Ford EcoSport given midlife nip and tuck

Ford has given its slow-selling EcoSport a shot in the arm, adding a new engine and transmission as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Midlife update: Ford’s baby EcoSport.

If you’re thinking about a Ford EcoSport and a full-size spare is on your list of must-have items, you need to move fast.

The spare is about to be plucked from the back of the EcoSport as part of a midlife update that brings some visual tweaks, more equipment and a $2000 higher entry price.

The price increase results from Ford dropping the unpopular manual version of the car in favour of a conventional automatic. The troublesome dual-clutch transmission has also gone.

The EcoSport has a new engine and transmission. Pic: Supplied.

A new 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine replaces the old four-cylinder on the cheapest Ambiente model, bringing slightly more power and torque, while Ford’s award-winning 1.0-litre turbo triple remains in the higher spec Trend and Titanium.

Inside, the cabin gets a much-needed makeover, with new materials, a redesigned centre console and more soft-touch materials.

More expensive Trend and Titanium models get a larger 8.0-inch screen while all three can mirror smartphones. Digital radio is standard, as are some popular apps including Spotify.

A new “flip and fold” feature allows owners to fold the rear seat backs at the touch of a button, leaving a completely flat load area.

The rear seats flip and fold at the press of a button. Pic: Supplied.

There’s also a reversing camera, although no sign of auto emergency braking, which would make it ineligible for a five-star crash rating under new rules coming into force next year.

A bolder grille, bringing the EcoSport into line with the mid-size Escape, is the biggest visual change.

The spare tyre cover has been redesigned but will disappear in the first third of 2018 when Ford drops the spare in favour of a cheaper, lighter inflation kit.

The spare tyre will disappear next year. Pic: Supplied.

Built in five countries, the EcoSport is sold in 142, with Australian examples arriving from India.

The buyer split is typical of the compact SUV class, with shoppers either young and getting into their first car or older and getting into their last car.

“There are some significant improvements, a refreshed exterior and interior. And we expect this segment to make up a larger and larger proportion of SUV sales,” says Ford Australia general marketing manager Danni Winter.

The new version doesn’t feel a lot different on the road. Pic: Supplied.

ON THE ROAD

The EcoSport gets the job done, just as it has in the past. It feels roomy and solid and is fine for the city and suburbs.

The new 1.5-litre engine is solid without doing anything special and the 1.0-litre turbo gives a worthwhile kick. Neither is going to be heavy on fuel.

The new look is a little cleaner and sharper, with move visual punch in the front, but the car’s biggest drawback remains. It’s the tailgate — hinged from the side instead of lifting like its rivals — making access in tight spaces compromised and annoying.

The dash has a new bigger screen on more expensive models. Pic: Supplied.

Still, for a few more months, it provides support for the spare wheel.

Having Sync 3 in the EcoSport is a welcome boost for younger buyers, who will appreciate the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Older owners are likely to enjoy the eight-inch screen for the reversing camera on the Trend and Ambiente.