Make of this what you will, but despite it being on sale for considerably less than two years - in fact, we'd be better off saying little more than 12 months - Ford is overhauling its B-segment SUV, the EcoSport. We've not seen this quick a facelift from the Blue Oval since the turgid Escort MkV spent just two years on sale before being hastily revamped.
Exterior
Any criticism of the EcoSport so far hasn't really focused on the front-end design, so Ford has left that alone (perhaps rendering the use of the word 'facelift' irrelevant). The big change is at the back, where one of the most contentious points of style - the boot-mounted spare wheel - can now be deleted. That has necessitated a tidy-up of the rear swing-gate, which is easier to partially open in tight spaces, while all models feature a new EcoSport badge. If you do opt for the spare wheel delete, you get a tyre mobility kit as an alternative.
Interior
Chrome has been added to the EcoSport's cabin, notably around the instrument cluster (itself redesigned) and on the window switches. The handbrake lever has been repositioned while extra sound deadening in the doors and dashboard, as well as tighter seals around the pedals, should improve the refinement of the Ford. Titanium models get partial leather seats and the four-inch dash display is in colour, while go for the Winter Pack and you'll benefit from a heated windscreen, heated mirrors and heated seats - and new ducting for the rear bench at floor level, to improve passenger comfort. Additional equipment due in later this year will include satnav and a rear-view camera.
Mechanicals
No major changes here in terms of motive power, although the engines are now claimed to be upgraded to EU6.1 emissions standards, while the 1.5-litre Duratorq diesel goes from 91- to 96hp. Reduced gearbox torque truncation -what a great phrase - provides more torque for both EcoBoost and TDCi models. Ford has fiddled with the suspension too, adding a revised rear twist beam, new spring and damper rates, a 10mm drop in ride height, and Electronic Stability Control and power steering systems that have been recalibrated to improve to EcoSport's on-road manners.
Anything else?
Shown on the Ford stand at Geneva was a natty Deep Impact Blue EcoSport, said to offer 'an insight into the upgrades and equipment for a model that will be available to order towards the end of this year'. This should be called the EcoSport S, like the show car, but as yet, this trim name hasn't been confirmed for Ireland. Further idiosyncrasies of the S are a black roof without roof rails, black mirror caps and a unique 17-inch alloy wheel. A rear diffuser and privacy glass will also be offered.