After less than a year of it being on sale in Britain, Ford has announced that it will be updating its EcoSport SUV with a series of technical and aesthetic changes.
Since its launch in April 2014, Ford has registered over 4,000 EcoSport models in Britain. Ford used the limelight of the Geneva Motor Show to give its updated EcoSport its first public debut.
At a glance, one of the key differences to the updated EcoSport is the lack of a rear-mounted spare wheel. This has become an easily identifiable characteristic of the EcoSport since its launch, but Ford has decided to give customers the option of replacing this for a concealed tyre mobility kit. There is also a reduced ride height of 10mm. On the sporty EcoSport S model, exterior features will include 17-inch alloy wheels, Deep Impact Blue paint job, black roof and privacy glass.
Interior enhancements will include a charcoal black lower instrument panel, a relocated handbrake, partial leather seats on Titanium models and a four-inch colour display. Sat-nav and a rear view camera will also be added to the spec sheet.
Ford also says that the EcoSport’s drive has received a ‘significant dynamics upgrade’. This comes in the form of revised springs and dampers, as well as improved power steering and Electronic Stability Control. In addition to its reworked driving dynamics, Ford has also worked on improving cabin insulation with thicker doors and tighter seals around the pedals.
Its engine line-up sees upgrades as well, with all powertrains now more efficient and more powerful – resulting in the 98bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine increasing by 5bhp.
Ford will be hoping that these new enhancements give the EcoSport extra clout against compact crossover competition from the likes of the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008.
