Ford EcoSport SUV priced from $20,790

[kypez]

From Drive Today:

http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor...127-2y8zh.html

Ford’s diminutive EcoSport SUV will be priced from a benchmark-setting $20,790 plus on-road and dealer costs when it goes on sale in Australia from December 2013.

The first vehicle to be sold locally with Ford’s efficient 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine, the EcoSport undercuts its key rivals the Holden Trax, Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008 on price, but there's a caveat - the budget-friendly models don't get the high-tech powerplant, and they won't be on sale here until the new year.

The only cheaper SUV available on the Australian market is the Chinese-made Chery J11 (from $16,990 drive-away) which has struggled for acceptance, while Fiat's boxy-bodied Panda - which starts at $16,500 drive-away - is better considered a city crossover than an SUV.

The EcoSport - like most of its baby SUV rivals - drives only the front wheels, and is available in three trim levels.

Advertisement

The first variant to be offered in Australia is the range-topping Titanium, which will be available from December 1. That model is priced from $25,790 plus on-roads, and is offered with the choice of five-speed manual (with the new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo) or an optional 1.5-litre engine with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission ($2000). The Titanium comes with leather seats, 16-inch alloys, climate control, reverse parking sensors and a push-button start.

From February 2014 Ford dealerships will begin taking stock of the entry level Ambiente and mid-range Trend models, which start at $20,790 and $22,290 respectively. The base model Ambiente misses out on the star 1.0-litre engine and makes do with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder for both the manual and automatic models. It has smaller 15-inch wheels and misses out on leather seats, keyless entry, cruise control, driver’s seat lumbar support, glovebox cooler and front fog lamps.

The award-winning 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine can be had from the mid-range model up. It produces 92kW of power at 6000rpm and 170Nm of torque as low as 1400rpm. Ford says the compact configuration rivals the power output of a regular 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The downside is that the three-pot is only available in a five-speed manual - no automatic is available with that engine yet.

The 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces 82kW of power and 140Nm of torque, and is available in the entry-level Ambiente with a five-speed manual gearbox, and throughout the rest of the range with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Both engines boast respectable fuel economy, with the EcoSport returning an admirable figure of 5.7L/100km, while the 1.5-litre boasts a 6.5L/100km combined reading. Both engines are compatible with 91-octane unleaded, but Ford is recommending premium unleaded for the best economy.

The EcoSport shares the same platform as the Fiesta city car and is manufactured in India. But Ford engineers have made changes to the dimensions of the vehicle, along with altered suspension (spring and damper rates) for a more suited steering, handling and ride package. The EcoSport range tips the scales at under 1300kg and is endowed with a user-friendly 10.6-metre turning radius.

The EcoSport offers a 200mm ground clearance, water-wading capability of up to 550mm and short front and rear overhangs for practical approach and departure access.

Inside, the EcoSport features a 346-litre boot, 60:40 split-fold rear seating and a maximum cargo space of 705 litres. There are 20 storage places and cubby holes according to Ford, including a glovebox in Trend and Titanium models that can keep up to six beverage cans cool.

The Ford EcoSport offers seven airbags – driver and front passenger, drivers knee airbag, side airbags and curtain airbags – as well as the latest suite of driver functions including stability control and hill start assist (on automatic variants). Ford’s voice-activated Sync system is standard across the range.

However, Ford continues to buck the trend of offering reversing cameras in its taller, harder to see out of SUVs. The EcoSport model has no reversing camera available on any model, while its bigger brother, the Kuga, only has a rear-view cam on the top-end Titanium model.

Ford EcoSport pricing (all prices plus on-road costs):

Ford EcoSport Ambiente 1.5-litre five-speed manual - $20,790

Ford EcoSport Ambiente 1.5-litre six-speed dual-clutch automatic - $22,790

Ford EcoSport Trend 1.0-litre five-speed manual - $22,290

Ford EcoSport Trend 1.5-litre six-speed dual-clutch automatic - $24,290

Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.0-litre five-speed manual - $25,790

Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.5-litre six-speed dual-clutch automatic - $27,790

My Comments: Not sure why they aren't offering an automatic transmission on the 1.0 EcoBoost, seems like they missed a trick.

