Ford EcoSport

First generation (2004–2011)

The first-generation EcoSport was designed by the Ford-US Truck Vehicle Center (program code BV226) and was based on the Cologne-built European Fiesta and Ford Fusion (not to be confused with the North American Fusion midsize sedan). Because of this, the project used the Ford B3 platform.

The EcoSport became one of Ford's best-seller models in Brazil (consistently appearing on the 20 best-selling vehicles), Argentina, Venezuela, and Mexico. Its main competitors were the Fiat Palio Weekend Adventure and Volkswagen CrossFox. The EcoSport sold well and in 2011 sales reached 700,000.

Versions and engines

The EcoSport was available with five inline-four engines:

All models have front-wheel drive with manual transmission as standard. The 2.0 L model can also receive a four-speed automatic transmission or four-wheel drive. In the latter case, an electronically controlled system lets the driver engage the rear axle from the dashboard.

Restyling

In late 2007, a restyling was introduced, which renewed completely the front to bring it closer to then-current Ford pick-ups, as well as the contemporary Brazilian restyling of the Ford Fiesta, also updated the rear lights, both bumpers, and in the interior showed new dashboard using better-quality materials.

Mexico

The Ford EcoSport arrived in late 2003 to Mexico as a 2004 model. The reception by the public was impressive and continued until 2006. For the 2007 model year, sales of the small SUV began slipping and it stopped being a hot seller. Compared to 15,000 units sold in 2004, only 10,000 units of the 2007 model year were sold. This trend continued to worsen for the refreshed 2008 model year due in part to a price increase. Only 6,345 units of the 2008 model year were sold, and 2009 model year sales through July 2009 were a mere 2,135 units. Due to decreasing sales, and heightened competition from the Ford Escape, Ford announced that a shortened 2010 model year would be the last sold in Mexico. However, a year later, Ford had announced the new EcoSport to launch in 2012 bringing back the EcoSport to Mexico after a two-year absence.

Initial release

The second generation of the EcoSport was developed under Ford's global product development process. It was based on the 2011 Ford Fiesta B2E platform and it was launched globally. The second generation EcoSport was first showcased as a concept at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo, in India on 4 January 2012. The car was launched in Brazil on 14 July 2012 at a starting price of 53,490 Brazilian real.

Ford showcased the production variant of the Ford EcoSport in China, where the SUV was slated to launch on March 19, 2013. In addition to China, the SUV is also manufactured at Ford India's Chennai plant, for domestic sale and export to the European market. Ford's Rayong plant in Thailand manufactures the EcoSport for Southeast Asian markets. The Ecosport stands in direct competition with the Renault Duster & Nissan Terrano. As of August 2015, Ford's Indian plant had already sold 200,000 EcoSports; 112,000 of which were sold in India while the rest were exported to South Africa, Taiwan, Japan, Australia and Europe. In November 2016, Ford announced plans to supply the Ford India Ecosport to the US market.

The EcoSport is powered by a 1.0-litre, 3 cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine which has a power output of 120 PS (88 kW; 118 bhp) and 170 N·m (125 lb·ft) of torque. The engine features Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) which contributes to the turbocharged engine's peak torque starting at 1,300 rpm. The EcoSport can tow up to 700 kg of weight.

Powertrains

The list of powertrains includes Ford's newest, most advanced engine: the 1.0-litre EcoBoost developed at Ford's Dunton Technical Center in the UK. The 1.0-litre, 3 cylinder, turbocharged, cast aluminium engine comes in two versions: 74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) and 88 to 92 kW (120 to 125 PS; 118 to 123 hp), with the latter delivering a peak torque of 170 Nm (125 lb·ft) from 1,300–4,500 rpm and 200 Nm (148 lb·ft) on overboost. Ford's decision to use cast-iron for the engine block instead of aluminium improved engine warm-up time by 50 per cent. However, The 3-cylinder engine design causes inherent vibrations, which Ford overcame by incorporating a deliberately unbalanced flywheel. Employing the unbalanced flywheel conserves energy more efficiently than employing the more commonly used balance shafts to ensure smooth running. Additionally, an internal timing belt bathed in engine oil ensures longer life and even greater efficiency. Lastly, to reduce warm-up times and increase efficiency even further, Ford engineers cast the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head. The EcoBoost engine design is quite compact, with the entire engine block's height and width dimensions comparable to an A4 size sheet of paper. The EcoSport is available with this engine design in China, India and Europe, but not Brazil. The Brazilian EcoSport is powered by a 1.6 L petrol engine, which produces 113 bhp (114.5 PS, 84 kW)and 115 lb.ft (156 Nm) of torque.

The Russian EcoSport comes with two different engines: a 1.6L, which produces 122 bhp (90 kW) and 148 Nm, and a 2.0L, which produces 140 bhp (90 kW) and 186 Nm. The 2.0L version of EcoSport comes as AWD with manual transmission, while the 1.6 litre is 2WD only but available with 6-speed manual or PowerShift automotive transmissions.

Along with the 1.0 L EcoBoost engine, the Chinese and the Indian market also get a 1.5 L Ti-VCT petrol engine, which produces 108 bhp (109.5 PS, 80.5 kW) and 140 Nm (103 lb.ft). The EcoSport also features a 1.5L TDCi diesel engine that outputs 90 bhp (67 kW, 91 PS) power and 204 Nm (150 lb.ft) of torque at 2000-2750 rpm.

Safety and comfort features

The Ford EcoSport comes equipped with a variety of features, including the latest Ford SYNC driver connect system, a unique voice command system co-developed with Microsoft. Advanced climate control and a centrally mounted LCD screen with SYNC controls are also included. Safety features include Airbags, Seat belts, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP), electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) with Hill Launch Assist and rear parking sensors.

Mileage

The mileage of the Ford EcoSport according to ARAI certified is as follows:

Marketing

India

The Indian market was amongst the first few to receive EcoSport. The car is being manufactured at Ford India's Chennai plant, available in four trims with the choice of three different engine options 1.0L EcoBoost, 1.5L Ti-VCT and 1.5L TDCi. The engines will be mated with 5-speed manual and 6-speed dual clutch transmission.

Japan

At its introduction internationally, it is available in Japan, as the smallest companion to the Ford Kuga and the Ford Explorer. All engines, except the diesel are offered in Japan, with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed dual clutch transmission, and optional all wheel drive. The 1.0 L and 1.5 L engines provide the opportunity for Japanese customers to save on the annual Japanese road tax obligation. The Japanese version has the width dimension slightly reduced to 1,696 mm (66.8 in) so as to comply with Japanese Government dimension regulations to encourage sales.

Europe

Ford launched the EcoSport in Europe during 2014, with a limited first batch of 500 units arriving in the first quarter of the year. The announcement was made in September 2013 at the IFA exhibition in Berlin and the first limited edition versions could be ordered on a dedicated website.

After disappointing sales figures in Europe in 2014, during which the Ecosport only sold 11,000 units against over 100,000 for each of its main competitors, the car was revised in 2015 to make it more suitable to European tastes.

2017 update

The vehicle was unveiled in 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.

US models was set to go on sale in 2018. Early models include 1.0 litre 3 cylinder turbo petrol engine for FWD models and 2.0 litre 4 cylinder petrol natural aspirated engine for AWD models. The transmission is 6 speed automatic.

Production

US models of Ford EcoSport were built in India.