UPDATE: The official launch story is here (8/29).

During the first week of August, Ford Philippines announced the extension of discounts on the EcoSport, Ranger, and Everest. Sifting through the promo details reveal one peculiar thing: the promotion, particularly for the EcoSport ends on August 23. As promotions go, that’s a pretty odd date to end it (typically it’s at the middle or end of every month) so naturally, it got us thinking: is Ford Philippines about to introduce a refreshed EcoSport?

And true enough, when we received the e-invite, it revealed a rather peculiar silhouette. Comparing that to official images of the 2019 EcoSport (we didn’t have to look hard), it actually lined up. It’s all but confirmed: the 2019 EcoSport is officially landing by the end of the month.


This got us excited and we just had to look through every Ford website in the Asia-Pacific region to find clues as to what possible new things we could expect in the EcoSport. Although Thailand has yet to get the refreshed EcoSport, apparently, it’s already been out in some markets such as Australia and even Vietnam. The latter is pretty interesting given our markets share similarities: left-hand drive and relatively poor fuel standards.



So, relying on Google Translate, here’s what we think could be the key features of the 2019 Ford EcoSport:

• Based on both Australian and Vietnamese markets, two brand-new engines make their debut in the 2019 EcoSport. Likely available on all but the top-trim variant, the 1.5-liter Duratec Ti-VCT now develops 120 horsepower and 151 Nm of torque. This new engine, codenamed “Dragon” features an inline-3 layout. Meanwhile, the top-trim variant gets the award-winning 1.0-liter inline-3 EcoBoost engine making slightly more power: 125 horsepower and a lot more torque: 170 Nm. In the Vietnamese market, the EcoBoost trim gets an idle start/stop system which should bring its fuel economy numbers even higher.
• These engines are mated to either a 5-speed manual or praise Jesus, a 6-speed automatic. It seems because of all the customer complaints directed at the dual-clutch PowerShift, Ford is calling it quits on that transmission technology.
• Outside, the 2019 EcoSport is differentiated with a front-end that aligns it to other Ford global SUVs. It gets larger headlamps, a hexagonal-shaped grille, and larger front fog lights. The rest of the exterior though remains remarkably similar. The tires on the higher trim models are now an inch larger than current: 205/50R17 while the lower ones continue on with 205/60R16. The Australian market swaps the rear-mounted spare tire for a mobility kit (sealant and pump), but expect the Philippine spec to mimic the Vietnamese one which retains the full-sized spare tire and side-swinging tailgate.
• Inside, the EcoSport is expected to benefit from an extensively reworked cabin. Almost everything is new from the gauges, steering wheel, center console, and even the infotainment screen. The latter, now features SYNC 3 with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• The Titanium model gets all sorts of niceties such as a 7-speaker system, leather seats, power moonroof, and a 60/40 split-folding rear bench with a center armrest. Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers are likely standard on the highest trim too.
• Safety-wise, the Vietnamese market EcoSport comes standard with dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control. However, the Titanium models get 4 additional airbags, rear parking aid with reverse camera.
• How about price? Well, in Vietnam the 2019 EcoSport starts out at VND 545 million (~ P 1.26 million) and goes all the way up to VND 689 million (~ P 1.58 million). However, given Vietnam’s rather peculiar auto market, don’t expect the Philippine model to be priced as expensive; expect however a price increase over the current EcoSport.