Rugged new Ford EcoSport Active unveiled

Ford has expanded the EcoSport’s line-up, adding its off-road inspired Active trim-level to the crossover’s range. It’ll join the existing Fiesta Active and Focus Active in UK showrooms early next year, with prices starting from £21,645.

The EcoSport Active shares most of its standard equipment with the EcoSport Titanium – meaning buyers get silver roof rails, automatic headlights, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a rear view camera and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Ford has fitted the Active model with raised suspension, rugged black plastic body cladding and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. There’s some extra equipment too, such as rear privacy glass, blacked-out headlamp bezels, a contrasting black roof and unique upholstery with leather inserts and blue stitching.

For an extra £600, Buyers can also choose to upgrade to Ford’s Active X specification. The package adds a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, electrically folding door mirrors and keyless go. Ford also offers a choice five standard body colours, including Desert Island Blue, Luxe Yellow and Frozen White.

Other optional extras include HID headlamps (£500), a detachable tow bar (£500) and a winter pack (£300), which adds heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Finally, buyers can spec Ford’s driver assistance pack for an extra £600, which adds front parking sensors, a blind-spot monitoring system and an automatic high beam function.

There’s just one engine choice on offer – Ford’s turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit. The engine develops 123bhp and 170Nm of torque, which Ford says is enough for a 0–62mph time of 11 seconds and a top speed of 111mph. The unit is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and can return up to 47.9mpg on the WLTP combined cycle.

What do you make of the new Ford EcoSport Active? Let us know in the comments section below…