2012 Ford Ecosport
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. Which is 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 taillight designs have also received the sculpted look.
2015 Ford Ecosport
Unlike many so-called SUVs that are really just tall hatchbacks, the Ford has 209 mm 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, the range Trend and Titanium.
Smartphone 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 display is a full 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 rpm to 4500 rpm, so most drivers will have the engine at its maximum grunt
almost all of the time.
The EcoBoost 1.0 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.
See the What To Look For section of this report for info on the 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.
2018 Ford Ecosport
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 TIP
Small SUVs, indeed SUVs of any size, are seldom taken off-road. But have a look
underneath for damage, particularly at the front. There may be scratches on the paint
where it’s been driven through tight spots.
RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at:
www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
