First Drive – 2018 Ford EcoSport: new entry into subcompact fray
St. John's, NL – The long-awaited arrival of Ford's latest and smallest utility vehicle, the 2018 EcoSport was only fitting given the Blue Oval's recent announcement for future products mainly to focus on SUVs and trucks.
As consumers look for that little extra height and interior space, Ford's new strategy will immediately come into play with the EcoSport that rings in as Ford's new entry-level offering, slotting below the compact Escape.
However, there's one inherent drawback: the EcoSport may be new to North America, but like the Nissan Qashqai, it's been around in other global regions since 2003. Now in its second-generation that began in 2012, followed by a design enhancement in 2016, the EcoSport enters a highly competitive segment that features the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Jeep Renegade, Chevrolet Trax, all-new Hyundai Kona and upcoming Nissan Kicks.
Ford is definitely late to this subcompact party, but there's no telling how much stronger this segment will still get. Perhaps, it's just the start, and it's typically better to be a part of something than not at all. A true representation of its capabilities towards Ford's future strategy will only be realized after a full generational change, so we will have to wait-and-see how that all plays out.
Regardless of all this strategy and history talk, we were eager to test out the EcoSport's present capabilities with four trim levels and two engine choices. The setting couldn't be better in picturesque St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Perfect for city dwellers
The words 'utility vehicle' get thrown around for subcompacts, but the EcoSport resembles more of a hatchback than crossover even though it can tow up to 2,000 pounds. Its length (4,097 mm) and height (1,654 mm) are the most noticeable, especially parked beside another SUV, but that's also what makes it a great city dweller. With 2,580 litres of passenger volume, the EcoSport is able to make the most out of very little with plenty of style thanks to its bold hexagonal front grille and hawk-ish sweeping headlights.
The EcoSport puts you at ease in urban environments allowing for easy navigation through narrow streets and fitting in tough parking spots where available. Front passengers will enjoy reasonable headroom and legroom while sitting in comfort, as well as ample storage capacity behind the second row (592 litres) featuring a flip and fold method and a swing gate trunk. The same comfortable drive isn't transferred to rear occupants, as that area is more geared for children, teenagers, or groceries.
Like most subcompact crossovers, the EcoSport is targeting a more youthful, technology-driven and active consumer that's hoping for plenty of value. Ford checks all of those boxes by making available from its volume SE trim (starting at $25,099) its Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system that can be upgraded from 6.5- to 8-inches, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, heated front seats, moonroof, two fast charging USB ports, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. If that's not enough, there's enough space to store a bicycle and it possesses a handy cargo management system underneath to store valuables.
Many of these extras speak to a younger generation, but its styling could use more of a modern touch and that's because it is a bit outdated. In time, the EcoSport's interior design should be up to speed as in the Kona.
For now, occupants will have to deal with a more basic, uninspiring look that's at least easy to understand, responsive and offers more premium-type luxuries that include leather seating, active safety technology, B&O play sound system and 4G LTE Wi-Fi as you move up the trim line.
The 1.0L can get the job done
Ford makes consumer choice simple with two engine offerings specifically linked to the drivetrain setup: a turbocharged, 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost for front-wheel drive vehicles and a 2.0-litre direct-injected four-cylinder for the intelligent four-wheel drive option. These cannot be interchanged, so make your choice based on need.
Throughout the coastal drive on the narrow highways of the Irish Loop around the Avalon Peninsula of southeastern Newfoundland, it was the 1.0-litre that came across as the smoother ride. You wouldn't know it with its paltry 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, but it did its job without much trouble. Sure, it has moments of feeling underpowered, but it even managed to climb up the steep incline to Signal Hill overlooking St. John's. And yes, for you history buffs including my driving partner on this day who repeatedly told this story, Signal Hill is the location of the first transatlantic wireless communication by Guglielmo Marconi to England.
Overall, the 1.0-litre handled throttle actions quickly, steering actions precisely, and felt more at ease working in conjunction with its six-speed automatic gearbox. Surprisingly, it jetted off-the-line in a calm and quiet manner, as long as it wasn't pushed beyond its limits. Once up to speed, the smaller engine remained steady for a relaxed ride that could keep up with the rest of traffic.
The same could not be said for the more powerful 2.0-litre unit with 166 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-litre drive was sluggish to react and simply felt disconnected with the gearbox. The one thing it excelled in was staying balanced with minimal body roll. For a subcompact, all-wheel drive isn't a necessity consumers are shopping for and if you can live without it, it's an easy decision to opt for the $2,500 cheaper 1.0-litre unit.
If a smoother ride doesn't changer your mind, exceptional fuel economy might. The smaller engine achieves a fuel economy rating of 8.6 L/100 km in the city and 8.1 L/100 km on the highway that I managed to demolish with an incredible 6.9 L/100 km combined. The 2.0-litre unit rates at 10.2 L/100 km in the city and 8.0 L/100 km on the highway.
Summary
The 2018 Ford EcoSport may be late to the party, but it's a welcomed addition to its subcompact crossover segment that's able to handle its own versus plenty of competition. Is it the best looking? Probably not. Is it the largest in its class? Definitely not. Is it the most powerful? No, once again. Is it the cheapest? Nope, once again.
It might all sound negative, but the EcoSport just happens to do all of the above very well making it an overall intriguing choice. At a starting price of $22,099, the EcoSport provides you with plenty of technology, interior space and smooth performance in its 1.0-litre EcoBoost. Can you imagine what a brand new EcoSport would be like? Only time will tell how far Ford can go in this subcompact space. 
- Published in CAR REVIEWS