Ford EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Titanium

What is it?

The EcoSport is Ford’s late entry into the booming compact SUV market. Sharing parts and platform with the Fiesta and B-Max, it’s coming to the UK in May 2014, all set to take on the Nissan Jukes and Vauxhall Mokkas of this world.

With raised suspension, high seating position and rugged go anywhere look, the EcoSport fits the modern SUV template but what’s also key is that it has the space and practicality of a normal small hatchback, plus associated low running costs. Pricing is keen too, starting at £14,995 OTR.

Ford’s target buyer is somebody in their ‘30s, who’s active online (you’ll see why), perhaps has a small family, likes the SUV style and will use the car mainly in the city and perhaps for weekend getaways. They will not be looking for a true 4×4 which is why the Ford EcoSport is front-drive only.

But they’ll surely like the way it’s ‘wired’ via AppLink, a new tweak offering voice control of mobile apps on the move including Spotify, Aha and Kaliki. It’s tied in with SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated in-car connectivity system – a £250 option.

At launch, things are kept simple with just one spec – Titanium – which brings 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, Keyless Entry, audio with USB/Aux on top of the lengthy standard kit list.

Upgrading to X Pack (£1000) brings 17 inch alloys, full leather trim, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, auto dimming rear mirror and cruise control.

In the go department, the EcoSport, which is sourced from India, kicks off with Ford’s renowned 1.0-litre EcoBoost 3-cylinder petrol engine, with two four cylinder 1.5s also in the petrol range.

While the EcoBoost version is the best performer for company car tax (£45.16 per month for a 20% taxpayer), perhaps the edition most suited overall to the business user is this 1.5 diesel with range topping 120g/km for CO2 emissions, 61.4mpg combined, and still far from onerous £52 a month in company car tax. Let’s check it out.