The European Ford EcoSport was unveiled to the world this week at a technology convention in Barcelona. The new car is designed to offer the most driver connectivity of any Ford model to date, giving the driver the ability to access smartphone apps via voice control.
Exterior
The EcoSport is based on Ford's small car platform and as such slots in beneath the Kuga in the company's SUV range. Its go-anywhere appearance is aided by a high ride height, a rugged-looking spare wheel on the back, a small bonnet and short rear overhang.
Interior
The new EcoSport is equipped with Ford's SYNC with Emergency Assistance system, which phones emergency services automatically after an accident. It also uses GPS to track the vehicle's position to further aid the emergency services. The Ford SYNC AppLink is also available, allowing drivers to voice control smartphone apps without having to take their hands off the wheel.
Mechanicals
Both 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines can be had in the EcoSport, as can the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit. The latter produces 125hp, while the other two make 110- and 90hp respectively.
Anything else?
Ford is also planning to bring the large Edge SUV to Europe at a later stage. The Edge is said to be more upmarket than the EcoSport and Kuga and is already a big hit in America.
The Ford EcoSport will be available to order later this year.