The EcoSport from U.S. auto giant Ford belongs to the best-selling subcompact crossovers in the Philippines, which acquired its major redesign in August 2018. It is best known for its flexibility, a sleeker exterior, and a new option for its engine that can compete within the Philippine market with greater range. A floating display screen measuring 8 inches is equipped with Ford's SYNC 3, which is available in the Titanium variant. It is the most apparent feature in the cabin of the Ford EcoSport. Ford Philippines offers the Ford EcoSport is available in four trims: 1.5 Ambiente MT as the base variant, 1.5 Trend MT, 1.5 Trend AT, and the 1.0 Eco-Boost Titanium AT. The advantages of the top-of-the-line Titanium variant includes an automatic start and stop engine system and six airbags. Ford EcoSport is now offered in two engine options. Ford kept the 1.5L Inline 4-Cylinder Ti-VCT petrol power plant but with improved performance. It now produces 121 horsepower and torque power of 1150 Nm. The other engine option is the smaller 1.0L Turbocharged Eco-Boost engine. It can generate 123 horsepower and torque power of 170 Nm. Furthermore, aside from the current five-speed manual gearbox, there is a new six-speed conventional A/T as well.
Launch
Ford Philippines launched the very first-generation model of the Ford EcoSport in 2013, and it took a decade for the vehicle to be available in the Philippines. The subcompact crossover was introduced in the country in January 2014. The most popular of this subcompact crossover SUV is its second-generation model because of its affordability compared to its competitors. Today, the 2018 Ford EcoSport has undergone improvements to differentiate it from its previous model.
The Ford EcoSport is intended for budget-wise car buyers who look for a vehicle that comes in a small package and is flexible. In August 2018, the Ford Philippines introduced its latest version of the subcompact crossover that has undergone a facelift and a set of transmission/powertrain setup.
Exterior
The Ford EcoSport maintained its sculpted sides, boxy shape, and a spare tire compartment mounted at the rear end gate. However, a wider grille, larger headlights, and the removal of the slim upper grille are the additional features of the vehicle. The car's side profile comes with a softened outline that passes through the handles of its doors, and the remaining design remains untouched such as the two-piece combination of the boot lid-mounted spare wheel and tail light.
The difference of the top-range Ford EcoSport Eco-Boost trim from the other trim levels is its HID Projector headlights. The base Ambiente MT variant is the only one who has 16-inch steel rims, and the rest is equipped with 17-inch alloys.
Interior
The latest Ford EcoSport eliminates some of its interior features to change the design of its cabin. Some of them are the center console and the aircraft-inspired dashboard. The most noticeable modification of the interior is the presence of the new touchscreen located vertically at the center of the dashboard. It also comes with Ford's SYNC 3 connectivity and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well. The crossover also comes with a reverse parking camera, front seats that get decent lumbar support, rear seats that offer ample legroom, and automatic climate control that provides an enhanced level of comfort.
Technology & Safety Features
The top-ranging Ford EcoSport Titanium features a lot of driving amenities such as keyless entry with push-button start/stop, auto start/stop, auto-dimming rearview mirror, speed-sensing door locks, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, and hill-start and hill-descent controls.
For safety, the Ford EcoSport features dual front airbags that are included in all ranges. For the range-toppers, it is equipped with curtain and side airbags, while extra side airbags are featured in mid-Trend Variant. Standard safety features include stability and traction control, ABS with EBD, front seatbelt reminders, ISOFIX child tethers, and emergency brake light.
It is yet to be tested by ASEAN NCAP. Still, the same specification Ford EcoSport was tested by the Australian NCAP and garnered a 5-star rating with a perfect 16 points in side-impact crashes and a total of 15.14 out of 16 points for frontal-offset impact.
Platform & Chassis
The Ford EcoSport rides on Ford's B2E platform. The 5-door vehicle's layout is front-engine front-wheel-drive. This crossover can accommodate five occupants. Ford EcoSport measures 4325 mm in length and the width measures 1765 mm. The ground clearance is 209 mm, and the wheelbase measures 2519 mm.
Disc brakes are present in the front wheels only.
Due to larger and wider 17-inch wheels, the car's handling has improved. In addition, the suspension of Ford EcoSport is set towards the more secure side to achieve extra stability, and a reduced body roll has been set.
Engine & Drivetrain
Ford Philippines offers the Ford EcoSport in two engine options. The first option is a 1.5-liter unit expected to generate a maximum power of 123 PS and torque power of 150 Nm. It is installed in both Trend and Ambiente trims of the crossover. The former trim can be paired with an option of a 6-speed automatic gearbox while the latter trim is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission.
The other available engine is Ford's popular 1.0-litre Eco-Boost unit. It succeeded in winning the International Engine of the Year for six years straight. It produces torque power of 170 Nm, a 125 PS power and commits to saving fuel economy. The engine is equipped and only offered with a Titanium trim and comes together with the automatic gearcase.
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