Ford Ecosport

t Overview

The Ford EcoSport is Ford’s 5-door subcompact crossover SUV, originally developed under Ford's global product development in Brazil to service emerging markets in South America and Asia. Based on Ford’s global B2E platform that also underpins the popular Ford Fiesta, the now second-generation Ford EcoSport made its official debut in Malaysia back in 2014.

Imported as a CBU unit directly from Thailand, two trims levels are made available to the local market, the baseline Trend variant and the top-of-the-line Titanium with all the bells and whistle. Both variants are powered by the same 1.5 litre powertrain paired to a dual clutch automatic transmission.

Price starts from RM 92,888 and RM RM 103,888 when new for the Trend and Titanium variant respectively. Competition for the B segment crossover includes the likes of the Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30 and the more recent Proton X50.

 Exterior

It is essentially a Ford Fiesta with a raised ride height and a chunkier exterior, designed primarily with affordability in mind and for markets where ground clearance could be a crucial factor. The front features a massive polygonal grille with three distinct horizontal slats, painted in black and accented by chrome trims. Black plastic claddings can be found in the front, side and the rear bumper, giving the car a rugged exterior.

The Titanium variants received chrome treatments on the grille and around the fog lamps housing while the Trend variant settle for silver trims and black plastic housing.Roof rails are standard across all variants, but the sunroof is exclusive only to the Titanium variant. Both variants come fitted with 16-inch allow wheels but with different designs.

The full-sized spare tyre housing mounted on the exterior of the tail gate is reminiscence of the old school design on the Perodua Kembara. And just like the Perodua, the tailgate opens horizontally as opposed to upwards, limiting rear access especially in tight spaces.

Although based on the Ford Fiesta, the Ford EcoSport is significantly longer (291 mm) and taller (186 mm) than the compact B segment hatchback. The wheelbase is also marginally longer by 30mm. 362 litre boot space is amongst the smallest between its rivals and pales in comparison to the Honda HR-V, the undisputed segment leader in terms of sheer size and packaging.  

The interior layout is almost similar to the one in the Ford Fiesta. Textured hard plastic is used extensively across the dashboard and the door panels, accented by silver trims and gloss black inserts. The Trend variant comes with black premium fabric upholstery while the Titanium variant adds black leather upholstery as well as leather wrapped multi-function steering and gear knob.

Interior storage is generous featuring front passenger under seat stowage, cooled glovebox and a sunglass holder. Originally designed as a left-hand-drive car, the hand brake is positioned next to the front passenger seat across from the cup holders, making it rather awkward to operate.

Knee room and head room is quite generous, but due to its narrow body, fitting three adult abreast comfortably may prove to be a struggle. Sunroof on the Titanium variant allows natural sunlight into the cabin, making the rather dark interior feels even more spacious.

Ford EcoSport Features

Just like the Ford Fiesta, standard equipment includes the monochromatic multi-info centre display controlled using an old school Nokia style keypad on the centre console. It is connected to a 6-speaker audio system featuring Ford SYNC with Bluetooth connectivity and voice command.Titanium trim gets upgraded Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) air conditioning system, keyless entry with push-to-start, auto dimming rear view mirror, driver seat armrest and adjustable lumbar support.

Standard safety features include Electronic Stablity Program (ESP), ABS with EBD, Traction Control, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Hill Launch Assist (HLA). The car structure also features side impact beams and collapsible steering column. Trend variant gets 2 airbags while the Titanium variant gets the full 7 airbags, scoring a total of 4 star in the Euro NCAP crash safety rating.

Ford EcoSport Powertrain Performance

Powering the front wheels is Ford’s 1.5 litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with Ti-VCT, developing 110 PS at 6300 RPM and 142 NM of torque from 4400 RPM. Unfortunately, the more efficient EcoBoost engine option like the ones sold in the UK is not made available in the local market.

Power is sent to the front wheels via a PowerShift 6-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. It promises convenience of an automatic transmission with the efficiency and performance of a manual transmission. However, the transmission fell short in terms of refinement, with noticeable jerking during stop-and-go traffic with hesitant gear shifts. Reliability has also proven to be an issue, prompting Ford to extend its transmission warranty after numerous complaints globally.

Ford EcoSport Fuel Consumption

The 1.5 L engine in the Ford EcoSport is one of the least economical engines in the segment considering its engine capacity with the low power output. Officially rated at 6.5 L/100 km, the fuel consumption is close to the 1.8 L Honda HR-V’s 6.6L/100km which has a higher engine capacity and produces significantly more power.

Ford EcoSport Ride Comfort

As with most Fords, the seating position is really good. Despite its compact size, the raised ride height means that you will have a more commanding road presence. It is fitted with a MacPherson Strut up front and a twist beam at the rear. Although sitting on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta, it is nowhere near as comfortable or as dynamic as its hatchback counterparts.

At higher speeds, the lack of composure in the corners and going through road imperfections becomes evident. Suspension can be a tad on the firmer side and NVH level is average at best with wind and road noise sipping into the cabin.

Ford EcoSport Conclusion

If you are a fan of the Ford Fiesta but has concerns about its space and practicality, then the Ford EcoSport is just the answer for you. The raised ride height with a high ground clearance makes the Ford EcoSport feels at home in the outback as well as in the cities. However, quirks such as the side opening rear tailgate and the external spare tyre may prove to be a hindrance. And you will be disappointed if you are expecting to find Ford’s legendary ride and handling in this subcompact crossover SUV.