Re: Exclusive! Ford EcoSport Makes Global Premiere: Coverage on Pg.3
Another review of ford ecosports in Argentina:
In 2003, after five years of development, Ford released for sale, first in Brazil and then in Argentina, a product that would create an entirely new segment in the market. The EcoSport SUV was the first girl in the world, offering versions with single or double drive, within a very wide price range and accessible.
Why EcoSport was an instant success? We must remember the context of the time. Both Argentina and Brazil came of severe devaluation in their currencies. This left, for a while, the dream of middle class vehicle access fashion of the moment: the imported SUV.
With the simple idea of taking an SUV body on the platform of the Party, the EcoSport became an immediate success. The idea was so original that came as a surprise to competition. Existing models were modified to provide an aesthetic adventure, in fact, Fiat already did with Adventure range even before the arrival of the EcoSport-but only last year Renault landed with a vehicle of the same characteristics: the Duster is the first SUV girl who faces the same rules EcoSport with both versions 2 and 4 × 4 × 4.
When working on a relay, the Detroit executives were not foreign to the EcoSport had success in Latin America. And so it did not hesitate to create a global model, which is sold in over 100 countries.
The full review below.
Out
The new EcoSport not retain a single line in common with the old Echo. For starters, the whole platform is based on the Fiesta's Kinetic Design and no longer in the One Party veteran.
Its lines are based on the philosophy of Kinetic Design, such stylistic language that Ford can not explain very well with words, but very beautiful signed works, such as KD Party, Mondeo, S-Max, Kuga and others.
The design of the new EcoSport and while it's no secret. Ford presented a concept to final lines in January and in April showed the final production model.
In the trunk, stands a large air intake separated into three levels, more impressive in the photos than in person. It is a large grill, very well integrated into the bodywork. These proportions are balanced by the headlights ultrathin, a new trend in the design world with clear exponents as the Range Rover Evoque.
These features, together with the rather large mirrors, separate rapidly design trend still several stylists Mercosur proposed optical increasingly large, almost covering much of the cowling.
In profile, the new EcoSport recalls in part to the Kuga, but stands out from behind the traditional spare tire hanging off the tailgate. This is a detail, in the opinion of Autoblog, is not well aesthetically more heavy trunk opening (lateral, right to left, with the handle hidden in the rear light) and that also leaves the wheel relief very exposed to theft.
J.Mays, ultimate responsibility for Design and father of the current Ford Mustang, also opposed to the wheel in that position, but his decision was twisted by the surveys of the Brazilian public, who seem to see in this accessory to a distinctive feature aesthetics of SUV.
When talking about their dimensions is inevitably compared to the old EcoSport and the Renault Duster. The new Eco measured 4.24 meters long (not counting the spare tire, just like the old EcoSport and seven inches lower than the Duster). It has 1.76 meters wide (three inches taller than the previous model and six behind the Renault). It measures 1.67 meters tall (a foot shorter than its predecessor and two less than the Duster). And it has a wheelbase of 2.52 meters (three inches taller than the old Eco and 15 inches lower than the Duster).
In the opinion of Autoblog, compared with the first EcoSport, jump aesthetic is remarkable. And he is far more modern and harmonious that the Duster. The details are more careful and conveys a greater sense of quality.
Inside
That feeling of quality is also repeated in the cabin. The EcoSport has an iron instrument inspired by the Fiesta KD, although simpler materials. No rubberized coatings, rigid plastics only, but, always compared to the predecessor and his nearest rival, is noted more carefully at the ends.
The cabin is much more comfortable than its predecessor (especially in the rear and the height to the head). And a very good innovation is the rear seat backs that recline backwards, so that passengers are more comfortable (as long as the trunk is empty, of course).
Anyway, the interior of the Eco remains much smaller than in the Duster. Not surprisingly, the SUV shares a platform with the Renault Sandero and Logan, two of our most spacious in the segment guy.
This also shows in the trunk. The 362 liters of the new EcoSport represent a liter less than the previous model and 113 less than the Duster. In addition, the model of Renault has the luxury of bringing more hidden spare tire (under the floor in versions 4 × 2 and in the trunk in the 4 × 4).
The driving position is typical of the cars in this segment: high, with a good command over other traffic. The steering wheel is now adjustable in height and depth (before, only in height) and the seats are more enveloping.
For details of the equipment, we recommend downloading the full sheet .
Security
All versions come standard with ABS brakes and dual airbags, as is mandatory in the region since 2014. They also bring Isofix anchoring points for child seats in the rear seats, five head restraints and five three-point inertia belts. It is a safety feature that, since the cheaper version, and differ from the competition.
From the second trim level (SE) is added hill start assist, stability control, traction control, parking sensors and anti-trap in the electrical levantavidrios.
Titanium versions added four more airbags, two side and two curtain.
The only drawback in this section are the brakes: in any version offered four-wheel discs. Even more expensive EcoSport discs have forward and rear drums.
