MIAS 2014: Ford starts deliveries of Ecosport SUV

Ford Philippines showcased the segment-busting B-sized Ecosport SUV at the Manila International Auto Show. Ford announced that deliveries of the sub-P1 million car would begin that day.
Based on Ford’s global B-segment platform, the all-new EcoSport is an aspirational alternative to the compact car, spacious enough for five adults and their gear. The EcoSport’s blend of versatility and smart connectivity will appeal to lifestyle customers who are independent and love exploring the world around them.

The all-new EcoSport’s high driving position, rugged capability, superior fuel economy and convenient features all make it just the right vehicle for both city streets and mountain roads.

“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 completely new standard in the market,” said Kay Hart, managing director, Ford Philippines.

Four variants of the all-new EcoSport – powered by the global 1.5L twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine, in both automatic and manual transmissions – will be available at Ford showrooms nationwide starting in April at the following pricing:

• All-New Ford EcoSport 1.5L Ti-VCT Titanium AT: PhP 975,000
• All-New Ford EcoSport 1.5L Ti-VCT Trend AT: PhP 875,000
• All-New Ford EcoSport 1.5L Ti-VCT Trend MT: PhP 825,000
• All-New Ford EcoSport 1.5L Ti-VCT Ambiente MT: PhP 775,000

The all-new EcoSport is available in seven dynamic colors, including Mars Red, Candy Red, Lunar Sky, Ingot Silver, Frozen White, Panther Black and Winning Blue.

Beauty inside and out

At first glance, the distinctive and aerodynamic Ford EcoSport looks like it’s ready to pounce. A wide hood sweeps into sculpted bodylines, conveying a dynamic spirit of energy in motion. Slim headlamps frame a high-mounted trapezoidal grille which gives the compact SUV a signature Ford face.

Blacked out B-pillars unify the side glass into one elegant shape, while the muscular beltline, formed by the windows and door creases, ascends as it runs to the rear of the car. At the back, the large rear window wraps around to the sides along with oblique tail lamps. To keep the rear profile sleek, the tailgate handle was built into the tail lamp.

The spare tire, with an exclusively designed wheel and cover, is mounted on the tailgate as a classic SUV cue as well as for practical reasons. This results in more available cargo space in the vehicle, and makes it easier for customers to lift heavy loads into the EcoSport over the lower bumper.

Inside, soft-touch fabrics, tight gaps and the global Ice Blue dashboard illumination all reinforce superior quality and craftsmanship. Controls and knobs are ergonomically placed while seats are designed to be soft enough for comfort and firm enough for longer journeys.

The cabin of the all-new EcoSport is extremely quiet at high speeds, thanks to meticulous efforts to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Add to this a very effective climate control system, and the occupants will be very comfortable on any journey.

Smart and Clever Capability

Full of innovative features, the Ford EcoSport makes life easier for customers. With Smart Keyless Entry, customers no longer need their key to unlock the SUV or to start the engine. With the key in their pocket or bag, they can unlock the doors automatically by pulling the door handle; push the Ford Power Start Button and go.

Another ingenious feature of this urban is Ford SYNC ®, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system. The award-winning system enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while choosing their favorite music from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB and making phone calls using voice commands.

The all-new EcoSport’s high ground clearance of 200 millimeters also means customers won’t have to worry about driving over speed bumps and potholes. And with its exceptional ability to wade through 550 millimeters of water, drivers can confidently drive through large pools of water, especially during the monsoon season.

Ready for work and play

The Ford EcoSport is powered by Ford’s global 1.5-litre Ti-VCT four-cylinder engine, which delivers 110 PS of power at 6,300 rpm and peak torque of 142 Nm at 4,500 rpm. It is mated to either the fuel-efficient six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission or five-speed manual transmission that is well-suited to urban driving conditions.

The Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) technology allows extremely precise, variable control of “valve overlap” – the window of time in which both the intake and exhaust vales in an engine are open at the same time. For the driver, this means improved low-speed torque and increased fuel economy.

On top of fuel-efficient power, the cabin of the trusty EcoSport has been maximised for ample headroom and knee room for all occupants. The cabin also has 20 practical storage spaces, including a glove box that can keep up to six beverage cans cool.

Its cargo space at the back is just as versatile. The rear seats can be reclined for greater comfort or folded down for additional cargo space. With the rear seats tumbled against the front seats, the boot space increases to 705 litres, big enough to fit a washing machine.

If needed, the rear seats can be split 60/40 to transport long objects such as flat-pack furniture while still carrying passengers at the back.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Ford EcoSport has been designed to provide high levels of protection and driver support through a range of advanced safety features. About half of the urban SUV’s body structure is made up of high-strength boron steel, making the Ford EcoSport’s frame especially strong yet lightweight.

The SUV’s standard airbag configuration provides additional peace of mind, including Dual Front Airbags for the driver and front passenger.

To take the stress out of driving, the Ford EcoSport comes with an array of driver-assist systems. Hill Launch Assist (HLA) helps drivers make a perfect hill start whether it’s uphill or downhill, by holding the SUV for up to three seconds. This prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards or forwards while moving off from a slope, helping to increase driver confidence. Rear parking sensors also help to keep drivers from backing into obstacles they might not see.

The Ford EcoSport’s agile, maneuverable chassis also features Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) with Pull-Drift Compensation, helping drivers tackle the challenges of city driving, be it parking in small spaces, maneuvering in heavy traffic, or making tight U-turns.

Advanced safety technologies such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which is available on models with automatic transmission, help customers remain in control of the Ford EcoSport at all times, especially on slippery roads. When ESC detects that the car is losing control, it automatically reduces engine power and selectively brakes individual wheels to stabilize the vehicle and keep it travelling on track.

The Ford EcoSport’s system includes the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) which prevents the wheels from locking up and helps the vehicle to stop quickly on slippery road surfaces.

The all-new Ford EcoSport in the Philippines

Compact, contemporary and capable, the all-new EcoSport epitomizes urban life and urbane aspirations such as practicality, efficiency, drivability, reliability and attractiveness in a compelling package.

“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,” said Minnie Valencia-Bustamante, vice president, Marketing and Sales, Ford Philippines.

The Ford EcoSport will be built at the company’s new state-of-the-art Ford Thailand Manufacturing facility in Rayong, which 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. Be one of the first to drive the urban SUV and reserve now at your nearest Ford dealership.