In a nutsell:
- New Active variant of popular EcoSport small SUV unveiled, offering customers more rugged styling and enhanced versatility.
- Ford says the car will ‘help adventure-loving customers get the most from their active lifestyles’.
- Plastic body protection and raised ride height are stand-out features.
- Part of Ford’s growing ‘Active’ movement, with other cars like the Fiesta and Focus already getting the ‘outdoorsy’ treatment.
An outdoors-inspired new version of the Ford EcoSport has been revealed - the ‘Active’ model.
And with a higher ride height as well as plastic body protection on the exterior, it’s a car that might just fit the bill if you’re venturing to places off the beaten track.
The EcoSport has been around since 2014 and as far as small SUV crossovers go, it was always fairly unremarkable, with mild-mannered styling and a sedate interior.
A facelift arrived in 2017 to overhaul the looks, and the EcoSport was treated to another significant facelift at the beginning of this year which improved things considerably.
Now, finally, the EcoSport looks the part, with a more aggressive font grille as well as modern styling, a decent interior and an ample range of engines.
And Ford, seemingly having found its groove with a once-maligned vehicle, have upped the ante further with this practical and versatile ‘Active’ model, which starts at £21,645 - a couple of grand more than the base £18,695 EcoSport.
Ford says it’s a vehicle that ‘supports outdoor adventures and active lifestyles’.
No, it won’t turn you into Bear Grylls. But it should deflect some of the dings and scrapes you might get while exploring the nation’s wild areas.
You get chunky black plastic wheel arches and side skirts, a study plastic boot protector in the back, and durable leather seats in the interior.
A raised suspension makes it easier for you to wobble your way over tough terrain.
Of course, it’s not really off-roader. A choice of engines all drive the front wheels and there’s no 4x4 option.
Speaking about those engines, you’re essentially looking at either a 1.0 EcoBoost petrol or a 1.5 litre EcoBlue diesel, which come in a range of power outputs.
The one you arguably want is the most powerful 140 PS incarnation, which will get you from 0-62mph in around 11 seconds.
Meanwhile there’s a range of trims - base Zetec, mid-range Titanium, and range-topping ST-Line, which features 17 inch alloys, roof rails, spoiler and sport suspension.
Roelant de Waard, of Ford of Europe, says: “Customers tell us they love how EcoSport’s bold styling, practical interior and versatility fits into their busy lives, so we’re excited to enhance the SUV with an Active version that delivers even more of those qualities.
“The EcoSport Active will be a new addition to the Active series that offers extra capability and rugged style for customers who want to take their outdoor adventures to the next level.”
The EcoSport’s real trump card has always been it’s cavernous cabin, which is more than roomy enough to accommodate four adults.
A jumped up Fiesta, the EcoSport is not.
And it also makes a particularly practical lease car, with prices starting from just£185 per month*.
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