Ford Australia is getting ready to launch the MY2018 EcoSport compact SUV, following its unveiling earlier this year. It brings in an updated design, improved in-car tech, and new powertrain options.
Starting with the design changes. Ford has applied its latest styling language to the plucky off-roader, with a new trapezoidal front grille and angular headlights making their way onto the front end. The top Titanium variants gets HID headlights with LED daytime running lights, with a revised rear bumper bar and taillights completing the look for all.
Inside, Ford has fit its latest SYNC 3 infotainment package with a 6.5-inch touch-screen or 8.0-inch screen on the upper variants, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Digital radio has been added across the range, along with a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors across the board.
As for the powertrains, Ford has introduced a new 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine for the entry Ambiente. It produces 90kW and 150Nm, up 8kW and 10Nm from the predecessor. This is paired with a new six-speed auto.
Jumping up to the Trend and Titanium gets you the same 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder as before. Sadly, it doesn’t get the same uprated 103kW tune as Europe gets. It continues to develop a mighty 92kW and 170Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic for the first time. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is rated at just 6.7L/100km, and 6.9L/100km for the 1.5L.
Other highlights include 209mm of ground clearance, cargo capacity of up to 1178 litres with an adjustable boot floor, and at least two 12V power sockets and two USB ports inside to keep devices charged.
The new model will official go on sale in Australia on December 14. Prices are yet to be announced. See below for a breakdown of the three variant grades and their respective features.
2018MY Ford EcoSport Ambiente
1.5L 3-cylinder with 90kW/150Nm
6.9L/100km (combined)
Engine and Drivetrain
- 1.5L 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine
- 6-speed torque converter automatic
Exterior features
- 16 x 6.5-inch steel wheels with covers
- Full size spare wheel with cover
- Halogen headlamps
- Black gloss grille
- Black mirrors
- Black door handles
- Capless refuelling system
Interior
- Driver 6-way manual seat (fore/aft, up/down, recline)
- Passenger 4-way manual seat (fore/aft, recline)
- Rear 60/40 split seats with cargo management system (adjustable boot floor)
- ISOFIX child seat anchorage points
- Cloth seat trim
- Remote central locking
- Power windows with driver’s one touch up/down
- Centre console with armrest
- 2 x 12V power sockets
Dimensions
- L/W/H (mm): 4325/1816/1664
- Wheelbase (mm): 2519
- Kerb Weight (kg): 1319
- Bootspace, second row up/second row folded (L): 743/1178
- Turning Circle (m): 10.7m
Infotainment and Connectivity
- SYNC 3 connectivity system with AppLink and enhanced voice control
- 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen
- Instrumentation cluster with 4.2-inch screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Bluetooth integration
- DAB+/AM/FM radio
- Six speaker audio
- Two USB ports
Safety and Driver Assist
- Seven airbags, including driver’s knee airbag
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (TC)
- Cruise control with Adjustable Speed Limiting Device (ASLD)
- Rear view camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Seat Beltminder system
- Emergency Assistance
- Ford MyKey
2018MY Ford EcoSport Trend
1.0L 3-cylinder with 92kW/170Nm
6.7L/100km (combined)
Engine and Drivetrain
- 1.0L 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine
- 6-speed torque converter automatic
Exterior
As per EcoSport Ambiente, plus:
- 16 x 6.5-inch alloy wheels
- Front fog lights
- Silver-finish grille
- Body colour mirrors
- Body colour door handles
- Black finish roof rails
Interior
As per EcoSport Ambiente, plus:
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Rear armrest with twin cupholders
Dimensions
- L/W/H (mm): 4325/1816/1664 (as per EcoSport Ambiente)
- Wheelbase (mm): 2519 (as per EcoSport Ambiente)
- Kerb Weight (kg): 1368
- Bootspace, second row up/second row folded (L): 743/1178 (as per EcoSport Ambiente)
- Turning Circle (m): 10.7m (as per EcoSport Ambiente)
Infotainment and Connectivity
As per EcoSport Ambiente, plus:
- SYNC 3 with 8.0-inch capacitive touchscreen
- Satellite-navigation system with Traffic Message Channel
- Seven speaker audio
Safety and Driver Assist
As per EcoSport Ambiente
2018MY Ford EcoSport Titanium
1.0L 3-cylinder with 92kW/170Nm
6.7L/100km (combined)
Engine and Drivetrain
- 1.0L 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine
- 6-speed torque converter with steering wheel mounted shift-paddles
Exterior
As EcoSport per Trend, plus:
- 17 x 7.0-inch alloy wheels
- Full size spare wheel with cover
- Chrome finish grille
- High Intensity Discharge (HID) automatic headlamps
- Daytime Running Lamps (DRTLs)
- Power-folding mirrors with puddle lamps
- Front and rear bumper inserts
- Silver finish roof rails
Interior
As per EcoSport Trend, plus:
- Power sunroof
- Leather accented seat trim
- Smart keyless entry with push-button start
- Climate control
- Electrochromatic rear view mirror
- Centre console with sliding armrest
Dimensions
As per EcoSport Trend
Infotainment and Connectivity
As per EcoSport Trend
Safety and Driver Assist
As per EcoSport Trend, plus:
- Front parking sensors
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross Traffic (RCT)
- Auto headlamps on/off
- Rain sensing wipers
