There’s no arguing that the Ford EcoSport is one of the most popular crossovers in the country today. As one of the Blue Oval's top three sellers locally (the Everest and the Ranger are the other two), the EcoSport has managed to strike it big in the hearts and wallets of Filipinos. It is now on its fourth year in the Philippine market, and it doesn't appear that its popularity will dwindle anytime soon, not with the recent release of the refreshed 2018 Ford EcoSport with its new EcoBoost engine and a whole host of nifty new additions. Check out what this latest version has to offer in this Buyer's Guide.
The 2018 Ecosport carries two distinct powertrains and four trim levels: Ambiente, Trend MT, Trend AT, and Titanium. The base engine for the 2018 Ford Ecosport is a 1.5-liter inline-four. There is also the 1.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost inline-three dedicated to the top-of-the-line option. Both engines provide good performance and enough power for reliable acceleration. The base engine produces 121 hp and 150 Nm of torque, while the more advanced option delivers 123 hp and 170 Nm. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic. Sharing its platform with the Ford Fiesta, the EcoSport is 4,325 mm long and 1,765 wide, with a wheelbase length of 2,519 mm and ground clearance of 209 mm.
The 2018 Ford Ecosport has an elegant, modern design for the exterior that looks both rugged and sleek at the same time. The signature hexagonal grill is still there, although Ford ditches the double up-and-down grille of the previous model for a single grille look. We think it's a vast improvement, and ensures this crossover will get plenty of attention from old and new admirers alike. Speaking of old admirers, you'll be pleased to know that the unique side-hinged rear hatch remains, complete with the externally mounted spare tire.
The interior is not that flashy, but has a nice, neat ergonomic look to it. Some may consider the appearance a little busy, but it has all of the things you need within reach. It has plenty of head and leg room to go with its bevy of storage options. The gauges and console are clean and well-laid out. The material quality is good, though nothing to fawn about. Still, it comes across as a very comfortable and well-made vehicle. With regards to infotainment, the Titanium features a 10-speaker sound system capable of delivering 675-plus watts of power. The audio system is connected to an eight-inch touchscreen and operated by Ford's Sync3 operating system. A navigation system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, multiple USB ports, and 12-volt outlets are also included in the interior.
The EcoSport seats five adult passengers, but the rear seats feel a bit cramped, which is typical of crossovers of this size. That said, the cargo and storage space available is impressive. Ford boasts that there are over 30 different small-item storage compartments inside this crossover. That's an excellent number of storage options, whoever you may ask.
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) gives the Ford EcoSport five stars out of five, so for crossover car buyers who consider safety a primary concern, the EcoSport easily belongs at the top of your list. There are airbags all around, a list of driver assist systems (Hill Start Assist, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Rear Park Assist), a rearview camera, and child-proof door locks, among others.
Ford's veritable subcompact has been making waves since its introduction. If you are looking for a vehicle in this class, it may be well worth your time to test-drive the Ecosport. It makes for a great family car, and is a nice vehicle for driving around your passengers in decent comfort.
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