Ford has released details of its latest EcoSport compact SUV.
Making its debut alongside a new, fuel-efficient 1.5-litre diesel engine, the EcoSport is due to go on sale later this year.
The new compact SUV also comes with Ford’s intelligent all-wheel-drive technology for the first time, giving better traction on and off-road.
Steve Armstrong, group vice-president and president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “The new Ford EcoSport offers customers even more style, comfort, capability and choice – blending rugged SUV functionality with city car practicality.”
The new EcoSport is now available in ST-Line trim too, while driver assistance technologies such as cruise control and a rear-view camera are also fitted.
The 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 123bhp and 300Nm of torque, sending power to the wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Ford claims that it’ll return 52mpg while emitting just 119g/km CO2.
The intelligent all-wheel-drive system measures how much grip the car’s wheels have, and can then adjust torque delivery accordingly.
Ford is also offering the EcoBoost with its popular 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine in three different states of tune, though these are set to arrive from mid-2018.
The exterior can be finished in one of 12 colours, while new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels give the car more presence out on the road.
Inside, the EcoSport benefits from Ford’s latest Sync 3 infotainment system, accessed via an eight-inch colour touchscreen. Lower-spec models use a smaller 6.5-inch colour touchscreen.
