2019 Ford EcoSport: Variants explained

It’s a statically-proven fact that we love compact crossover SUVs more than any other type of family car. Mostly based on a hatchback or compact sedan platform, they’re gifted with high ride height and certain SUV-like design traits. And the Ford EcoSport is no exception to this rule. Since its launch a few years ago,

the Fiesta-based EcoSport has garnered a considerable following in the Philippines. Currently, the 2019 Ford EcoSport range consists of five different variants, with prices starting at Php 918,000 for the base Ambiente trim and Php 1,170,000 for the top-of-the-range Titanium with the EcoBoost 1.0-litre motor.

While the top three variants of the Ford EcoSport come with an automatic transmission, the lower two trims get a manual gearbox. Also, the EcoSport is only offered with petrol engines and among them, only the top variant gets the new EcoBoost engine. Now, without further ado, let’s get cracking on the explanation bit of the 2019 Ford EcoSport and its variants.

Ford EcoSport 1.5L Ambiente MT

This is the base variant of the Ford EcoSport and under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. This one makes 121 hp at 6,500 rpm and 150 Nm of peak torque at 4,500 rpm, and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission which directs power to the front wheels. Externally, the best way to identify the Ambiente trim is by its black front grille, lack of front foglights, black finish for the wing mirrors and door handles, absence of any roof rails, and 16-inch steel wheels.

Inside, the Ambiente doesn’t get Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system and loses out on steering wheel controls, cooled glovebox, map lights, rear armrest, and front seatback pockets. It does, however, come with split-folding rear seats,

a 9-inch touch-display head unit with USB & Bluetooth connectivity and four speakers. As for its safety features, it only gets two front airbags and completely misses out on parking sensors. But it does have a rear camera, antilock brakes, hill-start assist, and traction and stability control.

Ford EcoSport 1.5L Trend MT

Starting at PhP 968,000, the Trend trim uses the same engine and transmission as the Ambiente. On the outside, you now get a silver front grille, front halogen foglights, body-coloured mirrors and door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels, and black roof rails. Unlike in the Ambiente trim,

the Trend’s touch-display incorporates Ford’s SYNC 3 system. Additionally, you also get steering wheel-mounted controls, map lights, seatback pockets, a cooled glovebox and one-touch up/down function for the driver’s power window. The Trend also gets rear parking sensors and four airbags.

Ford EcoSport 1.5L Trend AT

As the title suggests, the Ford EcoSport Trend AT variant comes equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Apart from this, all other mechanical aspects and features remain the same as with the Trend MT. However, the Trend automatic does add hill-descent control and a price jump to PhP 1,030,000, primarily down to the automatic gearbox.

Ford EcoSport 1.5L Titanium AT

For the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated EcoSport, the Php 1,100,000 Titanium AT is where the road ends. While it still shares its drivetrain with the Trent AT, on the features front, the Titanium adds several more goodies into the bag. The most discernible exterior upgrades here include a chrome-finished front grille and silver roof rails.

Meanwhile, the interior gains leather upholstery, an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, a 4.2-inch multifunctional instrument display, an 8-inch capacitive touch-screen, a 7-speaker sound system, backlit USB ports, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, electric sunroof, smart keyless-entry with push-button ignition, and an overhead sunglass holder. As for extra safety measures, the EcoSport 1.5L Titanium AT gets a full complement of six airbags.

Ford EcoSport 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium AT

Priced at Php 1,170,000, the Ford EcoSport Titanium AT with the EcoBoost motor is the flagship of the range. As expected, the most expensive EcoSport does come with a few extra features and of course, a more frugal and efficient engine. Under that stout bonnet sits Ford’s new 998cc, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Despite its tiny size,

this EcoBoost unit develops 123 hp at 6,000 rpm and 170 Nm of max torque between 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Transmission chores are handled by a 6-speed automatic gearbox, while the driven wheels are still at the front. Apart from the pre-existing kit borrowed from the EcoSport 1.5 Titanium, you now also get automatic HID headlamps with LED daytime-running lights, rain-sensing wipers, satellite navigation, automatic stop-start, and an electrochromic rearview mirror.

Also Read:- Bring home a Ford EcoSport with a discount of Php 130,000