Initially introduced to the Philippine market in 2014, the Ford EcoSport pioneered the mini SUV segment and quickly gained a ton of popularity due to its practicality, affordability and versatility. It then went on to lead the segment over the next four years, enjoying a 50 percent market share as recently as 2017. This year’s EcoSport features important enhancements that improve its exterior styling, interior refinement, and overall performance. New EcoBoost engine The Ford EcoSport comes in two engine options - a new, more powerful 1.5-liter Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TiVCT) engine producing 123 horsepower, and the award-winning 1.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine that produces 125 horsepower. The benefits to using the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine are well known by now, as it manages to produce ample power while being economical on fuel. The EcoSport equipped with the new EcoBoost engine also comes with automatic start/stop when idling, which further enhances fuel economy. Ford has opted to replace the outgoing model’s DSG gearbox to a more traditional 6-speed automatic, which is a move that will be welcomed by many. Updated styling and tech The new Ford EcoSport receives minor updates to its exterior, with a new front fascia featuring a sculpted hood, new triangular foglamps and larger headlights. LED daytime running lamps and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels are available as standard on all models except the base Ambiente variant. Inside, the top-of-the-line Titanium variant sees the most updates, with a leather dashboard, power sunroof, and a new eight-inch multicolor touchscreen. All other variants get a larger, but non-capacitive nine-inch color touchscreen display. While sporting a smaller touchscreen, the Titanium variant does come with Ford’s latest SYNC 3 infotainment system with navigation, voice control, and AppLink 3.0 software, powering a seven-speaker set up. As always, the EcoSport’s storage flexibility remains one of its strong suits, with up to 1,178 liters of cargo space available, as well as 25 smart storage compartments for coffee cups, smartphones, tablets, umbrellas, bottles and other accessories. Improved safety and convenience The 2019 Ford EcoSport comes loaded with an impressive suite of safety features which includes Hill-Start Assist control, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, an electronic stability program, and six airbags. Driver conveniences include a rear-view camera with rear parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and smart keyless entry. “The new EcoSport retains the strengths of its predecessor while introducing a number of new and exciting features. Its trendier design and sophisticated interior, smart technologies, and the addition of the EcoBoost engine will deliver a more enhanced driving experience. We are excited for Filipino customers to get their hands on the new EcoSport and see for themselves why it’s a street smart vehicle perfect for urban driving”, said Rodel Gallega, Vice President of Marketing and Sales of Ford Philippines. Pricing and colors The new Ford EcoSport will be available in four variants and prices – P1,168,000 for the 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium AT, P1,028,000 for the 1.5L Trend AT, P968,000 for the 1.5L Trend MT, and P918,000 for the 1.5L Ambiente MT. The new EcoSport comes in six colors: Absolute Black, Ingot Silver, Crystal White, Ruby Red (Trend and Titanium variants only), Canyon Ridge (Titanium variant only), and Blue Lightning (Titanium variant only). Text and photos by Chris Van Hoven