By Staff Reporter

The entry-level EcoSport Ambiente has received an automatic transmission thus offering more options for buyers buying at the bottom of the segment. Introduced in 2013, the EcoSport has been a major player in the compact SUV segment. To keep ahead of the completion, Ford is also introducing tech and safety enhancements on Trend and Titanium models.

New Ambiente 1.5 Automatic

The 1.5 engine which makes 91 kW and 151 Nm will get a six-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption is claimed to be an acceptable 6,9l/100km. This is a slight uptick on the manual that asls 6,4l/100km. The addition of this model takes the total EcoSport derivatives offered to seven meaning more choice for the consumer.

The new EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente 6AT will be priced from R297,600. Like the rest of the range, this includes a standard 4-year/60,000km service plan.

Tech and safety updates for Trend and Titanium models

The EcoSport Trend and Titanium models will up their safety credentials with the inclusion of Ford’s Collision Mitigation System – a pre-collision assist feature that alerts the driver of a potential collision with the vehicle ahead, pre-charges the brakes and, if necessary, applies maximum braking pressure once the driver presses the brake pedal.

Cruise control with an adaptive speed limiter has now been added to the Trend models, while the Titanium gains front parking sensors to complement the rear sensors that are standard across the range. An underbody protection shield on Trend and Titanium models makes the EcoSport more robust for less-than-perfect roads in combination with its 206mm ground clearance.

Pricing

The Ecosport range is priced as follows:

EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente 5MT                                      R279,700

EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Ambiente 5MT                             R289,900

EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente 6AT                                      R297,600

EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6MT                          R319,200

EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT                           R333,900

EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6MT                      R357,000

EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT                      R370,400

All EcoSport models come standard with Ford Protect which includes a four-year/60,000km service plan, three-year unlimited distance roadside assistance and four-year/120,000km comprehensive warranty. This is complemented by a five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty.