Ford claims that the new EcoSport compact sports utility vehicle (SUV ) will deliver enhanced versatility and capability, more refined styling and sophisticated technologies for customers in Europe. The new EcoSport will arrive in Ireland in late January.
When it goes onside here, it will be offered in Titanium and ST-Line versions with a segment-leading range of high technology and luxury extras as standard, which includes Ford SYNC 3 Navigation with 8” touchscreen; DAB radio; emergency assistance; Apple CarPlay/ android auto; rear view camera; keyless start; cruise control with speed limiter; and partial leather trim.
With a lead-in price of €26,900 (Titanium 1.0 litre 125PS EcoBoost petrol ), full specification and price detail will be issued when new EcoSport arrives in Ireland.
The new Ford EcoSport for the first time offers Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive technology for improved traction on- and off-road, combined with an advanced new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, delivering up to 125PS. It will be offered from launch with a six-speed automatic gearbox featuring steering-column mounted paddle-shifters for convenient gear-shifting, and promised 5.8 1/100 km fuel efficiency and 134g/km CO2 emissions.
Also available are 140PS and 125PS versions of Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine delivering 5.2l/100km fuel efficiency and 119g/km CO2 emissions.
Also available for the first time as a sporty, Ford Performance-inspired EcoSport ST Line model, the new Ford EcoSport delivers driver assistance technologies including SYNC 3 connectivity, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter and rear view camera.
Featuring enhanced dynamic, rugged and refined exterior styling, the new model is offered in 12 bold colours and offers even more personalisation options – including contrasting painted roof colour options that extend to the window pillars, upper door frames, rear roof spoiler and door mirrors. A user-centric, upscale new interior offers a superior occupant experience with floating central 8-inch touchscreen, heated steering wheel and smart stowage solutions including an adjustable boot floor.
“Similar to markets across Europe, in Ireland, we have seen the relentless rise of the SUV over the last number of years and the compact SUV like our new stylish EcoSport is proving just as popular with buyers as the larger models,” said Ciarán McMahon, managing director of Ford Ireland. “We are sure that new EcoSport will appeal to a wide range of Irish customers who like the commanding driving position of an SUV but who also want a stylish vehicle that delivers value for money motoring. And when you consider the high level of technology and luxury that is available on EcoSport as standard, the car should be on the ‘must see’ list of any prospective new SUV customer in Ireland.”
The new Ford EcoSport for Europe is built at Ford’s manufacturing facility in Craiova, Romania, following a €200 million investment, and joins the Ford Edge and Kuga SUV models on sale in Europe.
The SUV segment is the fastest growing in Europe. Registrations of SUV models grew by more than 21 per cent year-on-year to account for more than one quarter of all new passenger car registrations in 2016. Last year, Ford’s SUV sales in Europe grew by more than 30 per cent.
