Future buyers tout Ford EcoSport SUV as ‘zippy, sized right’

THE ECOSPORT roadshow at select malls includes test drives.

On Jan. 30, Ford Philippines launched its five-seater compact SUV EcoSport in the Philippines. Powered by the 1.5L twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine, available in both automatic and manual transmissions, the EcoSport comes in four variants ranging from P775,000 to P975,000.

Over the weekend, motioncars-Inquirer Motoring dropped by Ford Philippines’ public test drive of the EcoSport at Bonifacio High Street to get a feel of its target buyers’ initial impressions of the compact SUV while in action.

Mike Conroy, a native of Ireland, who was with his Filipino wife Mary Chris and two kids, said that he was initially considering the seven-seater Chevrolet Spin, which was tempting for its price (at just below P800,000). But seeing the EcoSport made him reconsider his options. “In fairness, the Spin is a seven-seater, and the Ecosport is a five-seater. The EcoSport’s unique sellling point, one that caught my attention, was the fact that it could actually go into water up to half a meter (550 mm) deep.”

Conroy added: “The EcoSport looks very modern, elegant, and it has a sunroof. It synchronizes with Microsoft technology as well. It’s got a lot of components for cups, magazines, and so on. Most importantly, it’s high off the road (with the ground clearance of 200 mm). Having kids, this is safe. I enjoyed the test drive. It’s very comfortable, very zippy. The pickup is quick, which is surprising for a 1.5-liter engine. We may order the white variant.”

Meg Sunega, single and in her 30s and who describes herself as career-driven but takes time off during the weekends for adventure, said she was on the lookout for a vehicle for her everyday drive to work. She also needed a high-ground clearance car to handle the floods along her route during the rainy season. However, she wasn’t necessarily looking for a big, bulky SUV.

She might have found a happy compromise with the EcoSport. “It’s smooth, and quiet. I am impressed, particularly with the price. I think it’s worth it. This is the first time I’ve seen a compact SUV in this price range.”

THE FORD team showing off the EcoSport during its Circuit Makati launch

If things go according to plan, the EcoSport could be Meg’s first Ford vehicle. “I used to drive a cousin’s Lynx. I didn’t like the Lynx’s acceleration so I was hesitant at first to try another Ford. But after driving the EcoSport, I felt satisfied. The ride is smooth. It felt powerful. For city driving, this will be fine,” she added.

Conroy and Sunega are just two of the hundreds who trooped to the High Street last weekend to test-drive and pay the reservation fee for the right to become among the EcoSport’s first owners in the Philippines come April.

Kay Hart, Ford Philippines’ managing director, said during the Jan. 30 launch, that “the all-new EcoSport was designed to break through the boundaries of today’s compact car and SUV segment.”

“With a combination of quality design, an array of smart technologies, and great value for money, it sets a complete new standard in the market,” she added.

Minnie Valencia Bustamante, Ford Philippines vice president for marketing and sales, said: “The all-new Ford EcoSport is a global product that will enable our customers to experience a right-sized vehicle that has been developed with our market’s road conditions in mind, creating its own space in a highly attractive and very practical vehicle segment.”

The EcoSport roadshow includes test drives at select malls nationwide on the following dates:

Feb. 7 to 9 at Alabang Town Center, Feb. 14 to 16 at SM Marikina,Feb. 21 to 23 at Glorietta 5 Atrium, Feb. 28 to March 2 at SM Mall of Asia and March 21 to 23 at SM Cebu.

The EcoSport will be built at the Ford Thailand manufacturing facility in Rayong. This will supply the entire Asean region as well as other export markets. The stylish SUV will eventually be available in about 100 markets around the world.