The 2017 Ford Ecosport has been shown at the LA motor show, marking its introduction to the US market and previewing what Europe’s facelifted model will look like next year.
Compared with the current European model, the US car’s nose gets larger headlights that sit either side of a more prominent grille. The new-look front is clearly inspired by that of the larger Kuga and Edge SUVs, something Ford’s manager of SUV communications, Jeremy Schofield, told Autocar would happen earlier this year.
Inside, the car gains Sync3 infotainment – the latest version of Ford’s system in production – with an 8.0in touchscreen and smartphone connectivity. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as remote technology that enables drivers to start, lock and unlock their cars from any location.
The US car has been launched with two turbocharged Ecoboost petrol engines: a 1.0-litre triple and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit. Both engines come with a six-speed automatic gearbox and the 2.0-litre model gets four-wheel drive.
When the facelift arrives in the UK, it’ll come with the 1.0-litre unit, but America’s 2.0-litre powerplant will almost certainly be swapped for a 1.5-litre petrol unit. This would mean the facelifted Ecosport retains the current car’s engine options, which also includes a 1.5-litre diesel.
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May I ask
Aussierob wrote:
They deleted that a while ago
Interior
I'm not sure I like the 8.0in touchscreen display sticking out like that. Not a fan of the look of a tablet being glued to the dashboard as a after thought. Wish they could have integrated the display more in to the dashboard like VW has on their cars.
big improvement
One Ford = hot ones in the US slow ones everywhere else!! ie no GT350 Mustang , no Mondeo (nee Fusion) V6 ecoboost , no Raptor etc etc -they even get an ecoboost Transit!