Engine and transmission
In this section there are several new features. The Zetec engine Rocam 1.6 of 98 horses and 142 Nm of torque was replaced by more modern Sigma 1.6 16v 110 hp at 6,000 rpm and 153 Nm at 4,250 rpm. It is manufactured in Brazil.
An important clarification: this driver is already known of the Focus II and not to be confused with the Sigma 1.6 of KD Party, which has variable valve timing system TiVCT and ten horsepower extra.
In the range-topping versions (including 4WD), the EcoSport bring the familiar Duratec 2.0 16v always produced in Mexico, with 143 hp at 6,250 rpm and 187 Nm at 4,250 rpm.
The surprise of the on-Natal came by the side of the engine gasolera. Since last year, Ford no longer offers the old 1.4 engine EcoSport with diesel. However, it was confirmed that from 2013 there will be a new 1.5-liter Duratorq turbodiesel eight-valve, from Europe. Have 90 horsepower at 3,570 rpm. The torque of 205 Nm is between 1750 to 2500 rpm. May be combined only with five-speed manual gearbox
In terms of transmissions, the new EcoSport will have more choice in its segment: in a first step, all 4 × 2 versions will have five-speed manual gearbox. In the Hall of St. Paul in November, will present the Powershift automatic transmission with six gears and double clutch.
Version 4 × 4, in 2013, only be combined with the six-speed manual gearbox.
Behavior
The test drive consisted of over 100 kilometers on highways, secondary roads and some light off-road, the roads that link the beaches of Natal and Pipa in northeastern Brazil.
The EcoSport surprised at first by the good soundproofing of the cabin and the power-assisted steering. It is a very light and precise steering. Not so many sensations transmitted to the driver as a hydraulic assist, but at least provides a good compromise between lightness for maneuvering in city and the progressive hardening route.
The unit was tested by Autoblog Sigma 1.6, with Titanium trim level. The smaller engine is ideal for the city, but en route requires a little more work with the box. The roads we traveled had many changes pending and had to make recess more often than expected.
Like any small displacement multi-valve, is a driver you always have to carry a high rate to deliver the best.
The path chosen by the organizers were surprised by its realism. For several miles we travel along a route in terrible condition. We do not know if it was not to extrañáramos to Argentina or because they wanted to demonstrate the robustness of the product.
The truth is that achieved both. The front end feels much stronger than in the previous EcoSport. All the car conveys a sense of ruggedness and quality. Ford say that these are the benefits of a global project that is (are also manufactured in India, Indonesia and China) and not only for the Mercosur.
Ford did not disclose or use data services. The engineers claim that consumption levels are among the lowest in the segment. As to benefits, taking into account that the power values did not vary much and the new EcoSport weighs an average of 50 kilos more than the last, nor should have too many changes.
In the off-road sections, preserves the good clearance of 200 millimeters. Was handled by some loose sand roads, but it is clear that those who seek adventures seriously have to wait until next year, when it reaches 4 × 4 version. For now, Ford has already made the fording ability of all EcoSport is 550 millimeters. By way of comparison, a Volkswagen Amarok wading only 500 millimeters.
Conclusion
Nine years ago, Ford invented a new segment with the EcoSport. And with this second generation, the blue oval was proposed again revolutionize the market.
With respect to the old EcoSport and opponents, the new Eco is known for design, quality construction, safety equipment and variety of engines and transmissions.
Among the points against the trunk should be mentioned guy and the spare tire too exposed to the evil temptations.
Betting on a new diesel engine and an automatic dual-clutch speak of a product that not only wants to be a benchmark in the segment, but is determined to steal sales to larger SUVs and imported.
Just knowing the prices subtracted to give a final verdict. In Brazil, there were virtually no increases, despite the big jump in terms of equipment and platform.
But our economic reality is very different. The executives of Ford Argentina promise to offer "very competitive values" when it is released for sale in November. It is likely that the public is willing to pay slightly more for this new generation, and that improvements are seen easily, but the point is: how much more?
When the first EcoSport was launched in 2003, the competition took several years to react to a product with similar characteristics. This second generation will discourage more than one rival, who will have to settle compete on price until you can get, again, on equal terms with the new EcoSport.
The generation gap is very large. People who are thinking of buying a car in this segment, the most honest advice you can give Autoblog is: wait for November to see the new EcoSport in person. There, there, and only recently taken a decision.
CC
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File to download: Technical and equipment of the new Ford EcoSport for Argentina
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The tailgate opens to the left. The weight of the spare tire feel.
The rear seats offer more space now, both the shoulder height to overhead. The rear seatback can be reclined backwards.
The ground clearance is 200 millimeters. And wading capacity of 550 mm. But the more adventurous will have to be patient: the 4 × 4 will come in 2013.
The profile design is harmonious and high-waist.
Source:
Exclusivo: la nueva Ford EcoSport ya está en suelo argentino