Ford Ecosport ST-Line: How They Improved It

28 November 2018 Redazione News, Tested

FORD ECOSPORT ST LINE

Words by Carlo Brema

Photos by Bartolomeo Lazzarini

First seen in 2013 and updated at the beginning of 2018, the Ecosport represents Ford’s union between a compact budget car and an all-round crossover, now also available with four-wheel drive, as long as you choose the 125 hp TDCI. We had the opportunity to drive what in the price list sits immediately before that, the 1.5cc diesel with 100 horsepower, with traction only on the front axle and a 6-speed manual transmission, a compromise that does not know about giving up to anything, since the Ecosport keeps its excellent abilities on city roads as on dirt roads, thanks to the considerable height from the ground of about 16 cm.

Built in Romania, the Ecosport continues the speech undertaken five years ago, making available to future owners a car that can respond positively to all requests, but without costing unattainable figures. It has been improved in aesthetics, where above all the new front fascia gives it an aggressive look, emphasized by the ST Line aesthetic package of the model of our test, also finished with two-tone paint and burnished rims. Optional to neglect that of the spare wheel hanging on the tailgate, always hinged on the left and that despite offering an intermediate opening step, is not the best solution when you have parked in front of another car and you realize having left something in the large trunk. On board the situation has improved considerably too, with the use of softer plastics and a better overall assembly. What above everything else makes cohabitation with the Ecosport better than before is the new multimedia system, the same you find in the new Fiesta and with an 8″ touch screen, more responsive and in tune with its competitors.

There is room for five people and a wink to consumption, with a mixed cycle of 4.2l/100km of diesel, also thanks to a weight and that does not exceed a ton and a half with the driver on board. The clutch is very precise, the manual transmission too (there’s an automatic option, but only on the 125hp) and despite only 100 horses, the Ecosport manages to free intersections without too much difficulty. The torque curve is a bit timid, with only 215Nm, but what really matters on this type of car is the fact that it offers driver and passenger comfort worthy of a higher segment, but with half the cost, almost. The prices of the new Ecosport start from around € 19,000 for the version with 3-cylinder Ecoboost, but rise with a handful of options and diesel engines. A specimen like that of our test, set up with ST Line package and a 1.5cc 4 cylinder, asks you to spend at least € 25,500, while the version with all-wheel drive reaches € 30,000. In any case, a big step forward has been taken, which no longer relegates the Ecosport to be Ford’s ugly duckling, but makes it a real alternative in the crossover battlefield.