The cross-over segment has taken the automotive industry by storm over the last few years. Still, that hasn’t stopped Ford one bit from competing in the value market. And their answer is the all-new 2018 Ford EcoSport.
Speaking of value, it’s incredible. The starting price of just $18,559 for the entry level EcoSport S gets you all the essentials with an eco-friendly 1.0L EcoBoost engine and standard rearview camera. Even the top SES model equipped with a beefier 2.0L I4 rings out of the cash register at just $29,229. That even gets you assurance to harsh weather driving with the 4WD system.
CONTEMPORARY LOOK & FEEL
Looks hover above standard with the 2018 EcoSport. It more or less shares the same curvatures of the slightly larger 2018 Ford Escape and despite the slightly awkward narrow, upright body shape, there are still plenty of modern design cues that strike some level of visual excitement.
Interior leather seats follow suit to match the modern design era, but it’s generally the cabin space that attracts the most pet peeves. The conventional gear shift stick and hand brake duo along with its standard choice of color scheme and black plastic paneling gives a general impression of just mediocracy.
Still, the available 8” touchscreen, available B&O high quality audio and FordPass Connect system makes the cabin space an enjoyable one. Front seating provides plenty of room for full sized adults and the rear leg room is just as comfortable to fit two regular sized adults. You can also add the side-out swinging tail gate and 60/40 folding rear seats to the pros list for versatility and convenience.
ECOBOOST SENSIBILITY
The 2018 Ford EcoSport offers a choice of two engines – a 1.0L three cylinder EcoBoost engine, outputting 123hp or a larger 2.0L four cylinder engine with a direct injection system outputting 167hp. In terms of drivetrain, the 1.0L EcoBoost is only available in FWD while the 2.0L gets you into the 4WD configuration.
By no means are these horsepower numbers considered big, but at a vehicle curb weight of just 1,500 kg the four cylinder engine is more than enough for daily driving and hauling passengers and cargo. A deficit of 44 horsepower on the 1.0L may ring concerns especially when carrying a full load or climbing hills. With that said, there are still merits on top of a cheaper price tag as the 1.0L engine scores a fuel economy EPA rating of a combined 8.4L/100km as opposed to 9.3L/100km for the larger 2.0L engine.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Most cross-overs drive with a sense of a higher center of gravity, but the 2018 Ford EcoSport feels a more pronounced, which is reflective of the more narrow and upright chassis dimensions. This results in slightly more body roll being experienced; though the suspension is able to dampen this effect to some extent.
Despite some of the 2018 EcoSport’s minor shortfalls, the overall driving experience still comes out on top, thanks to decent road noise insulation, plush leather seating and an available moonroof to brighten the interior cabin with natural sunlight. At a price point below the $30K mark for a fairly loaded model, the 2018 EcoSport is a definite winner for the bargain shoppers looking into buying a cross-over.