[Gadgetman]

The New fiesta is available with a 1.0 litre 6 speed pwrshift in the sport model so it's not as if they

[csv8]

kypez..My Comments: Not sure why they aren't offering an automatic transmission on the 1.0 EcoBoost, seems like they missed a trick. ..some people want an automatic...Autos sell!!! another missed opportunity!!! Juke did the same ,no auto on STL..only on ST and STTi..
Ecosport pricing is competitive..good to see..

[kypez]

Originally Posted by csv8

kypez..My Comments: Not sure why they aren't offering an automatic transmission on the 1.0 EcoBoost, seems like they missed a trick. ..some people want an automtic...Autos sell!!!

That's my point! I cant understand why they haven't offered it on the 1.0 EcoBoost motor. Its only on the 1.5L engine.

[jpd80]

Ford Europe hasn't developed a version of 1.0 EB with Powershift transmission - it's a FoE design idiosyncrasy...
Even the Americans are struggling to get Fiesta 1.0 EB with a powershift option even though they know that's the market.

[csv8]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Ford Europe hasn't developed a version of 1.0 EB with Powershift transmission - it's a FoE design idiosyncrasy...
Even the Americans are struggling to get Fiesta 1.0 EB with a powershift option even though they know that's the market.

They have..
Ford has just announced two things today. No.1 is a bit of boasting, saying that they have the best selling small car in Europe, as the Fiesta sold 22,561 in September and 222,184 for the first nine months of the year.

But we already knew the Fiesta was a best-seller, so instead, the announcement that his car will finally get a new auto box caught our attention. A PowerShift auto is available on the supermini, but only with a 100 PS version of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine.

The PowerShift unit is a six-speed dual-clutch unit, which to our knowledge was developed by Getrag and is the same as the one Renault is adopting. Together, the three-cylinder award-winning engine and the new gearbox deliver CO2 emissions of 114g/km and 57.7mpg fuel consumption.
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fo...ope-70599.html

[kypez]

Originally Posted by csv8

They have..
Ford has just announced two things today. No.1 is a bit of boasting, saying that they have the best selling small car in Europe, as the Fiesta sold 22,561 in September and 222,184 for the first nine months of the year.

But we already knew the Fiesta was a best-seller, so instead, the announcement that his car will finally get a new auto box caught our attention. A PowerShift auto is available on the supermini, but only with a 100 PS version of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine.

The PowerShift unit is a six-speed dual-clutch unit, which to our knowledge was developed by Getrag and is the same as the one Renault is adopting. Together, the three-cylinder award-winning engine and the new gearbox deliver CO2 emissions of 114g/km and 57.7mpg fuel consumption.
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fo...ope-70599.html

According to the Ford Australia Website, the engine is not restricted with use of the Power Shift box. You get the full 92KW (125 PS)

http://www.ford.com.au/cars/new-fies...ions/spec-data

[kypez]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Ford Europe hasn't developed a version of 1.0 EB with Powershift transmission - it's a FoE design idiosyncrasy...
Even the Americans are struggling to get Fiesta 1.0 EB with a powershift option even though they know that's the market.

The Fiesta is available with the Power Shift box with 1.0 EB engine...

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Ford Europe hasn't developed a version of 1.0 EB with Powershift transmission - it's a FoE design idiosyncrasy...
Even the Americans are struggling to get Fiesta 1.0 EB with a powershift option even though they know that's the market.

In Janurary 2014, Ford aust will have 1.0EB with 6 speed pwrshift.

[olds]

A face only a mother could love
http://theage.drive.com.au/photogall...electedImage=5

[csv8]

What about the Juke !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by csv8

What about the Juke !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What about it, got a match and a can of petrol?

[DJM83]

Not a real big fan of the looks, but they are subjective and i could learn to like it.
But that 1L EcoBoost seems to be a ripper engine for the purpose.

That said id be happy with a Titanium as a run around.

[Franco Cozzo]

Looks like a dwarf with braces.

