BANGKOK, Thailand—The all-new Ford EcoSport made its much-anticipated ASEAN debut at the 34th Bangkok International Motor Show, tapping into a growing demand in the region for an automobile that combines the agility, affordability and fuel efficiency of a compact car with the flexibility and spaciousness of an SUV.
Based on Ford’s global B-segment platform, the Ford EcoSport is an aspirational alternative to the compact car, with space for five adults and their gear. The SUV’s blend of versatility and smart connectivity is targeted at active-lifestyle customers. It boasts a high driving position, rugged capability, high fuel economy and a host of convenient features.
The EcoSport can wade through 550mm of water while keeping its driver entertained with hands-free calls and music selection with Ford’s SYNC in-car connectivity system. Nifty features include an airconditioned glove box that can keep up to six soda cans cool.
Ford showcased its top-of-the-line model, the EcoSport Titanium, on stage in Bangkok. Painted in distinctive Mars Red, the EcoSport Titanium comes with a sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels and a chrome grille.
The EcoSport will be built at the company’s new state-of-the-art Ford Thailand Manufacturing facility in Rayong, which will supply the entire ASEAN region as well as other export markets. Other manufacturing locations include China, India and South America. The stylish SUV will be available in about 100 markets around the world.
“The all-new Ford EcoSport is yet another milestone in our product-led transformation across the region,†said Matt Bradley, president, Ford ASEAN. “It marries the best of both worlds—fusing the manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a compact car with the practicality and robustness of an SUV in a contemporary package.â€
A wide hood sweeps into sculpted bodylines, conveying a dynamic from. Slim headlamps frame a high-mounted trapezoidal grille which gives the compact SUV a signature Ford face.
Blacked out B-pillars unify the side glass into one elegant shape, while the muscular beltline, formed by the windows and door creases, rises as it runs to the rear of the car. At the back, the large rear window wraps around to the sides along with oblique tail lamps. To keep the rear profile sleek, the tailgate handle was built into the tail lamp.
The spare tyre, with an exclusively designed wheel and cover, is mounted on the tailgate as a classic SUV cue, while also making it more easily accessible. This results in more cargo space in the vehicle, and makes it easier for customers to lift heavy loads into the vehicle over the lower bumper.
Inside, soft-touch fabrics, tight gaps and the global Ice Blue dashboard illumination all reinforce high quality and craftsmanship. Controls and knobs are ergonomically placed while seats are designed to be soft enough for comfort and firm enough for longer journeys.
With Smart Keyless Entry, the doors unlock automatically as the driver pulls the door handle, particularly useful when in a hurry or carrying heavy loads. Once inside, a press of the Ford Power Start button gets the engine going.
The award-winning Ford SYNC system uses voice-activation technology to enable owners to answer phone calls and select music from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB. First introduced to Thailand on the all-new Ford Focus, SYNC is now making its way into the compact car segment.
To take the stress out of driving, the EcoSport comes with an array of driver-assist systems. Rear parking sensors keep customers from backing into obstacles they cannot see. Hill Launch Assist ensures they can make a perfect hill start whether it’s an uphill or downhill slope, by holding the SUV for up to 2.5 seconds while the driver’s foot moves from the brake to the accelerator pedal.
The EcoSport’s agile, manoeuvrable chassis also features electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) for outstanding steering response and improved fuel efficiency. The SUV offers advanced safety items, such as dual front airbags and side curtain airbags, as well as ABS and Electronic Stability Program.
“We packed the EcoSport with a long list of smart and intuitive features that can help reduce the frustration that can accompany congested urban traffic,†said Graham Pearson, vehicle line director for small cars, Ford Asia Pacific. “From an award-winning connectivity system that plays your favorite music at a single voice command to advanced technologies that help you remain in control of the SUV at all times, the EcoSport keeps you relaxed as you drive.â€
The Ford EcoSport will launch with the global 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, which delivers 108ps of power and peak torque of 138 Nm. It can be mated to either a fuel-efficient 6-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission.
The engine features Ford’s Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT), which allows improved low-speed torque and increased fuel economy.
The rear seats can be reclined for greater comfort or folded down for additional cargo space. With the rear seats tumbled against the front seats, the cargo space increases to 705 liters, big enough to fit a washing machine. The rear seats can also be split 60/40 to transport long, narrow objects while still carrying passengers at the back.
Introduced in South America in 2003, the ground-breaking first-generation EcoSport established a new segment there and has gone on to sell more than 700,000 units in the region. The project was led by Ford’s Development Centre in Brazil, one of the most specialised in the development of compact cars. The team leveraged Ford engineering strength and SUV expertise globally to create the all-new EcoSport, which is projected to help drive additional growth for Ford around the world.
No pricing or Philippine launch dates were announced at the show, although it’s estimated to come in somewhere in the P900,000 ballpark when it finally lands on our shores.