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| Photos by Ulysses Ang and Ford Press |
#1: Fuel-saving Tires
The Ford EcoSport looks every bit like a crossover or soft-roader, but it’s actually equipped with passenger tires specifically designed for improved fuel efficiency. The Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires, equipped as standard on the EcoSport 1.5 Titanium, is claimed by Goodyear to improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by up to 4 percent based on the tire lifetime of the tire which is pegged at 105,000 kilometers.
#2: LED Park Lights
The slim, aerodynamic headlights seem to be grabbing the lion’s share of attention with regards to the EcoSport’s design, but look closely and there’s an additional surprise: the EcoSport is rocking LED park lights. Not only does it give off a very distinct glow at night, LEDs or light emitting diodes are more energy efficient and also last longer than your typical “peanut” park light bulb.
#3: Push-Button Rear Door Opener
Ford designers have craftily integrated the rear door handle into the EcoSport’s tail lamp cluster, making the rear-end look cleaner and more visually focused on the tailgate-mounted spare tire cover. But Ford designers and engineers have gone a step further: the rear door opener is actually electronically actuated! You open the tailgate not by swinging the door handle upwards, which is a very awkward action given the positioning, but by pressing on the little black button. This also nicely integrates with the Smart Key system.
# 4: Snorkel-like Air Intake
The description’s a bit of a cheat, but there’s no denying that the air intake of the EcoSport’s been raised as high as possible as a response to customer feedback. How high? It’s actually situated at headlamp level. This means the EcoSport’s air intake is higher than wheel level contributing to the amazing 550-mm water-wading capability. And in case you’re going to ask, yes, the ECU is also located on the same level as the air intake.
# 5: Squareflec Dash
The Ford EcoSport’s dashboard is very, very familiar especially if you sit inside a Fiesta back-to-back. But look closer and you’ll notice that the EcoSport sports a very unique dash pattern, Squareflec. Not only does it give a high-tech vibe, but it’s also a nod to the square-shaped structural patterns seen in nature, particularly in plants. This is a very subtle reminder of the EcoSport’s environmentally-friendly credentials.
# 6: DSP Optimizer for Driver and/or Passengers
On the roads around Hua Hin, everyone came out impressed with the EcoSport’s standard 6-speaker sound system. It has a crisp-clear audio quality and booming bass that every audiophile will appreciate. In addition, the Ford SYNC system also has a wealth of input options, all accessible by intuitive voice commands. However, Ford has gone a step further and equipped the EcoSport with a built-in Digital Signal Processing or DSP. Not only does it optimize the audio levels based on speed, it also optimizes it based on two settings: driver or passenger centric. So next time you want to listen to Miley Cyrus, you can actually make her sound like she’s singing in your ear.
# 7: Speed Limit Warning
Like the dashboard, the EcoSport’s instrument panel looks lifted straight from the Fiesta, but looks can be very deceiving. First up, the EcoSport has an instantaneous fuel consumption gauge bar located at the top-most portion of the multi-information display, something that the Fiesta or even Focus doesn’t have. Plus, scroll through the vehicle settings, and you can actually set a speed limit warning on the EcoSport—perfect if you plan to ply NLEX or SLEX often.
#8: Select Shift
The Ford EcoSport’s engine and transmission combination is pretty good, especially for the urban environment. And though the 6-speed Power Shift dual clutch automatic is generally intuitive, the EcoSport also offers Ford’s Select Shift system which allows you to manually shift gears up or town. There are no paddle shifters on the EcoSport though, so you’ll need to shift the gearlever to ‘S’ and then access the +/- command on the gearlever itself.
#9: Aero Detailing
Ford is touting the EcoSport’s 0.371 co-efficient of drag, making it relatively aerodynamic for a SUV. They’ve managed to do so by making the body panels flow from one to another making the EcoSport cut the wind much more efficiently. Worth mentioning is the ‘kicker’ panel located on the EcoSport’s rear window and tail lamp which channels the air effectively away from the drag-inducing spare tire. In addition, the spoiler located under the front bumper is actually designed to create a more effective “bow wave”. As off-roaders know, this is key to improved water wading capability.
#10: Charger with Pocket
Younger buyers love their gadgets and given smartphones aren’t as energy efficient as the EcoSport, Ford engineers have added not one but two power points for everyone to keep their phones, media players or laptops juiced up. The driver and front passenger has it on the center console near the shifter, while those at the back have it tucked to the side of the seat. In addition, the rear seat power point has a built-in pocket that allows the seats to be folded without interrupting your charging. This is one of 20 different storage spaces in the EcoSport.
