h and reaches from 0 to 100Km/h in 14.5 secs.

Exterior:

Without a doubt, Ford Ecosport is one of the best looking cars in the mini SUV segment and is tend to make head turn. This stunning car beguiles onlookers with its flawless and masterstroke styling. Its striking exteriors creates a hustle wherever it goes as the company's new global design philosophy comes to life in the form of Ecosport. This 5-seater SUV has a tall stance making it for dominating on the road whereas the aerodynamic frontage makes the car more agile. In the front – Ecosport has wide radiator grille with bold chrome stripe borders that houses the company's emblem in the center. The aggressive façade of this vehicle has massive front bumper with a huge 3-layered air dam. Accompanying the air dam are the handsomely carved chrome encircled fog-lamps. The angular head-lams does compact in nature are powerful with dual halogen. The radical frame with raised hood provides an urbane SUV feel. The door handles are kept simple but the striking silver colored roof rails enhances car's side profile. The body colored side-mirror with indicator bestows an athletic side view. The rear part of the car continues boasting a rugged appeal of Ecosport. The rear wind screen glass has integrated spoiler and the bumper comes with semi-black mode making it look macho. And to ensure that the rear aspect remains unblemished, the tailgate handle has been given way into the tail lamp. The sporty SUV is available in eight bold and stylish colors.

Exterior Measurements:

Though the SUV is compact in structure but the design engineers at the manufacturer have very astutely carved the exterior of the compact SUV making it appear no smaller than any SUV on the road. The overall dimensions on the car are – 4010 mm X 1765 mm X 1639 mm. The much talked about ground clearance is 200 mm, whilst the wheelbase is 2521 mm.

Interior:

Even after a closer look, there is no doubt one will find anything even slightly boring in this SUV. The compact looking SUV, shockingly provides a spacious cabin space courtesy the smart interior designers of Ford who have left no stone unturned in matching the excellent craftsmanship of the exterior. The black theme continues with the sport look and is similar of Ford's another masterpiece Fiesta. The posh seats come with 5 different upholstery options to choose from. At front, the dashboard in charcoal black witnesses smooth surfaces and is made up of standard quality material. The interior finish that includes audio bezel, air vent rings, steering wheel spoke shell, door trim appliqué and gear shifter comes painted in sunset silver, which accentuates its the dark look. For the soothing view there is cool ‘Ice Blue’ back light illumination in analogue dials and other meters at dash. Another exciting feature is the lower NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels inside the cabin at high speeds.

Interior Comfort:

Driver + Passengers seats are meticulously designed to give utmost comfort while driving. The driver’s seat has height adjustment and lumbar support feature, followed by drivers arm rest, leather wrapped gear knob and leather draped cozy steering wheel. These commendable aspects make the driver feel convenient and confident on the drive and alongside provide an elevated stance to the driver. The effective climate control feature alongside with powerful air conditioning creates a cozy environment. There are as many as 20 small/large storage compartments in the cabin such as seats map pockets, sunglass holder, passenger vanity mirror with light and under passenger seat storage to fit in all your knick knacks. Added features like average speed show, econometer, distance to empty, average fuel economy display and outside temperature display deciphers your driving pleasures.

Interior Measurements:

This sturdy SUV has pioneered the market because of its space efficiency. The boot space measures about 346 liters and can be extended up to a large 705 liters. The rear seat can be split 60:40, while the rear seat cushion comes with 100% fold down feature making way for more space.

Engine and Performance:

In Bangladesh, Ford Ecosport is made available in three trim levels:
1.Ecosport Ambiente with 1.5L Ti-VCT petrol engine the in-line 4 cylinder with Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) technology generates a power of 82 kW at 6300 rpm and high torque of 138 Nm at 4400 rpm. This version has two gear options 5-speed manual transmission or PowerShift 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability.

2.Ecosport Trend and Ecosport Titanium with 1.5L diesel engine generates a maximum power of 66 kW at 3750 rpm and a peak torque of 205 Nm at 2000-2750 rpm. This variant is also available in two gear choices 5-speed manual transmission or PowerShift 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability.

Stereo and Accessories:

Making Ecosport a one of its kind SUV in the market, Ford engineers has thoughtfully added each and every element in the car. Its class leading entertainment system is perfect for those leisurely long drives. The much talked about advanced music system with FM/AM Radio, Aux-in, USB interface alongside CD/MP3 player. To project the sound, there are 4 speakers (2 front + 2 rear) in the car. In addition to the music system this compact SUV comes with 2-line Multi-Functional Display (MFD) screen, while in the mid and top variants it is loaded with 3.5 inch MFD screen. MP3 and has Aux-in interface alongside USB and iPod connectivity support. Moreover, there is Ford’s acclaimed SYNC feature that comes with Bluetooth and Voice Control aspect, which makes voice calling and messaging easy.

Wheels:

One of the main characteristics of this SUV is the apt sized choice of wheels that fit well to the stature of this compact vehicle. The broad wheels measure 15-inch on the base models and 16-inch on the mid and top end variants .

Braking and Handling:

Ford's Braking and Handling system have always been reliable in all its crossovers and SUVs. The same legacy continues in Ecosport which showcases excellent stability. For firm driving the front suspension comes with independent McPherson strut with coil spring and anti-roll bar and rear suspension outfitted with semi-independent twist beam with twin gas and oil filled shock absorbers. In order to make driving easy on hills upwards/downwards, the Hill Launch Assist (HLA) feature comes handy. The braking and suspension is up to the mark and better than any stalwart SUVs running on the roads, but still the handing on corners at high speeds requires attention.

Safety and Security:

Ford's meticulous attention to Safety and Security has resulted in making Ecosport a masterpiece. Keeping in mind Ford's prime priority, the vehicle is installed with some latest safety features. The state-of-art protection gears includes emergency assist, configurable speed alarm in fuel computer, auto unlock of doors on crash, locking wheel nut for spare wheel and electrically powered swing gate release. For maximum protection during collision, Ecosport is equipped with driver and passenger side airbags, side and curtain airbags, 3-point seat belt at front and rear, driver seat belt reminder, rear parking sensors and emergency brake hazard warning Other safety aspects include anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic stability control (ESC), smart keyless entry with push-start button, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat fixings for rear outboard seats and centrally located high-mounted stop lamp and many more.

Pros

Athletic yet posh exterior appearance
Luxurious interiors loaded with innovative gadgetry

Cons

Presence of authorized service stations needs to increase
Diesel engine noise and harshness can be minimized
Body roll observed at times while cornering