Ford EcoSport ST line - Road test of the American Compact SUV

The sales rankings of SUVs now reveal an unequivocal fact: In Europe they are among the most popular and requested cars. In this sector one of the giants despite its small size is Ford EcoSport, come to his third generation, now travels with full sail at the top of the ranking, powered by its new engine: 1.5 EcoBlue TDCI with125 horses and combined with a 6-speed manual transmission ed to intelligent all-wheel drive. The look is much sportier than in the past, learning from the older sisters Kuga ed Edge now the baby of the house Ford shows a massive and aggressive front, new headlights with led headlights e daytime running lights, fog lights completely revisited that abandon the rounded shape for a triangular shape with a strong character, the setting ST line presents 17-inch alloy wheels, roof and rear view mirrors with the two-tone tint in contrast, sporty miniskirts, roof bars and a small spoiler the final. The size makes it feel at ease in the city, with one lunghezza di 4.1 meters x 176 cm wide and a height of 165 cm,rising to171 cm as in the case of AWD tested by us.

Digital living room

Completely redesigned dashboard with the new one 8 inch touch screen display nice design, main interface of the new Sync system 3, system updated and improved on the basis of the already excellent Sync 2, a more fluid and intuitive display from which all the rich set of settings can be controlled via a touch Ford EcoSport presents, with the ability to connect our smartphone thanks to compatibility Apple CarPlay ed Android Auto. System that presents the new navigator, precise and with clear and clean graphics and a B&O branded audio system, which features well 7 speakers which guarantee excellent acoustics in the passenger compartment; manual controls for the two rotors that regulate the volume and change of radio stations. Interesting interaction that for switching off the display, designed not to tire the eyes during long motorway journeys at night, to report original details such as the application to change the color of the lights in the car on the controls, in the glove compartments. The new interior completes the look dual-zone air conditioning, the two sockets Front USB with illuminated edges, combined with a 12 volt close to the gear lever. The central compartment is very spacious, you can practically put your arm inside. The dashboard features a on-board computer which can be managed through i controls on the flyMarketplace, provides information on the vehicle, audio system, consumption. Innovative lmykey application, designed for young people, is embodied in a second specific key, where parents can configure maximum speed, maximum audio level, set a reminder for the use of seat belts, in order to guarantee maximum peace of mind in case of car is loaned to a family member. The position of the CD player positioned above the opening is very original of the glove compartment (illuminated at night). As for the upholstery, these come in leather with contrasting red stitching, comfortable and very enveloping seats that make you feel pampered!

A bigger heart!

The new diesel engine of the Ford EcoSport it comes with 35 hp more than the previous one 1.5 TDCI engine, which was a bit weak with its only 95 hp, this new engine is very lively, after passing the threshold of 1300 rpm we begin to feel a prompt and decisive response, and then try a pleasant extension up to 4000 rpm. Speaking of performance, it reaches a top speed of 181 km / h, an acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h of 11,3 seconds, and 4,8 liters per 100 km / h. Engine that is also appreciated for the fact of optimally attenuating vibrations and noise. A pleasant success the new EcoBlue that manages to comply with the most recent anti-pollution regulations without penalizing the verve of our B-Suv.

Against all roads and beyond!

A pleasant and fun driving car, the awareness of being able to count on four-wheel drive increases the perception of safety whatever the surface or weather conditions. The experience of the American brand manages to give emotions especially on dirt. The height with i additional centimeters of the version equipped with four-wheel drive they immediately make the driver feel, master of the road, elevated position and feeling of controlling everything around us, decidedly contained the roll, while the feeling with the steering is excellent, with a homogeneous response and good precision. Stability and road holding are excellent, the car is well trimmed and never makes us feel lying down, neither when accelerating nor braking. There EcoSport è a full-fledged off-road vehicle, also thanks to its very limited overhangs, which allow it to deal with a bit of off road without the risk of damaging its bodywork. Noteworthy is the All-Wheel-Drive system which allows you to prevent wheel slip, rather than counteracting it after it has already occurred. In the city it behaves like a Fiesta, the compact dimensions do not give problems, neither as regards the sneaking in city traffic, nor that of the parking lot, the only negative note is the opening of the tailgate, characterized by the side opening, if it can be original and attractive, at the same time it turns out to be uncomfortable in case someone has parked near our car.

Sport and family

At thirty, he thinks about starting a family and decides to switch to larger and more spacious machines. EcoSport offers the right compromise: captivating and aggressive lines, sporty details and good technology in the systems, performance superior to that of a minivan, a mix of ingredients that has managed to capture a very large audience. The icing on the cake: surprising prices to say the least Ford EcoSport departs  below the threshold of 20 thousand euros, since the version 1.0 EcoBoost 100 CV Plus has a list price of 19.500 €. The rich and sporty set-up ST-Line costs 4.200 euros additional, while the specimen we tested stood at 29.000 euros thanks to a practically complete package of options; it comes to today of the only engine available with all-wheel drive, which provides a difference of 3.000 euros, in part, however, due to the passage from step from 100 horsepower of the 1.5 EcoBlue combined with front-wheel drive, to the one from 125hp which is only available with AWD. If you are looking for an alternative to the classics Ford Focus and you don't want to exceed in size, Ford Ecosport is the vehicle for you!