Ford launches new EcoSport SUV
Ford's new compact SUV the EcoSport is a similar length to the company's popular Fiesta supermini, but is much taller and slightly wider, giving it a chunky off-roader look, which is reinforced with a hatchback-mounted spare tyre.
Buyers can choose from three different engines for the EcoSport two petrol versions and a diesel. The cheapest model is the 1.5-litre petrol, which offers up 111bhp and is available with manual and automatic gearboxes. Also available are a turbocharged 1.0-litre 123bhp model and 1.5-litre 90bhp diesel.
The entry-level 1.5-litre petrol returns economy of 44.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 149g per km. Despite its smaller size, the 1.0-litre offers extra power and economy over the 1.5, with claimed fuel consumption of 53.3mpg and emissions of 125g per km. The 1.5-litre diesel should be the cheapest to fuel though, returning 61.4mpg and emissions of 120g per km.
The EcoSport features a practical, family-friendly interior with 20 cubby holes across the cabin, including space for up to six drinks cans in the cooled glovebox. There is also a handy drawer underneath the front passenger seat, along with front door pockets that can hold large drinks bottles.
The boot is usefully large too, with no spare tyre taking up boot space and a total of 333 litres of space. This increases to 1,238 litres with the rear seats folded. Thanks to a tight turning circle and the option of rear parking sensors, the car should be easy to manoeuvre.
by: Danielle Bagnall