New cars on show: EcoSport, Fiesta ST, Tourneo range
This new mini-SUV uses the new Ford Fiesta as its base. It’s equipped with Ford SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system as well as SYNC Emergency Assistance. In addition it is one of the first Ford vehicles in Europe to offer Ford SYNC AppLink, which enables customers to voice-control smartphone apps from the driver’s seat.
The EcoSport will be the second SUV to be launched in Ford’s expanding European range when it goes on sale at the end of this year, following the recently-launched second-generation Kuga. It will be offered with Ford’s 123bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, a 108bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 89bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine.
Read more about the EcoSport by clicking here.
Judging by the success of the standard Fiesta and the Focus ST, expect everyone to be postively chomping at the bit to get hold of one these, the new Fiesta ST.
The bald fact is: it looks nice, and although the blatant Aston Martin grille isn’t to everyone’s liking, there’s not much wrong aesthetically speaking.
This new ST model should provide enough entertainment for keen drivers. It gets an upgraded 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine that produces 178bhp, and that’ll take it from 0-62mph 7 seconds. When you consider that the Kia cee’d GT – a purported performance hatchback – does the benchmark sprint in 7.9 seconds the Fiesta ST makes a lot of sense for thrill-seekers on a budget.
Developed by Ford’s RS department, it’ll doubtless handle with composure. The standard Fiesta is no slouch around the corners so we expect plenty of grip considering Ford has the tuned chassis and lowered the ride-height by 15mm.
These improvements are designed to keep its main rival and class-leader, the Clio Renaultsport, honest. Standard equipment includes Recaro sports seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, DAB radio and air conditioning, while the ST2 gets heated seats, keyless start and LED daytime running lamps.
For more on the Fiesta ST click here.
Tourneo range
The Touneo is a new van. We’ve seen it at a special Ford heads-up in Copenhagen and it promises to be a versatile, useful practical vehicle that’ll keep small and large businesses, er… in business. We’ve already reviewed the Tourneo Custom and if the Courier is anything like the Custom it’ll be a big hit with the UK van-buying public.
