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Ford Debuts All-New EcoSport in Production Trim

23K views 22 replies 11 participants last post by  AM222 
#1 ·
One of 3 new Utilities Launching in China
FordInsideNews.com
April 22, 2012


First seen as a slightly veiled concept in India, Ford today rolled out the all-new EcoSport in front of the world press for the Beijing International Auto Show. The EcoSport not only is a global vehicle destined for over 100 markets, but is the first such vehicle engineered by Ford of South America.

The second generation EcoSport is powered by an available 1.0L I3 EcoBoost engine, which Ford recently announced would also come to North America. This small engine is capable of 125 hp and is no bigger in length than a typical laptop computer.

Do not let the fact that this vehicle is intended for emerging markets fool you, the new EcoSport can be equipped with Sync, keyless start, and keyless entry. The top of the line trim will also be the expensive, and profitable, Titanium, which will be offered worldwide.

The EcoSport is one of three new utility models launching in China this year. This will include the locally made Kuga, same as our Escape, and the American-imported Explorer. These three join the imported Edge in expanding Ford's lineup in the fastest growing segment in the Chinese market.

Ford has announced that as of now, the Ford EcoSport will expand from its current plant in Brazil to also include China, Thailand, and India. The question that remains, would you also like to see it offered in North America and Europe? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.


Press Release:

  • Created for the urban environment, the all-new Ford EcoSport offers contemporary design, smart technologies and a high driving position – all in a compact, agile, fuel-efficient shape
  • Powered by an array of powertrains, including an all-new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost™ engine, the aerodynamically honed Ford EcoSport is designed to be a benchmark in fuel economy while giving customers the performance feel of a larger engine
  • Packed with aspirational appeal, craftsmanship and sophistication – including the Ford SYNC driver connect system with voice control – the all-new EcoSport offers a compelling alternative to the small car in big cities

BEIJING, April 22, 2012 – Ford today revealed the production version of the all-new Ford EcoSport and announced plans to build the compact, fuel-efficient urban SUV in China, in addition to India, Thailand and South America.

EcoSport’s global debut at the 2012 Auto China in Beijing means customers in China will soon be able to choose an aspirational sports utility vehicle alternative to a small car. The Ford EcoSport offers a confident stance, a high driving position and robust character on top of the agility, manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency that comes with a compact footprint. It’s the perfect combination for the city – ready for work and ready for play.

Within a contemporary design aerodynamically honed for fuel economy, the EcoSport is full of smart technologies, features and craftsmanship that offer customers more than they would expect in this segment.

With a number of powertrain solutions, including Ford's newest, most advanced engine the 1.0-litre EcoBoost™, EcoSport is designed to be a benchmark in fuel efficiency. It also offers the Ford SYNC driver connect system with voice control and many other innovative features in a spacious and comfortable interior with new levels of craftsmanship as well as outstanding quietness and refinement.

“The Ford EcoSport reflects our commitment to serve our Ford customers in China and around the world with the cars, utilities and trucks they want and value,” said Joe Hinrichs, president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. “EcoSport delivers outstanding quality, great fuel efficiency with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, superior safety and really smart design with SYNC.”

The production reveal of EcoSport follows rapidly after the vehicle’s global preview in January at the Delhi Auto Expo as well as in Brazil, where Ford EcoSport was developed by a global Ford development team. In addition to production in Chongqing, the EcoSport will be manufactured in Camaçari, Brazil, Rayong, Thailand, and Chennai, India, and will be offered in nearly 100 markets globally.

EcoSport joins Ford’s family of small global vehicles, which will reach an annual production capacity of 2 million units by 2015.

“The all-new EcoSport is designed and engineered specifically for customers in global growth markets using Ford’s global SUV engineering expertise and reflecting our commitments for quality, leading fuel economy, safety and smart technology,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development. “We’re delivering innovative products like this to drive our global growth.”

EcoSport Titanium

Ford is showcasing its top-of-the-line model, the EcoSport Titanium, on stage in Beijing, painted in distinctive Mars Red. A similar model is being revealed today in Salvador, Brazil, as EcoSport’s global launch momentum builds.

EcoSport Titanium has 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels and a chrome grille.

Inside, EcoSport offers a stylish, modern and well-equipped interior delivering new standards of craftsmanship and quality. The cabin – spacious for five people and their gear – has been engineered to deliver outstanding levels of comfort and quiet operation for customers.

In addition to Ford SYNC with voice control, among EcoSport’s available innovative technologies are Smart Keyless Entry, Ford Power Start, and a cooled bin in the glovebox.

EcoSport offers advanced safety items, such as dual front airbags and side curtain airbags, as well as Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program.

To take the stress out of driving, the EcoSport comes with an array of driver-assist features including Hill Launch Assist and rear parking sensors.

Its agile, manoeuvrable chassis features electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) for outstanding steering response and improved fuel efficiency.

Beautiful, agile, modern

The new EcoSport is an affordable compact SUV that is ready for work and ready for play.

It targets benchmark performance in fuel economy, driveability and performance to redefine expectations in the compact SUV segment.

The new Ford SUV’s main characteristics were defined by consumers in all of the regions in which it will be sold. The design and flexible use are part of the new vehicle’s differentiated plan, which besides the agility and practicality for urban use, offers power and robustness for more adverse terrain.

The elevated stance and purposeful posture give the new EcoSport the appearance of a higher class vehicle. Its agile and contemporary lines convey confidence, refinement and an adventurous spirit, within a modern and smart package. All this contributes to EcoSport’s aspirational appeal.

