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.

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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 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...

[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

[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

[stevz]

Originally Posted by olds

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

Yep, that front end looks good on a Territory but this thing is just a complete joke and an eyesore.

[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.

[xr6turboford]

Originally Posted by stevz

Yep, that front end looks good on a Territory but this thing is just a complete joke and an eyesore.

So why is it a joke? Is it because it doesn't do 100 in under 4sec or handle like F1 car well guess what my friend Ford could not give a rats a...
and I personally am looking forward to taking one for a test drive as I think this car will suit my needs for work PERFECTLY and would sit nicely next to the ST.

[Franco Cozzo]

Looks like a dwarf with braces.

[stevz]

Originally Posted by xr6turboford

So why is it a joke? Is it because it doesn't do 100 in under 4sec or handle like F1 car well guess what my friend Ford could not give a rats a...
and I personally am looking forward to taking one for a test drive as I think this car will suit my needs for work PERFECTLY and would sit nicely next to the ST.

You want my opinion? Well unlike some who will blindly defend this awful looking abomination simply because it is a Ford, I prefer to call a spade a spade and tell things the way I see them.
The front end is plainly ridiculous - wrong on so many levels and a downright disgrace to the good looking Territory that it came from. The rear end, like the Kuga, looks like its been involved in a collision with a b-double, and that spare wheel carrier looks like it came off a 1985 Landcruiser.
The 1.0 ecoboost might work well in something the size of a Suzuki Alto, but in the Ecosport it will be hauling ~1300kg around, so I can imagine what a strained and gutless wonder it will be. And don't get me started on the interior. The dashboard looks like a monstrosity of melted plastic without any style or substance. Simply puke worthy.
And ugly soulless appliances like this are future of motoring in this country? I'd rather catch the train to work.

[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.

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by stevz

The 1.0 ecoboost might work well in something the size of a Suzuki Alto, but in the Ecosport it will be hauling ~1300kg around, so I can imagine what a strained and gutless wonder it will be.

Its power and weight isn't much different from most small cars getting around today. It should keep up with traffic easily.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

Its power and weight isn't much different from most small cars getting around today. It should keep up with traffic easily.

And really ..... thats all it needs to do! Fuel efficient, look different, priced well and have somewhere to attach P plates for women!

[kypez]

Originally Posted by stevz

The 1.0 ecoboost might work well in something the size of a Suzuki Alto, but in the Ecosport it will be hauling ~1300kg around, so I can imagine what a strained and gutless wonder it will be.

The EB engine is the most powerful motor in the EcoSport. It has more power and torque than the 1.5L so please tell me how this engine is going to struggle again?

[stevz]

Originally Posted by kypez

The EB engine is the most powerful motor in the EcoSport. It has more power and torque than the 1.5L so please tell me how this engine is going to struggle again?

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that a 1.0 litre 3 cylinder engine, albeit turbocharged, is going to have to work mighty hard to lug around 1300kg + passengers + cargo. Keep in mind that 1300kg is roughly what a Commo/Falcon used to weigh in the 90's.
If that is the most powerful engine in the range then I dread to think what the other versions will be like.

[kypez]

Originally Posted by stevz

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that a 1.0 litre 3 cylinder engine, albeit turbocharged, is going to have to work mighty hard to lug around 1300kg + passengers + cargo. Keep in mind that 1300kg is roughly what a Commo/Falcon used to weigh in the 90's.
If that is the most powerful engine in the range then I dread to think what the other versions will be like.

The same rocket scientists that will say a 2.0 EB engine will struggle in a 1700 kilo Falcon?!

I think you'll be surprised. It produces 170 Nm at 1400 rpm!! That's barely over idle! I really don't see this engine struggling at all...

Not having a go at you, but this campaign was designed for this thinking...

http://www.ford.com.au/ecoboost?searchid=%20ac01_FoA

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by stevz

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see that a 1.0 litre 3 cylinder engine, albeit turbocharged, is going to have to work mighty hard to lug around 1300kg + passengers + cargo. Keep in mind that 1300kg is roughly what a Commo/Falcon used to weigh in the 90's.
If that is the most powerful engine in the range then I dread to think what the other versions will be like.

Skoda Yeti is heavier and less powerful
Dualis is heavier and is slightly more powerful
Kia Soul is similar weight but less torqey
A-Class A180 is heavier and similar power
Golf 90Tsi is a little lighter with similar power
Rav4 is much heavier but slightly more powerful

Also doesnt the 1L Ecoboost have upto 200nm in overboost mode?

[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 XR6 Martin

Skoda Yeti is heavier and less powerful
Dualis is heavier and is slightly more powerful
Kia Soul is similar weight but less torqey
A-Class A180 is heavier and similar power
Golf 90Tsi is a little lighter with similar power
Rav4 is much heavier but slightly more powerful

And I wouldn't touch any of those cars with a 20 foot pole.

[Auslandau]

....... we know!

[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