EcoSport fails to score
The new Ford EcoSport is a bit like the Fremantle Dockers. It looks good and promises a lot but, when it comes to the crunch, it leaves you desperate for more.
It's a shame because I was looking forward to trying the Blue Oval's entry into the baby SUV battleground.
I was in the top-spec 2WD Titanium model with the optional 1.5-litre petrol engine, six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission and hill-launch assist, which added $2140 to the drive-away price of $31,182.
As with class rivals such as the Holden Trax and Nissan Juke, the Ford designers have gone to town. So it looks great, like a mean little urban machine and a bit like a Kuga that's been cut in half.
It has the benefits of SUV chunkiness and ground clearance (200mm) along with a high driving position - otherwise you'd be as well buying a Focus. Plus it's slimmer than many other SUVs, which helps in carparks.
It's also got a full-size spare attached to the back, giving it a more rugged look but also meaning you get a decent 346 litres of boot space. And that back door also swings out rather than up, making it easier to pack gear.
Add to that 16-inch alloys, silver roof rails, a funky grille "face" and halogen headlamps and you've a great package that starts from just $22,490 drive away for the Ambiente model, with Ford's award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and five-speed manual transmission.
I wished I'd driven that because, bizarrely, the bigger 1.5-litre engine has less power (82kW compared with 92kW) and less torque (140Nm compared with 170). Hit the accelerator and very little happens, and when you go round a corner or up a hill the auto struggles to find the right gear. It does have a Sport mode button but press this and the engine whines like my children.
And remember, you're paying an extra two grand-plus for this.
Then there's the fuel economy. The official combined figure is 6.5L/100km but my readout was averaging about 8.3L/100km. Even the 1.0-litre engine gets 5.6L/100km - not really "Eco".
And that's a great pity, because the drive is smooth on the straight and narrow and the steering is excellent. Plus the design of the front means you don't have a giant SUV bonnet to see over, which can put off some smaller drivers.
Inside, the leather seats with dark pink trim are comfy, if a little narrow, and the dash is cool grey and chrome. There's also push- button start, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and air-con.
It's only let down by the lack of a big screen, meaning no sat nav or reversing camera. You have to make do with a reversing sensor.
Which, like the Dockers, is a bit of a let-down.
VERDICT
The EcoSport isn't that economical and certainly isn't sporty. But if you're looking for a small SUV to cart kids or shopping around, and not interested in speeding off at traffic lights, then it does the job and has a great starting price. Go for the manual with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.
FORD ECOSPORT
Model: Titanium
Price: $31,182 drive-away
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Outputs: 82kW/130Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Thirst: 6.5L/100km
