What’s hot?
- The EcoSport is a compact, practical, roomy-for-its-size SUV, so perfectly sized for the city.
- Ford’s 1.5 TDCi diesel is smooth, flexible refined. Strong mid-range torque makes for easy pick-up.
- Well-weighted, precise manual gearchange (although five speeds only).
- Promising green numbers – 120g/km for CO2 and 61.4mpg combined.
- £0 VED for first year, then £30 a year.
- Dynamics: the EcoSport is well balanced, cruises well and feels alert through bends. Steering, sharp and precise, is arguably class best.
- Has the mandatory high-seating position, so there’s good forward and side visibility.
- High ground clearance and short overhangs means the EcoSport is fundamentally well set up if you do venture off road.
- Roomy inside and rear seats easily fold down to boost space.
What’s not?
- Short and high-set, the EcoSport’s looks have drawn mixed reviews.
- Tailgate-mounted spare wheel makes the tailgate heavy to open and close.
- The tailgate also opens on the ‘wrong’ side for the UK market.
- Relatively small availability, just 4000 units expected in the first year.
- Handling become wallowy when pushed hard.
- Quality of the central dash LCD screen display could be higher.
- 0-62 mph takes all of 14 seconds, so it’s not the fastest around.
