After teasers last month, Ford has launched the Active variant of the EcoSport in Europe. This will give the EcoSport range a new flagship model with several minor upgrades. The Active tag is given to the vehicles that Ford has bumped up the ground clearance and given a more off-road style to.
The Ford EcoSport is a popular choice for compact SUVs. This gives us hope for its arrival in South Africa although Ford has not made any announcement for the EcoSport Active as of yet.
Find out more about Ford’s other compact SUV, the Puma, here.
Off-road looks for the Ford EcoSport Active.
The Active variants of Fords models include an off-road design upgrade and there is no exception for the EcoSport. This will include plastic cladding around the wheel arches and side skirts. The rear bumper has also been updated and given a fake skid plate.
Not many are fans of fake parts, but manufacturers keep adding them because looks do count. On this model, it’s not offensive at all.
The last update to the exterior includes dual-tone paint for the body and roof. The black roof compliments the black cladding well. Overall, we like the changes to the exterior.
Updated interior with Ford’s latest SYNC3 infotainment system.
Inside, this Ford EcoSport adds leather upholstery that features the Active logo on the front seats. The infotainment system will also include the latest SYNC3 system. This will include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Along with Bluetooth and voice control coming from the infotainment, the EcoSport Active will also receive other useful features:
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Cruise control
- Climate control
- Two USB ports
Upgraded suspension to offer competitive performance.
Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the EcoSport Active has been given a 1.0-litre petrol engine. This is capable of 93 kW, but there is more to discuss for the performance other than the engine.
Ford has upgraded the suspension system, chassis and limited-slip differential on the EcoSport Active. This should place the compact SUV is a more competitive stance against other off-road capable compact SUVs.
