Last year, Ford’s smallest crossover arrived in Europe for the first time. After ten years of excellent sales in South America, EcoSport was entirely updated not only to keep that level of profits coming, but also to extend it to more countries. Competitors such as Jeep Renegade, Opel Mokka, Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur aren’t easy to beat, but neither is this one: some of its features are EcoBoost engines, Fiesta’s chassis, and Kinetic style. Ingredients for a great match, indeed, but this wasn’t what happened. Europeans found its cabin too cheap, its handling not good as expected, and its rear design questionable. None of these claims was urgent, but Ford knew that the longer it took to act, the worse would be the effect to the model’s image.
The most obvious change lies on EcoSport’s rear end. This car carried the spare wheel on its tailgate since its first generation, so as to remind of old-school SUVs such as Jeep Wrangler or Land Rover Defender. It was considered a nice touch at first, but people liked it less and less as the crossover trend shifted towards urban cars. Therefore, if you prefer a more conventional rear fascia, the “Tire Mobility” kit brings the new tailgate presented by the pictures; the side hinges are still there, but this time along with the license plate, so as to cover the spot emptied by the spare wheel. Everything else regarding design was left unchanged, including the trunk handle cleverly hidden in the right tail light – take a closer look at it, if you need.
After talking about doors, opening them discloses bigger news. The general trim received more chrome inserts and piano-black sections, the dashboard now carries a 4” screen for the Sync infotainment system, and new equipments are offered: the Winter Pack bundles heated front seats, mirrors and windshield and extra heating vents for the rear passengers; backup camera, privacy glass and satellite navigation are optionals for all trims, and the Titanium level can sport leather seats (partially). Regarding updates you don’t normally see, power steering and stability control were retuned, as well as springs and dampers; the rear torsion beam is stiffer, and the ride height was lowered by 10 mm. Once again, everything to satisfy the European preference.
EcoSport is also claimed to have received more sound-deadening material in the doors and the dashboard, and also tighter pedal seals. These are supposed to reduce the noise of an engine lineup that is now entirely compliant with Euro 6 standards – the company took the opportunity to increase the TDCi 1.5-liter’s power by 5 hp, now reaching 93 hp. The refreshed crossover can already be ordered in that continent, with deliveries starting next month. Since this vehicle is another follower of the One Ford plan, one can expect these changes to appear in the other countries in which it’s offered.