2021 Ford EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium – Still Relevant

I’ve mentioned this several times again and again, and I will again. The subcompact crossover segment is one of, if not the fastest growing segments in the Philippine automotive industry today. Car companies are launching left and right their own models to compete in this segment.

There are choices like the MG ZS, Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and the popular Geely Coolray. But let’s not forget the model that basically started the trend of owning one of these small crossovers, the Ford EcoSport. 

How does it fare with its growing competition with more features and more modern technology? Let’s take a look at what the top-spec EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium has to offer.

• 

• 

• 

Exterior

The Ford EcoSport really is subcompact, it’s small. That’s very obvious when you look at it and much more when you put it next to other vehicles in the segment. Despite that, it does get a very aggressive looking front fascia with the large Ford six-point hexagonal front grille and large projector-type HID headlights. Sadly the EcoSport still can’t be had with LED lighting like its competitors but HID’s are definitely better than the halogens on lower variants. On the side, the EcoSport rides on large for the segment 17-inch alloy wheels which do fit the look of this vehicle.

• 

Out back is the EcoSport’s iconic feature, the tailgate-mounted spare tire. Most SUV’s and practically all crossovers have their spare tires mounted underneath the vehicle or under the rear cargo floor, the EcoSport still has it on the tailgate in order to save space inside. Most people don’t like the look of it but I personally think Ford did a good job with how it’s designed.

• 

• 

• 

Overall, the EcoSport still doesn’t look old despite its actual age. The facelifted version we have made its world debut in 2017 for the 2018 model year. We like to call it an angry egg but you have to admit, it does still really look good for today.

Interior

• 

• 

Inside, it’s the same story as the exterior. The EcoSport still gets an interior that is very competitive with its newer and more popular rivals. As expected from a Ford vehicle, materials are top-notch with soft-touch plastics covering almost the entire dashboard and soft leather padding on most touch points like the armrests. Hard touch plastics are also present but they feel very durable and even have a unique pattern on them. The seats are also wrapped in nice leather though they are admittedly a bit too narrow for my taste. 

• 

• 

The three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel looks nice and also feels nice to hold with its soft leather just like on more expensive Ford models like the Everest. Another plus is the sunroof which while regular in size still does a great job of lighting up the already very bright cabin.

Practicality

The EcoSport despite its small exterior dimensions is actually quite practical in terms of storage. You can find a lot of storage spaces dotted around the cabin including cupholders. What’s interesting is that there’s also storage between the rear doors and the rear seat bench. In terms of space for passengers, rear legroom is unfortunately a bit limited with space just right, and actually feeling a bit tight for someone like me at 5’6” of height. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Cargo space is at 335 liters which actually is a bit small. Other crossovers have it at a little over 400 L. Even some small hatchbacks can provide a little bit more cargo room. Despite that, it should be good enough to hold most items you’ll need where the EcoSport is best to drive, that is in the city and we’ll talk more about that later.

Technology and Safety

• 

• 

In terms of tech features, the EcoSport is not left behind. This top-spec 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium variant gets Ford’s 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC3. Interestingly, this is smaller than the basic 9-inch color touchscreen head unit on the lower variants but is still definitely miles ahead. As expected it is quite responsive and while the graphics could be a bit better, it’s still quite easy to use and read. The system is also equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which of course are a necessity these days for those who wish to safely use their smartphones while driving.

• 

• 

• 

It’s also good to note that despite its affordable price tag and the presence of its newer rivals, we’re not shortchanged with the EcoSport as this Titanium variant gets an auto-dimming rearview mirror, smart keyless entry with push-button start, automatic headlights, and automatic rain-sensing wipers. In addition, there’s also a reverse camera with guidance lines to make parking, especially with the large tailgate-mounted spare tire a bit easier.

• 

Safety features on the Ford EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium are actually plentiful. These are Dual Front Airbags, Front Side Airbags, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, and ISOFIX Childseat Anchor Points. 

Engine

• 

Under the hood, the Ford Ecosport is powered by what is probably the smallest engine in the segment. It has a 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine. This powertrain was introduced when the model was updated a few years ago. It produces 123 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque which is available at as low as 1,500 RPM. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Yes, this is a regular torque converter automatic and gone is Ford’s problematic Powershift dual-clutch transmission.

Driving and Comfort

I have to admit, when Ford informed me that I’ll be getting an EcoSport instead of a Territory  a day before my scheduled test drive with the latter, I already lowered my expectations to a minimum. This however changed once I got behind the wheel as it exceeded even my higher expectation from the Territory. As mentioned earlier, the 1.0 L EcoBoost engine was introduced when Ford updated the EcoSport a few years ago. Power delivery is surprisingly good. I’ve driven the old pre-facelift Titanium version before the lockdown happened last year and I surely did not enjoy it with its laggy acceleration and slow shifting. Speaking of shifting, Ford’s decision to get rid of the old DCT did wonders to improve the EcoSport’s performance. The regular torque converter transmission shifts so smoothly and definitely so much better.

Driving and ride comfort is something the EcoSport does well. The ride is smooth with just very little hint of stiffness, probably where the sport in EcoSport comes in. NVH insulation is also pretty good with only minimal road and wind noise entering the cabin. Steering feel is also quite good, another aspect of the EcoSport that surprised me. It’s nicely weighted both for driving inside and outside the city. This actually made driving the EcoSport a bit fun.

What still hasn’t improved is driving visibility. Since this version we’re testing is just a facelifted version, it still has the same visibility as the old version. Despite the large windows all around, it does have a large A-pillar which does obstruct quite a lot of the outside views. The small quarter window on the pillar also does little to nothing to help as it’s just too small.

• 

In terms of fuel economy, the EcoSport did quite good but could have been better. We got a decent 12 km/l in light city traffic and 18 km/l on the highway which are both okay. One thing that probably helps the vehicle achieve that is the auto start-stop function where the engine automatically shuts off when you go into a stop somewhere like an intersection. Thankfully this system operates quite smoothly unlike on other vehicles.

Conclusion

• 

The Ford EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium is priced at Php 1,190,000. Honestly, that’s quite a good deal. If you’re looking for a car that’s small and fun to drive, plus with a youthful vibe, the EcoSport is probably the perfect car for you. Yes, there are other options that provide better technology at a similar price point, but what we saw and felt while driving this proved to us that this model is still very much relevant today.

Gallery

SUMMARY