Ford has revised its EcoSport crossover for 2015 with some subtle design changes, new equipment as standard and improvements to driver dynamics among the big changes.
The EcoSport is part of Ford’s growing SUV line-up in Europe that includes the mid-sized Kuga and will be extended with the Edge when it arrives in the UK early next year.
Immediately noticeable from the outside is the absence of the rear-mounted spare wheel, in its place is a new EcoSport badge plus privacy glass is now standard on all models.
Inside has a new charcoal black lower instrument panel, centre console and door boards. The instrument cluster now features a light dimming function too and chrome-surround rings to match the electric window switches.
To improve sound insulation, thicker materials in the doors and dashboard are now employed and engine and gearbox matching has been revised to offer more low speed torque.
There are three engines available, all of which meet Euro6 emissions standards including Ford’s award-winning 1-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, also a 1.5-litre petrol engine or 1.5-litre diesel engine are available, the latter offers a 5bhp increase over the outgoing model.
Crucially for company car drivers, CO2 figures fall as low as 115g/km for the 1.5-litre diesel meaning a 21 percent BIK tax band for the current 2015/16 tax year, while a combined fuel economy figure of 64mpg should keep trips to the fuel station to a minimum.
The 123bhp 1-litre EcoBoost delivers 52mpg and 125g/km CO2 slotting into a 20 percent BIK band for the current year while the 1.5-litre petrol option delivers 45mpg and emits 149g/km CO2.
Ford has made improvements to the EcoSport’s driving dynamics following development work at the Ford Lommel Proving Ground and a 10mm reduction in ride height should improved handling, the Electronic Stability Control and power steering systems have also been specifically tuned for European roads.
All EcoSport models are equipped with Ford’s SYNC voice-controlled connectivity system and partial leather seats are now standard for Titanium models.
Further technology that will be available later in the year for the first time include sat-nav and a rear view camera.
The revised EcoSport is available to order now with deliveries beginning in October.
