Ford EcoSport is a small SUV based on the Ford Fiesta, but with a taller body, added ground clearance and a trendy shape.
The latter is a pleasant feature in this class of small SUVs, that sets it aside from the somewhat bland bodies of larger SUVs and 4WDs.
As often happens on traditional 4WDs the EcoSport has its spare wheel mounted on the rear door.
It’s handy on a smallish SUV because as boot volume is larger because the spare isn’t taking space under the floor.
Poor design means the rear door is hinged to on the wrong side for right-hand-drive Australia.
So, you have to walk out onto the road when parked at the kerb.
This is potentially dangerous as drivers passing the EcoSport may be on their phone or fiddling with the navigation system.
There are traces of the Australian-designed and built Ford Territory in the shape of the wraparound rear window styling. We like that.
Bold styling continues inside the EcoSport with clever shapes for the centre console area and the binnacle of the instrument panel.
There’s a glovebox that can hold six cans of drink, a drawer under the front passenger seat, a large centre box and useful door pockets, as well as numerous other little nooks and crannies.
December, 2017 saw a major revision to the EcoSport.
Pretty well everything forward of the windscreen looks different, with a sculpted bonnet featuring a central ‘power’ bulge, a large trapezoidal grille and angular headlights and foglight surrounds.
EcoSport’s rear bumper and tail light designs have also received the sculpted look.
Unlike many so-called SUVs that are really just tall hatchbacks, the Ford has 209mm of ground clearance, putting it close to the 210 mm that 4WD drivers consider to be a minimum for real off-road use.
Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system provides voice-activated satellite navigation on the upper models of the range, Trend and Titanium.
Smartphones can be connected via Bluetooth or USB, with full Apple CarPlay, Siri voice commands and Android Auto compatibility part of the system.
A 6.5-inch screen is used on the entry-level Ambiente, a full-colour 8.0-inch multi-use touchscreen is fitted on the Trend and Titanium models
Handling is competent and there’s nice chassis balance and reasonably good feel through the steering.
Ride comfort is pretty good. Even badly potholed dirt tracks are generally handled with ease.
Two petrol engines are offered: a 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost turbo-petrol and a somewhat aged 1.5-litre four-cylinder.
Peak torque in the in the EcoBoost runs all the way from 1400 to 4500 rpm, so most drivers will have the engine at its maximum grunt almost all of the time.
The EcoBoost 1.0-litre engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
The 1.5-litre is offered with a five-speed manual or six-speed double-clutch auto.
Ford EcoSport is sold in Ford’s usual range of models: Ambiente, Trend and Titanium.
Access to mechanical components for servicing and minor repairs isn’t too difficult. Call on professionals for anything safety related.
Servicing costs are about average for the class and there are is no shortage of Ford dealers Australia wide, with plenty of them in country areas — even remote ones.
There’s a fair spread of insurance premiums prices. Shop around – but be sure you do an accurate comparison.
EcoSport was discontinued in late 2019.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Look for signs of previous body repairs by sighting along the panels and looking for ripples.
Also check for tiny specs of paint on glass, badges and other unpainted areas.
Speak to a Ford dealer or Ford’s head office to see if any work has been done on the EcoSport you’re considering.
Be sure the engine starts within a couple of seconds, even when completely cold.
Powershift automatics have had quite a few problems.
Shuddering is usually the first sign, but some may fail to move the car at all.
Manual gearboxes appear to be trouble free, but make sure all changes are light and quiet.
Try some fast downchanges from third to second as this manoeuvre is the most likely to deteriorate first.
Look over the interior, particularly in the rear seats and boot as these are the most likely to be damaged by uncaring use.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $6000 to $10,000 for a 2014 Ford Ecosport Trend; $8000 to $12,000 for a 2014 Titanium or a 2016 Trend; $10,000 to$15,000 for a 2016 Titanium; $12,000 to $17,000 for a 2017 Trend; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2019 Trend; $15,000 to $22,000 for a 2017 Titanium; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2018 Titanium; and $18,000 to $25,000 for a 2019 Titanium.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.
That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.
Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.
Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
If you’re serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.
If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them “selling” the car to you.
Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.
The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/