EcoSport looks to the future

Published on 10 December, 2017

EYE-OPENER: The EcoSport is costly compared to its rivals

Overview

Ford's second bite at the cherry, which today in the motor trade is the small crossover type SUV, is an eye-opener on two fronts - the smarter look of the new EcoSport, and the price tag.

The first EcoSport arrived here in 2013. Built in Brazil, it was not up to European standards of refinement in looks and handling, so failed to impress.

The new 2018 model, which arrives here next month, is built in Romania and looks much better - but comes with a whopping €26,900 price tag on the one-litre 125bhp petrol version. However, rivals such as the Hyundai Kona, Kia Stonic and Seat Arona have models starting in the region of €20,000. In fairness, the €26,900 price tag is for the Titanium and ST-line top-end specification and the price includes a lot of high-end equipment. Ford chairman Ciaran McMahon has indicated that there will be 181 registration incentives at dealerships and some promotions could knock €3,000 off the retail price.

Early comments compliment the Ford designers on the looks front, but are not as flattering on the handling - good, but better in some rival models. Ford is tilting its hat these days at the female driver and feel that the ladies opt for well-kitted out models such as the Titanium and ST versions. The "look" is just as important as the handling, and in many cases is more important as punishing drives are less likely to test the handling prowess.