Ford has confirmed that a small 4×4, which has enjoyed a sales success in Brazil for almost ten years, will be coming the UK.
The Ecosport has been on sale in the South American country since 2003 and because of its success Ford has decided to make it available globally, with it set to probably go on sale here in late 2013.
It’s a compact off-roader and it will be available in the UK in two-wheel drive or four-wheel-drive versions. It’s about the same size as the current Fiesta but its high-riding stance and impressive ground clearance means it could prove popular with UK buyers wanting a compact 4×4 with low CO2 emissions and decent fuel economy.
Ford have not confirmed which engines will be used in the Ecosport but it is highly likely that a frugal 1.5-litre diesel will be in the line-up as well as the 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol unit.
The Ecosport can seat five but it doesn’t have a massive boot. The spare wheel has been fitted to the rear tailgate in order to retain what bootspace there is. There are 60:40 split folding rear seats so owners can store larger items.
It’s not just a 4×4 shape with little in the way of off-road abilities. It has an impressive ground clearance of 200mm as well as an equally impressive 550mm wading capacity.
Ford’s so-called SYNC voice-activated technology will be available on the Ecosport and that will allow drivers to change music preferences, make telephone calls via Bluetooth and give sat-nav instructions simply by talking to the system.
Prices and exact on-sale dates have not been announced but expect the Ecosport to make its European debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month.
At a special event Amsterdam Ford also confirmed that its 4×4 Edge model, currently on sale in America, will come to the UK and that a new cargo/people carrier van called the Courier will also be introduced here.
The most exciting news from the event is that the legendary Mustang will also go on sale as a right-hand drive UK car. All on-sale dates were unconfirmed but it is expected that all these new UK models will be available by the end of 2014.
