Ford today revealed the new Ford EcoSport compact sports utility vehicle (SUV), which it says will deliver enhanced versatility and capability, more refined styling and sophisticated technologies for customers in Europe, from later this year.

The new Ford EcoSport for the first time offers Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive technology for improved traction on- and off-road, combined with an advanced new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, delivering up to 123 bhp and optimised CO₂ emissions.

Also available for the first time as a sporty, Ford Performance-inspired EcoSport ST‑Line model, the new Ford EcoSport also offers driver assistance technologies including SYNC 3 connectivity, Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter and Rear View Camera.

The new model is offered in 12 colours and offers more personalisation options – including contrasting painted roof colour options that extend to the window pillars, upper door frames, rear roof spoiler and door mirrors. What Ford describes as a “user-centric, upscale new interior” offers a floating central 8-inch touchscreen, heated steering wheel and smart stowage solutions including an adjustable boot floor.

“Ford has sold 150,000 EcoSport compact SUVs in Europe since we first introduced the model to the region in 2014, and last year sales grew 40 per cent,” said Steven Armstrong, group vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company. “The new Ford EcoSport offers customers even more style, comfort, capability and choice – blending rugged SUV functionality with city car practicality.”

The new Ford EcoSport for Europe will be built at Ford’s manufacturing facility in Craiova, Romania, following a €200 million investment, and goes on sale later this year, joining the Ford Edge and Kuga SUV models in Europe. A new SUV-inspired Fiesta Active crossover model also goes on sale in Europe next year.

The SUV segment is the fastest growing in Europe. Registrations of SUV models grew by more than 21 per cent year-on-year to account for more than one quarter of all new passenger car registrations in 2016. Last year, Ford’s SUV sales in Europe grew by more than 30 per cent.

The new Ford EcoSport features Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive. The technology is offered in combination with the all-new 1.5-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, delivering 123 bhp and 221 ft lb of torque, with 4.5 l/100 km (63 mpg approx) fuel efficiency and 119 g/km CO₂ emissions.

Intelligent All Wheel Drive measures how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface and can adjust torque delivery up to 50/50 between the front and rear wheels in under 20 milliseconds. The system seamlessly transitions torque between all four wheels and provides a more secure footing on the road especially in slippery conditions.

Ford’s all-new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine is designed to deliver higher power for improved performance, alongside reduced CO₂ emissions. The refined four-cylinder engine features innovative technologies, including:

• Low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation combined with water-air charge cooling for more efficient combustion and reduced emissions
• An integrated intake manifold for optimised engine breathing
• Low-inertia turbocharging for faster, more controllable turbo response, featuring rocket engine materials designed for high temperature applications
• A high-pressure fuel injection system that is more responsive, quieter, and offers more precise fuel delivery

A 123 bhp 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel model with front-wheel drive and all-new, low-friction six-speed manual gearbox will offer lower CO₂ and greater fuel-efficiency from mid-2018. Ford’s 99 bhp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine combined with front-wheel drive and all-new six-speed manual gearbox will be available from launch.

Also offered will be Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol with several different power outputs.

The new EcoSport will continue to deliver ride and handling tuned specifically for customers in Europe, with optimised springs, dampers, spring aids, steering gear, rear axle twist beam, Electronic Stability Programme settings and steering assistance profiles.

The new Ford EcoSport features styling designed to reflect that of the mid-sized Kuga and large Edge SUVs. Customers can choose from 12 bold exterior colours, including Lightning Blue, Ruby Red and vibrant metallic orange shade, Tiger Eye; and can further personalise their SUV with the new contrasting extended painted roof colour option.

New 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs are offered in a number of finishes, including Magnetic Low Gloss, Shadow Silver, Flash Grey and High Gloss Black. Customers continue to be able to choose a boot-mounted spare wheel option.

The EcoSport also has a new centre console featuring fewer buttons. Ford says new seats designs are optimised for greater front and rear occupant comfort, and deliver a more upscale feel including available partial leather. Occupants can also match the ambience to their mood with adjustable interior lighting that can be set to one of seven colours.

The interior features a host of stowage solutions, including a new height adjustable boot floor that can be raised to provide concealed storage, or lowered to increase luggage capacity to 334 litres. A new centre console features a built-in folding, sliding passenger armrest with a storage compartment ideal for tablet computers or snacks.

The new EcoSport line-up will for the first time include the sporty new EcoSport ST-Line variant.

The EcoSport ST-Line delivers Ford Performance-inspired bumpers and side skirts, black-finish roof rails and headlight bezels, 17-inch Dark Tarnish alloy wheels, ST-Line badging and extended painted roof and door mirrors as standard. The interior offers a unique ST-Line leather-trimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel; unique partial leather seats featuring Miko-Dinamica inserts – an ecological suede made from recycled polyester – and red stitching; leather handbrake lever and gear knob; ST-Line branded scuff plates; and stainless steel sports pedals.

Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SYNC 3 is supported by EcoSport’s floating, 8-inch colour touchscreen, which can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures. Also offered with SYNC 3 is a floating 6.5-inch colour touchscreen. A 4.2-inch colour screen is offered in combination with Bluetooth connectivity and two USB inputs.

A new B&O PLAY sound system features ten speakers, including boot-mounted subwoofer and a mid-range speaker in the centre of the dash.

The EcoSport delivers Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter that helps drivers keep within speed limits, and a Rear View Camera that makes parking more efficient and safer.

Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel and Electronic Automatic Temperature Control are available. Further driver assistance technologies include Ford’s Blind Spot Information System that can alert the driver to vehicles approaching alongside, and standard Roll Stability Control that adjusts engine torque and braking to help drivers maintain control.

Improved occupant protection now includes driver and passenger front airbags; a driver knee airbag; new side airbags that provide extra thorax protection and are designed to direct the occupant away from an impact; and new curtain airbags that provide maximum side-impact coverage. There is also a standard perimeter alarm.

“We’ve enhanced the quality, technology and versatility of the new Ford EcoSport to deliver more of the confidence and control that compact SUV customers want,” said Gary Boes, global B-car vehicle line director, Ford Motor Company. “Drivers will feel more comfortable and self-assured than ever at the wheel.”