Ford is featuring ecoboost technology and it's promising to save on fuel but why none is saying about the car's fuel economy factor? i've read a lot of reviews but only few is talking about it.
ReplyDeletecan someone test the car for the fuel economy factor?
This is how the EcoSport fared in terms of fuel economy:
Deletehttp://www.carguide.ph/2014/03/first-drive-2014-ford-ecosport-15.html
As for EcoBoost in the EcoSport, that's not available yet. The EcoSport is available with a 1.5-liter Ti-VCT with a 6-speed dual clutch automatic.
Sir ulysses. Do you think the titanium variant of ecosport is worth it? Considering it has push start on, sunroof and back sensors as the primary differences from other variants.
ReplyDeletePersonally, it's up to you.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if that were my money, I'd go for the top-of-the-line variant (especially if I can afford it). You might end up regretting not getting the Titanium after a couple of months.
That said, if you're limited by your budget, the 1.5 Trend is also okay.
Thanks sir. Lets say im decided with the titanium ecosport. Do you think ecoboost feature is worth waiting for? And i heard mazda 3 is coming this summer. Which do you prefer more? Its really a dilemma for me. I hope you can help me decid
Deletedisel variant
ReplyDeleteugly.
ReplyDeletewhy is it that ford phil's didn't bring the diesel variant of ford ecosport?
ReplyDeleteJust got my Titanium a few days ago. Of course I was very excited simply driving it during the first couple of days. But then my excitement quickly disappeared when I realized that a few basic and IMPORTANT (for me, at least) essentials were missing; things which we take for granted since they usually are available on even the least expensive vehicles -- and this is really very strange since the Titanium is supposed to be the top-of-the-line variant. So for those of you who are contemplating on buying an Ecosport Titanium, remember that these are what's missing (you'd probably be better-off getting the lower variants):
ReplyDelete1) NO GRAB HANDLES!!!!!!!! My 80 yr old parents had a hard time getting in and out of the car and adjusting their sitting positions since there was nothing to pull themselves with. For something as basic as grab handles, I simply don't understand why this is missing in the Ecosport's most expensive variant, yet they are present in the lower ones. Also, my wife asked, "How do I hang my shirt?" To leave these out is really stupid I think. I'd trade a useless sunroof or backing sensor anytime for your basic grab handles. Save your 100k and get the lower variant.
2. NO TOOLS!! Believe it or not, this vehicle did not come with a basic tool set. They only provided a jack, a jack handle, and a lock nut key. So you'd have to buy your own tire wrench and other tools. You'd also have to figure out how to secure your spare tire cover from theft. Ford is super stingy!
3. NO FOOTREST! There is no left-side rubber footrest for your left foot. So, if you're OC like me and are getting inside your car with muddy/wet shoes because of the nasty rain, be ready with the vacuum cleaner because you're sure to soil your black carpet.
3. There may be a glove-compartment, a front passenger-side drawer underneath the seat, and cup holders galore, but there is no easy-to-reach small compartment to keep coins and other small items like your pen, gas/toll receipts, etc. You just have to stash everything inside the glove box or under the seat drawer. Impractical, if you ask me. Also, I don't care for the useless eyeglass compartment found overhead. Seriously, do people really keep their glasses there?
Today is day-6 with my new vehicle. I am still waiting for Ford to answer my question as whether or not these missing items (at least the grab handles) are available as accessories. Imagine that - since when were grab handles considered as special accessories? I know that these may sound very unimportant to some of you, but these items are supposed to be basic items found in every car -- especially in its supposed top-of-the-line variant.
could you really consider the ecosport fuel economic? whats your ratio?
DeleteYes offcourse,it worth got an eco..fc ratio 12-14 highway and city drive...but still depend on driving habit that were you are on practice...gud for daily travel even offroad,long drive...have a soft steering and soft clutch pedal...
DeleteI almost bought an Ecosport..really...the Titanium at Php 1M has a lot of electronic gadgets and features..compared it with same-priced almost-same-category vehicles of other brands and it just wins! HOWEVER, what stopped me is the gear box. The dual clutch AT of the ecosport is JUST ANNOYINGLY JERKY at slow traffic. It's not the traditional torque converter AT of most automatic gear boxes used by many other brands. Yes, dual clutch AT is used in supercars but this kind of AT wants to be driven in free ways. At slow traffic, it shifts and jerks. Refer to CarGuide Review, Top Gear Philippines, Inquirer Review, and many others as they have all noticed this annoying downside of Ecosport.
