Monday 28 July 2014

Ford SUV is first with 1-litre EcoBoost

Ford’s all-new EcoSport SUV (sports utility vehicle) is the first in the world to offer a 1.0-litre engine.

EcoSport is the first Ford global model to be developed entirely in South America. First introduced in 2003 the EcoSport created the segment in Brazil and has since sold more than 770,000 in the region.

Ford engineers and designers from more than 16 countries have worked together to develop the all-new EcoSport, launched amid increasing demand for SUVs in Europe.

Ford projects that between 2013 and 2018, sales of all SUVs in Europe will increase 22 per cent, and sales of small SUVs – like EcoSport – will increase 90 per cent.

Ford claims it is leveraging its historic leadership in SUVs in North America and other regions around the world to expand its line-up in Europe.

EcoSport is available with the turbocharged 1-litre EcoBoost gasoline engine – three times winner of International Engine of the Year – to deliver performance to rival a traditional 1.6-litre engine, but with significantly better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

The 125PS 1-litre EcoBoost achieves 53.3mile/gal and 125g/km CO2. EcoSport also offers a 112PS 1.5-litre petrol engine that can achieve 44.8mile/gal and 149g/km CO2 specified with a five-speed manual gearbox or with a six-speed automatic gearbox. A 90PS 1.5-litre diesel engine achieves 61.4mile/gal with 120g/km CO2 emissions.

The full-sized spare wheel mounted on the tailgate ensures the EcoSport’s load capacity rivals that of many medium-sized family cars with up to 375 litres available when the rear seats are in place, depending on the rake of the seats. The EcoSport also delivers a commanding driving position with the driver’s seat height adjustable and the steering column adjustable for both reach and rake.

EcoSport is among the first Ford vehicles in Europe available with Ford SYNC with AppLink, enabling drivers to voice-control smartphone apps while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

EcoSport also features hill start assist, cruise control, automatic wipers and headlights, and rear-parking sensors. The Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system enables voice-activation of phone calls and music selection from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB.

The new EcoSport has been awarded a four-star safety rating from independent vehicle safety organisation Euro NCAP, and is equipped with driver, passenger, curtain and side airbags – as well as a driver’s knee airbag – as standard.

Further safety systems include: traction control, electronic stability programme, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist. EcoSport is also equipped with tyre pressure monitoring system and passenger airbag deactivation indicator.


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