Ford will introduce the new Fiesta-based EcoSport SUV to the UK in the next 18 months, following its launch in developing markets such as India.
The EcoSport has been developed entirely in South America and will be hoping to fill a gap in Ford’s range that cars like the Nissan Juke are currently exploiting.
Just like the facelifted Fiesta and the recently revealed B-MAX MPV, the EcoSport gets a large trapezoidal lower grille, topped by a narrow single-bar opening that incorporates the Ford badge.
Expect to see the same engines as the B-MAX line-up too, including a 1.6 TDCi diesel with 94bhp and a 1.0-litre three-cylinder Ecoboost with either 99bhp or 118bhp.
Ford’s SYNC system is also included, allowing drivers to make phone calls using voice activation and play music through Bluetooth or USB connections.
In addition to the EcoSport, Ford will also introduce the all-new Kuga SUV and the larger Ford Edge off-roader will go on sale in Europe, too.
Disqus - noscript
The EcoSport was originally developed in Brazil, back in 2003. It was actually a local version of the european Ford Fusion, but with less refinement and equipment. Nevertheless, became a huge hit in Brazil - the EcoSport is actually considered Ford's biggest success in the Brazilian Market in the past decade. However, other car makers lauched cars to compete with the Eco, such as Renault's Duster (Dacia Duster), so it lost sales. This new version - that you guys will get in 18 months - is Brazil's biggest lauch of the year. 3000 units have already been sold without it even arriving in dealerships, and the car was praised by the car magazines here because it is much better in terms of equipment and refinement - what we've always complained about the Eco. I like it very much, but even in Brazil - where we have less options to buy - I don't see much reason to purchase one. A Fiesta just like UK's is cheaper and for the price of an Eco you can buy a Honda Civic. Ou a VW Jetta. Or a Kia Soul. Or a...
The front grill looks to be the same as the next transit. Still not sure what to think about it!