DeleteThe reason there are no grab handles in the top variant is because of the side curtain airbags! When the side airbags are deployed and *if* there was a grab handle it would fly off and injure the passenger(s).The lower variants only have the front two airbags hence the reason why they have the grab handles. Hope this helps.
Delete^Praveen, the Titanium variant has only 2 front airbags. There are no side curtain airbags. Check this out: http://www.ford.com.ph/suv/ecosport/specifications/safety
DeleteSo if all of the items you said were missing, why the hell did you purchased it in the first place? Is it not that you carefully scrutinized it or check all the basic features first before even considering purchasing it?
ReplyDelete^ I don't notice those things either when I purchase a car. Let's be thankful to pianoman for the heads up
ReplyDeleteAnd you will not find a Titanium variant anywhere in display, the only ones in the Ford dealers are the 1.5L Trend MT variant.
ReplyDeleteAnd to think about it, the four things pianoman mentioned are supposedly "essential" items that even the most basic of vehicles have.
Ford ecosports is the best alternative mini crossover among suv,simply because of the fuel economy,looks and features. I can get 11.8 to 12.4km/l mixed drive on the urban city with traffic related. Long drive 16.7km/l. My ecosport purchase four days ago. The basic tools are complete....mine is candy red.On my opinion better to get Manual trans than Automatic trans simply bcoz of maintenance and base on my observation during test drive on automatic trans for titanium if you can use sports mode, observe delay response of engine and notice engine jerk. but if you can use Drive mode they have engine quick response.But anyway its up to guys if you want AT or MT...
ReplyDeleteI choose and purchase ecosport Trend MT candy red four days ago...
Deletequestion is..why don't they have a manual transmission on the Titanium Variant in the Philippines?
ReplyDeleteDo they have the diesel variant here in ph?
ReplyDeleteI own a Titanium. Yesterday, I dropped off my driver at the bus stop and I took over the wheel and drove myself to our office Christmas party. When I reached my destination, I parked, turned off my engine and got off my vehicle. Then I pressed the door handle button to lock, but it wouldn't. Then I realized, the car key (remote) was with my driver! The Titanium, as you know, has a push-button start which doesn't require the key to be inserted in a slot. Since he drove, he typically placed this remote key in his pocket. Fortunately, I was able to call his cellphone and asked him to take a taxi to where I was but I had to wait for over an hour because of the crazy traffic along EDSA!
ReplyDeleteIf anyone from FORD is reading this, can you please re-program this crazy keyless entry and engine-start system because it's really shitty. Shouldn't the engine shut down automatically if the remote key is away from the vehicle by at least 2 meters for security reasons? This would also serve as an anti-theft feature.
To those planning to buy this vehicle, beware! Also, the lack of grab handles is really mind-boggling. The excuse that it is because of the sun-roof is just so lame. Even the cheapest vehicle out there have them.
Hi, I just want to ask if your Titanium Ecosport come with Cigarette Lighter and Cup Holder Ashtray?
DeleteThe reason there are no grab handles in the top variant is because of the side curtain airbags! When the side airbags are deployed and *if* there was a grab handle it would fly off and injure the passenger(s).The lower variants only have the front two airbags hence the reason why they have the grab handles.
DeleteAnd regarding the key, a sales exec told me that it seems with a simple telephone call one can 'unlock/lock' the car!!! In your case if you had called your driver from your parking spot and while you are on the phone and keeping the phone near the car lock, have the driver press 'unlock' and the code should carry through cellular signal and unlock the car!!! I'm not sure if this is true or just pure BS!!! :)
^Praveen, the Titanium variant has only 2 front airbags. There are no side curtain airbags. Check this out: http://www.ford.com.ph/suv/ecosport/specifications/safety
DeleteSeems BS if code can be propagated via cellular signal. If this is true, it will be a security issue
DeleteIbought a titanium last Saturday. When I got home I checked the spare tyre and was shocked to find not the16”alloy I was expecting but a 15" steel from the ambient model! Dealer said this is common practise in Philippines,is it? Im sure the car left factory with 5 16" wheels
ReplyDeleteNo it's not a common practice, the 15" steel is really the standard spare tyre for the Titanium even in other countries where Ecosport been issued. I know it before I bought mine and I really don't mind for the spare is good up to the vulcanizing anyway.
Deletemiddle class people do research first before spending money on something,,, rich people buy something first and do research after complaining,,
ReplyDeleteyou're right! at nakaka-inggit sila, wala silang pakeelam sa pera kung lugi man sila sa nabili nila, he!he!. sana ako din mayaman. hahaha! para pag di ko nagustuhan, benta na lang agad then bili ng ibang kotse. LOL!
