By Otsile Kadiege

Unveiled back in 2012 and launched locally in 2013, the EcoSport is arguably the trendsetter of the ever-growing compact SUV segment. Since then the EcoSport nameplate has proven to be quite popular after selling a whopping 74,981 units. In recent times a lot of automakers are hopping onto the compact SUV bandwagon. In a bid to spruce up the EcoSport range, the new Active model’s eye-catching styling and new tech will surely give the nameplate the competitive edge it needs to take on some hard to ignore new rivals. We recently spent some time with the new EcoSport Active, which is slotted between the EcoSport Trend and Titanium grades, and here’s what we think about Ford’s special-edition EcoSport.

EcoSport Active exterior styling

The exterior styling of the new EcoSport Active is easily identifiable thanks to a set of stunning 17-inch Active design black alloy wheels. Further accentuating its uniqueness is bold black treatment on the front grille, headlamp surround and fog-lamp bezels, as well as sporty black front and rear skirts. It’s also fitted with black wheel arch mouldings.

The dark finishes extend to black mirror caps and roof rails, along with dark-tinted privacy glass for the rear windows. The roof is painted black, providing a bold contrast to the four available paint colours: Frozen White and three distinctive metallic options comprising eye-catching Luxe Yellow, Solar Silver and Magnetic dark grey. An ‘Active’ badge on the front fenders asserts this model’s special edition status.

Overall we like the new styling of the EcoSport Active which adds a dash of flair and gives the aging model a new lease of life.

EcoSport Active interior styling

As with the EcoSport Trend, the interior of the Active is adorned with a high level of specification, including a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel with cruise control and other backlit buttons, comfortable model-specific leather seats which replace the cloth seats used in the standard Trend models, electric windows all-round, air-conditioning and an eight-inch colour touchscreen with Ford’s intuitive SYNC infotainment system with crisp graphics and built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As is the case with most Ford vehicles, the sound system in the EcoSport Active is one of the best in its class.

Convenience through FordPass Connect app

The EcoSport Active is equipped with Ford’s ever-impressive FordPass Connect system, which includes an embedded modem that allows you to connect with the car and control several vehicle functions from your smartphone via the FordPass app providing useful information such as fuel level and vehicle health alerts, the owner can also remotely lock, unlock and even remotely start the car (automatic models only) to cool or heat the cabin.

A drive around the urban jungle

Powering the EcoSport Active is Ford’s multiple award-winning three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine making 92kW/170Nm and is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission. After traversing the byways and highways of Johannesburg, the EcoSport Active was near sublime. Its suspension handles road imperfections well, its automatic gearbox is buttery smooth. We will reserve our comments on fuel efficiency until we have a unit over for an extended stay.

Pricing and availability

Being a special-edition model the Ford EcoSport Active is limited to only 1 000 units but will it be as popular as the EcoSport Black edition which prompted Ford SA add an additional 500 units due to popularity? Only time will tell. The EcoSport Active is priced at R393,700.