"The new EcoSport is full of personality," said J Mays, group vice president, Design, and chief creative officer, Ford Motor Company. "Customers around the world immediately recognise its capability and SUV robustness that is achieved with aggressiveness. It is friendly and it’s a vehicle that really makes you smile.”

Powering growth in China

Reinforcing Ford’s commitment to offer a full portfolio of vehicles in China, the all-new Ford EcoSport will be the second of 15 new vehicles that Ford plans to introduce in the country by 2015. This is part of a bigger plan to bring more than 50 new vehicles and powertrains to the Asia Pacific and Africa region by mid-decade, underscoring the unprecedented expansion in the region.

“With its superior fuel efficiency and a comprehensive suite of smart technologies, the EcoSport is well-placed to power Ford into a new segment not only in China but also in other growth markets in Asia,” said Hinrichs.

Ford’s aggressive expansion plan in China is being supported by several new investments to increase production capacity.

It was announced earlier this month that Ford and its joint venture Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA) will invest approximately USD 600 million to expand capacity in Chongqing by 350,000 passenger vehicles, raising total capacity in China to 950,000 units by 2014. The new investment will increase Ford’s total investment in China to approximately USD 4.1 billion.

CFMA already operates two assembly plants and an engine plant in Chongqing. Additional facilities – a USD 500 million engine plant and a USD 350 million transmission plant – are currently under construction.
 
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#5 ·
According to What Car? magazine , Ecosport will be brought to UK at 2015, after the facelift. Current face does not have enough quality for Euro markets !!

Original article quote:

Insiders admitted that currently the Ecosport does not have the interior quality required for the European market, so we'd certainly have to wait for upgrades at the model's facelift, meaning a UK on-sale date around 2015.
http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/ford-ecosport-due-in-2015/262393
 
#6 ·
According to What Car? magazine , Ecosport will be brought to UK at 2015, after the facelift. Current face does not have enough quality for Euro markets !!
They are talking about its interior quality and not its face though.

I'm guessing this means more soft touch materials for the dashboard/doors and probably moving from Fiesta-sourced controls to the newer style B-Max controls.

2013 EcoSport


2013 B-Max
 
#12 ·
Some people were wondering, does it look right for a modern crossover to have its spare tire mounted out at the back.

Spotted – Ford EcoSport without the spare wheel at the tail gate

Our usual scouring of the internet led us to stumble upon this interesting photograph of Ford EcoSport in Brazil.

The mini SUV was spotted by a member of I love my Ford EcoSport group in Facebook in Brazil. The car looses its tail gate mounted spare wheel.
Read more: http://indianautosblog.com/2012/12/ford-ecosport-without-spare-wheel-at-the-rear-58197#ixzz2GGBs8v5x

Could Ford be listening?
 
#13 ·
#16 ·
I missed this
they probably just replaced the spare with a can of goop

but
WOW
look at how small the see-thru part of the rear window is


makes me wonder if they'd save money (with no loss of 'visibility') if they just made a solid metal tailgate but included a backup camera?


&
just found an article from last October about making a slightly longer wheelbase version for China
LINK
anyone know anything about this?
(wondering about including this my Mercury2020 manifesto)
 
#17 ·
Might have something to do with rear crash tests? Larger window would be less safe I would think
 
#22 ·
2014 European spec Ford EcoSport



Ford revealed the European production version of the all-new Ford EcoSport SUV at the mobile technology industry's influential 2013 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The EcoSport will be equipped with Ford SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system as well as SYNC Emergency Assistance. In addition, the compact SUV will be one of the first Ford vehicles in Europe to offer Ford SYNC AppLink, which enables customers to voice-control smartphone apps from the driver's seat.

"We are entering the age of the connected car and debuting EcoSport at Mobile World Congress underlines just how important advanced vehicle technology is to customers and to Ford," said Paul Mascarenas, Ford chief technical officer and vice president, Research and Innovation.

The Ford EcoSport will be the second SUV to be launched in Ford's expanding European range when it goes on sale in 2013; following the Ford Kuga. Ford also plans to bring to Europe the next generation Ford Edge, a larger and more premium utility vehicle popular in the U.S. and other markets.

Built on Ford's global B-segment platform, the compact EcoSport will deliver the agility and fuel efficiency of a small family car with the flexibility, spaciousness, high driving position, and "go anywhere" appeal of an SUV.

"The role of the car is evolving," said Mascarenas. "Customers want to be able to safely enjoy the same level of connectivity in their cars as they would do at home, and SYNC AppLink enables then to do just that. By maximising the potential of apps, Ford can offer customers a class-leading range of smartphone app capabilities while on the move."

Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region using information from the vehicle's on-board GPS unit, and mobile network to pinpoint accident location and choose the appropriate language in which to deliver an introductory message.

The all-new Ford EcoSport will be offered with Ford's innovative 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, the "International Engine of the Year," a 110 PS 1.5-litre petrol engine; and a 90 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency.

The SUV's distinctive front grille, short bonnet and raked front pillars, deliver a sporty and contemporary feel, and angular headlamps reinforce the modern look. It will also offer a comprehensive package of driver assistance technologies including Electronic Stability Program and Hill Launch Assist.
- Netcarshow
 
#23 ·
Japan's 4x4 Magazine tests the FWD EcoSport Titanium 1.5 Ti-VCT (which is the only trim offered in Japan.)
It's in Japanese and no subtitles, but Ford Japan did post this on their Japanese FB page so I guess the off-road test was fairly positive.
Based on the video I think it did ok for a FWD crossover.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgUEo9THm78&feature=youtu.be

PS: In Brazil they manufacture a 4WD model powered by a flex-fuel version of the old 2.0 Duratec engine.
 
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