DeleteHi. Just wanted to ask if the trend version has keyless entry/smart key or not. I checked ford ph site and confirmed na wala. Question ko lang kung totoo kasi even small affordable cars now has it. Di naman importante na push button start basta sana with smart key ang trend. Planning on loaning one. Thanks!
ReplyDeletemeron keyless entry ang trend manual which what i have
ReplyDeleteIs there anyone here who's been using ecosport trend MT for a year now and is willing to share problems encountered with it? Alao how much the average PMS cost is (1,000Kms, 5,000Kms, 10,000Kms). Will really appreciate it, thanks!
ReplyDeletePlanning to buy ecosport trend AT soon. I appreciate all the comments here.. Hope there would be more good and bad comments to ponder before actually purchasing it.
ReplyDeletePlanning to buy AT Trend variant hopefully before Christmas and this forum really provided good info.. and thanks to all for sharing. Just wanted to ask, how is the back compartment? is the space good enough, say for a 6 grocery bags or 20" (wheel) folding bike or 16" non-folding kiddie bike?
ReplyDelete^
ReplyDeleteBack compartment can easily accommodate 6 bags of groceries and even some more. Folding the back seats and removing the bar can easily take in your bike.
Whatever you do, don't get a Titanium. Sayang lang, because all you get extra is a moon roof which in this polluted country is completely useless. Leather seats (must you really have leather in the tropics?) and NO GRAB HANDLES!! The wheels and color of your roof rails are different too, but who cares?? -- Pianoman
Thanks Pianoman, your input is really a good help.
DeleteWhat is the difference/lacking from the ambiente models vs the trend? Beside from the 15" steel wheel
ReplyDeleteHello everyone..Im planning to buy ecosport trend AT? Kumusta po ung fuel consumption nya? May nakapag sabi po kasi sa akin na matakaw ito sa gasolina? Is it true?? Hoping for your comments so i can decide asap.thanks
ReplyDeletematakaw nga daw po sa gas at high maintenance pero ecosport trend AT pa din nakaprogram ko na kunin next week.. but im still doing research pr no regrets :-) salamat s mga inputs nyo:-) kung di maging ok s ecosport..im considering trex or innova:-)
ReplyDeleteIm planning to get one 2 weeks from now but still not sure if I'm going for the Titanium or Trend.. With the Php2,000 difference in the monthly ammortization, is it really worth getting the Titanium?
ReplyDeleteEcosports.Titanium done 45000km car is quite bouncy at the back can upgraded tyres help me.
ReplyDeleteI am planning to buy ecosport titanium plus as this model has feature of 6 airbags. I ride in the rear seat in highways where trucks ploy. Do you think the rear airbags are good enough to survive passengers! Thanks
ReplyDeleteI am planning to buy ecosport titanium plus as this model has feature of 6 airbags. I ride in the rear seat in highways where trucks ploy. Do you think the rear airbags are good enough to survive passengers! Thanks
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the comment from andrew, i checked my car, since i've never really checked my spare tyre after my father bought it, Is really 15" BLACK steel from a normal low end car, the real spare tyre of a 1.5 titanium ecosport?
ReplyDeleteInstead of a 16" alloy?
ReplyDeleteGot my titanium, so far so good naman! Sport mode is dope!
ReplyDeleteYou'll be mine Ambiente this coming Monday!!!
ReplyDeleteHope fuel will not be an issue though many says its costly as well as d maintenance...
Well anyway, tnx so much on this forum...
Hi there kabayan. Working here in KSA and owned Trend AT. Using my Trend AT for going to work everyday since last year. Bought it brand new for 58K riyals including tint and headlight protection. Its a good car and no regret at all. Only thing not included during the purchase was the spare tire cover. It is ordered separate. Just wondering about some comments regarding spare tire. Here, all tires are the same 16" alloy including the spare. Most of all, no problem with sound system Bluetooth matching my cellphone. Regards to all.
ReplyDeleteKamusta po ang clutch problems nito? any bad experiences?
ReplyDeleteIs the ford ecosport titanium poweeshift has tinted windows?
ReplyDeleteIs the ford ecosport titanium poweeshift has tinted windows?
ReplyDeleteYes tinted kasama sa freebies nila yon,this july dideliver ang ecosport trend matic ko and excited na akong makita.anyways thanks sa mga info guys!
ReplyDeletemaganda ba ang performance ng black edition ng ecosport and may sun roof ba yun ? i was thinking kung black edition or titanuim thanks
ReplyDeletegood and bad exprience in black edition and in interior and exterior
ReplyDeletemy odometer reading has turned off. how can I reactivate it? thanks.
