Ford EcoSport review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

As most EcoSport buyers will drive their cars on urban roads, the 123bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine looks a strong choice. Paired with a manual gearbox, it claims up to 44.1mpg fuel economy under WLTP tests and emissions as low as 119g/km. These figures are the same for the less powerful 100PS version, while adding the auto gearbox sees economy drop to 38.2mpg and emissions rise to a maximum of 145g/km with the biggest wheel option.

But in order to get close to the official economy figures, you have to drive the Ford EcoSport incredibly conservatively. Press on and you’ll see your fuel returns plummet, with some owners reporting figures as low as 35mpg.

The 138bhp version of this engine returns 43.5mpg, while the lowest quoted emissions figure is the same, at 119g/km.

14

The alternative to these petrol engines is the 1.5 EcoBlue diesel, which replaced the 1.5 TDCi in 2018. It's more efficient and cleaner and comes in 100PS and 125PS forms. Owners might get near the 56.5mpg official fuel economy figure if they drive the 99bhp version gently, but most of the time, the diesel’s limited torque output dominates the experience behind the wheel, and you'll be constantly revving the engine to make progress.

We'd rather go for the 125PS version, as it has a quoted maximum MPG of 53.3mpg, which is more readily achievable, as you don't have to work the engine quite as hard as in the 100PS version.

Add Ford's AWD four-wheel drive to this model, and official economy is 47.1mpg at best. Emissions range from 110g/km for the smallest diesel up to 140g/km for the AWD version on the biggest 18-inch wheels.

Insurance groups

Even if the engines don’t quite deliver on their promise, the EcoSport shouldn’t bring steep annual insurance premiums. The 1.0 EcoBoost 100PS Zetec is in insurance group 12, as is the 125PS Zetec model. Move to ST-Line or Titanium trim, and you're in group 12 or 13, depending on the petrol engine you choose. Choose a diesel, and insurance groups are up to 16 or 17.

Depreciation

Our experts predict that the Ford EcoSport will retain around 45 per cent of its new value over the course of three years. That’s about average for the small crossover class.