2018 Ford EcoSport: Ford enters the subcompact segment

In the last few years, the subcompact SUV category has grown and isn’t showing signs of slowing down. It notably includes the Nissan JUKE, the Honda HR-V, the Mazda CX-3, the Jeep Renegade and the Subaru Crosstrek. Ford will soon be joining them with its new model, the EcoSport.

It may be new for us, but not the rest of the world. The EcoSport first appeared in 2003, and a new generation arrived in 2012. The model that just unveiled will hit Canadian dealerships in early 2018, so we can presume it will be a 2018 model.

EcoSport doesn’t always mean EcoBoost

In the powertrain department, we’ll find the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that’s also offered in the Fiesta, which will be connected to the front wheels only. There will also be a naturally aspirated, 2.0-litre four that will be exclusively matched to an all-wheel drivetrain. In both cases, output hasn’t been announced, but a six-speed automatic transmission will be standard. Curiously, while simple details such as curb weight, power and cargo space are kept secret, the vehicle’s chief engineer didn’t hesitate to talk about towing capacity, set at 1400 lbs. (635 kg) for the 1.0L engine, and 2000 lbs. (907 kg) for the 2.0L mill. Seeing how strained the 1.0L engine felt in the Focus, which is heavier than the Fiesta, we can’t imagine it being able to pull such a load. But anyway, we’ll see.

Floating screen and storage space

Inside the cockpit, the design is pure Ford, but the central eight-inch touchscreen is now of the “floating” type like in Mazda and Mercedes-Benz products. That’s progress, I suppose. SYNC 3, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be included. In fact, pretty much every connectivity option we can think of should be available in the 2018 Ford EcoSport, either standard or as an option. During the media presentation before the Los Angeles Auto Show press days, Ford invited DJ Khaled to entertain the crowd, a rapper that was previously unknown to me—but well-known judging by the younger people in attendance. If Ford wants to attract a younger clientele, it figured out how to do it.

Read our road test of the Honda HR-V

Road our road test of the Mazda CX-3

Share on Facebook

More on the subject

First Drives2016 Honda HR-V: When The Fit Becomes A Subcompact SUV
The 2016 Honda HR-V is basically an oversized, higher Fit with a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive on certain versions to deal with the rigours of our climate. This is almost certain to be a winning recipe for Honda in Canada. Just like the Fit, the HR-V is built …
First Drives2016 Mazda CX-3: Rising Star!
Introducing a new model is always a big deal for a manufacturer, and that goes double when it's a vehicle in a popular and competitive segment. The CX-3’s arrival is very important for Mazda, which sees the model as a potentially spearhead for the automaker going forward. It also represents …
Test Drives2016 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk: Platform For Success
It's amazing how two sculptors can look at the same block of clay and see something completely different. The same can be said of automotive designers presented with a single platform to be shared across multiple brands: although the building blocks are the same, the end result gets filtered through …
DetroitFord Confirms Return of Ranger and Bronco
Aside from the unveiling of the 2018 Ford F-150 at the Detroit Auto Show , which will receive a styling refresh and a new diesel engine, the American automaker also announced the official comeback of the Ranger pickup and the Bronco SUV. The new generation of the Ranger will midsized, …
First Drives2018 Ford EcoSport: the Fiesta Suits Up
SAINT-JOHN’S (Newfoundland and Labrador) – In 2018, when a consumer walks into a car dealership, the first acronym that comes out of his or her mouth is “SUV”! No matter the price. No matter the size. No matter the fuel consumption. The people request a sport utility vehicle. Understood? In …