[Auslandau]

Hope you enjoy trains ..... toot toot.

Don't mind it and for the price it really should sell. Those buying a Fiesta could be swayed because of the higher stance and the engine line up, especially the 1.5 is supposed to be a great little power plant (for what it is)

Looks are subjective of course. You will get those who dont like it ..... and some who wont because it isnt Australian made and will just bag anything out no matter what it is or how good it might be just because of their own personal weird bias. (Even to the point of bagging out people for liking it because of a bias towards Fords ..... strange!)

Good luck to it Time will tell and the price is spot on.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Hope you enjoy trains ..... toot toot.

Don't mind it and for the price it really should sell. Those buying a Fiesta could be swayed because of the higher stance and the engine line up, especially the 1.5 is supposed to be a great little power plant (for what it is)

Looks are subjective of course. You will get those who dont like it ..... and some who wont because it isnt Australian made and will just bag anything out no matter what it is or how good it might be just because of their own personal weird bias. (Even to the point of bagging out people for liking it because of a bias towards Fords ..... strange!)

Good luck to it Time will tell and the price is spot on.

How dare folks be biased towards Ford?
Sooner some buy a crappadore and join LS1.com the better.

[Crazy Dazz]

So what is the new definition of SUV?
Anything that costs more than it should?

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

So what is the new definition of SUV?
Anything that costs more than it should?

...... anything with a 2'' lift kit.

Great for viewing over normal cars but there will be a point when there are so many SUV's that they need to go higher to see over the top of all the SUV'S!!

[stevz]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

So what is the new definition of SUV?

Stupid Useless Vehicle

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by stevz

Stupid Useless Vehicle

Really?.......if you don't like it don't look at it...or buy it
Looks are subjective....I think it looks great......so does that mean you n me cancel each other out.
That engine hasn't won multiple world engine awards for nothing......I wouldn't be surprised if it was best in class.
And GREAT ford pricing...ussually ford like to take advantage of their superior products with pricing......looks like this time their happy for some more volume. Maybe that's a hint there's a plan to ship as many as we need here for a change

[Auslandau]

....... we know!

[Dr Smith]

Saw my first one down Sydney Road on Tuesday and at first thought ''jeez that Territory looks shrunken"...then realised what it was....photo's don't do it justice, it's much better looking in the flesh and should do well. And Ford HQ should mandate EVERYTHING is released with an auto option from day one and must be developed in step with manuals...including commercial vehicles.

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Saw my first one down Sydney Road on Tuesday and at first thought ''jeez that Territory looks shrunken"...then realised what it was....photo's don't do it justice, it's much better looking in the flesh and should do well. And Ford HQ should mandate EVERYTHING is released with an auto option from day one and must be developed in step with manuals...including commercial vehicles.

Correct. Apart from the Focus XR5 turbo when that came out, Ford have always struggled with manual only propositions. We aren't Europe here. Either bring out an auto or don't bother. I myself prefer manuals however I am probably 0.003 percent of buyers out there. Maybe if Ford catered for the masses a little bit more, they might just improve their market share.

[ltd]

Looks great, and from what I hear it is doing incredibly well sales wise.
As for those panning it, again it's doing incredibly well sales wise, so you're in the minority.
The old ancient saying of "there's no replacement to displacement" is a foolish and ignorant stance to take, especially when you consider the fact that engine makers are seeking and finding greater power, efficiency and torque by boosting smaller engines.
That little 1.0 litre didn't win engine of the year for being under powered, and Mercedes didn't ask Ford for help on a 3 cylinder engine for nothing.
Memo to those deriding it, the engine in question is an ecoboost, not that bucket of bolts being kicked around an empty warehouse sounding, under powered and insidiously manged ecotec POS of the 90's. I can however understand the confusion of an LS1.com planted douche, to them we should still all have pushrods and 700 litre V8's to keep up.

[Wretched]

Not a fan of the car, the style just doesn't tick any boxes for me.
In saying that I hope it sells well (looks like that so far). More of these that sell well the more $$ Ford have for more exciting cars.