The automaker listened to critics and sharpened up the EcoSport’s looks and performance
We've lost count of how many times Ford has updated the EcoSport, but this latest refresh is the most important so far.
Launched in 2014 in Europe, the Indian-built EcoSport failed to convince buyers in the highly-competitive European B-segment. So Ford is now giving it a major update inside and out, as well as shifting production for European markets from India to the Craiova plant in Romania.
Going on sale later this year, the 2018 EcoSport features revised styling similar with the US-spec model. Highlights including a new trapezoidal grille, new headlamps with LED DRLs, larger fog lights, revised bumpers, and refreshed taillights. New body colors are available, and customers can further personalize their EcoSport with a contrasting roof option.
The facelifted EcoSport also brings new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs, while the boot-mounted spare wheel option remains available.
Inside, the EcoSport is significantly updated as well, sporting a central 8-inch touch screen with SYNC 3, a new center console with fewer buttons and a built-in storage compartment, soft-touch materials, new seat designs that are said to improve comfort, as well as ambient lighting.
Ford has also added new storage solutions, including a height adjustable boot floor. Technology-wise, the 2018 EcoSport offers a B&O Play sound system that's also offered in the new Fiesta, Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter, and a Rear View Camera.
For the first time, the EcoSport is available with all-wheel-drive, but only in combination with the new 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engine. With 125 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque, the AWD EcoSport returns a claimed 4.5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km in combination with the standard six-speed manual transmission.
From mid-2018, the EcoSport will offer the same engine with front-wheel-drive, as well as a 100-hp 1.0-liter EcoBoost.
At launch, a 100-hp 1.5-liter TDCi diesel unit with front-wheel drive will also be available, as will the 1.0-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine in 140 hp and 125 hp outputs. Another first for the EcoSport is the new ST-Line trim level that brings Ford Performance-inspired design tweaks inside and out.
If you're curious about what the EcoSport is like to drive, check out our review of the pre-facelift version.