ReplyDeleteGuys baka may maka sagot kung magkano usually ang maintenance, service charge at spare parts na common sa Ertiga? Ex. Engine Oil, Transmission oil (A/T), Brake pads, etc. Pagnagka problema ba madali kayang hanapin ang spare parts nito or kailangan mong i order at hintayin sa casa? Importante rin kasi ang aftersales services nila. Baka may experience po kayo paki share naman. Salamat
ReplyDeleteAnung common problem ng manual trend ecosport?? Child lock nya ba sa labas lang?? Sa loob while driving pede buksan?? Bkt gnun?
ReplyDeleteActually ang child lock ng ecosoort from low to high end its thesame. Need mo lang engaged manually gamit ng susi. Makikita to sa gilid pag bukas mo ng pinto sa both left/right pasenger door. Kulay puti yon sir/mam..
Deletegaano ba kalala ang katakawan ng ecosport sa gas? please i need your opinion.
ReplyDeleteHI THERE - IM IN DESPERATE NEED OF SOME HELP... THERE IS NO WHERE IN THE MANUAL OR ONLINE (THAT I CAN FIND) THAT TELLS ME THE DIMENSIONS OF THE REAR WINDOW, PLEASE HELP IF POS??? :)
ReplyDeletebuy a tape measure?
Deletei have ecosport trend manual black edition. oct.21,2016 first cost 8km/liter city driving, den goes 8.7km/ liter mixed city/urban, den this last monitoring got 7km/liter city driving. sabi sa akin sales agent it should be 10 to 12km/liter city driving. mahina accelerate pag pataas 2nd gear 4 person with aircon.
Deletebakit ganyan sa aki 10 to 11 pag city driving at sa high way mga 13-17
Deletecity driving ko. normal flow xa hindi bumper to bumper. average of 30 to 60kmph takbo ko. den onti tigil lang. kasi ginagamit ko car ko pag wala na trafic. kaya for me im not satisfied. i want to hit 10 to 12km/liter. sobra baba talaga ng sa akin. sobra lakas sa gas.
ReplyDeleteBakit po kaya ganun yun Eco sport trend sa lock ng door,, nbubuksan sa loob while driving khit nka lock!?? paano po ba yun mailock!?? meron po b option!? kakatakot po kc pg my bata sa likod,,bka mbuksan habang natakbo!
ReplyDeleteEngage the child proof lock.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi all! Thank you for all your input, this discussion is very useful especially for someone like me who is a first time car buyer.
ReplyDeleteSir Ulysses Ang, in terms of fuel efficiency and urban driving performance which would you recommend the Ford EcoSport 1.5 Trend AT or Honda B-RV AT?
Planning to buy my first car and I really want to get a car that is elevated but of course considering my budget that is under 1M. Also maybe you could recommend other maker/models? Thank you.
Jerking issue! :( titanium ecosport
ReplyDeleteI find it helpful. First time to own a ford model. A week ago I purchased a titanium ecosport
ReplyDeleteJust bought the 2017 trend model. Im dissapointed on some safety measures especially the locking. I cant lock the doors from the inside. One time i was driving at a high speed at a super highway in cebu when my son suddenly opened the door, it did open. I wonder whats the logic behind this design.
ReplyDeleteAny of you here have the same problem?
The EcoSport has a very European-style central locking system. Locking the doors will only lock them from the outside, but not from the inside.
DeleteIn order to prevent your children from opening the rear doors, engage the child-proof lock.
how to activate the odometer of trend ecosport when its turned off?
ReplyDeletethanks
5 months na yung ECOSPORT ko trend/AT kaso 6k palang yung mileage niya next month sabi sa akin kylangan na daw ipa PMS pwede bang kahit lagpasan ko yung next month mga balak ko kasi mga december mag pa PMS eh. hindi naman siya masyadong na gagamit.
ReplyDeleteI have been driving my Trend AT for over a year now. The first problem I noticed was the jerking. I actually even called Ford to complain and ask if this is a common problem. I was told it was never an issue. I thought I may just be adjusting from my previous Mitsubishi Pajero which has waaaay too much power compared to Ecosport. But now that I have completely adjusted, I don't experience the jerk anymore. Another problem is that panel support by the side mirror, the one in between you side window and the windshield. It covers too much of your line of sight and can cause you not see oncoming vehicles when you're in curves, which is unsafe. I don't know why it was designed that way. Is it not a problem with other owners?
ReplyDeleteHow can I engage the child lock? tnx
ReplyDeleteThere's a small switch in the inner part of the rear passenger doors. You use your key to move the switch.
DeleteHow can I engage the child lock? tnx
ReplyDelete