Can the revised EcoSport lay to rest the woeful impressions of the original? Al Suttie sits in judgement
1 – Most obvious change to the updated EcoSport is the loss of the boot-mounted spare wheel. Phew.
2 – A shame the boot still hinges from the side, and the wrong side at that for UK drivers.
3 – This is a pain when parked in a line of traffic or parked properly in a bay (always reversed in).
4 – The ride has been lowered by 10mm and firmed up to answer the previous version’s lolling in corners.
5 – So, handling is good, but ride comfort and traction suffer, as witnessed by too much wheel scrabble out of junctions.
6 – Overall, the EcoSport is decent fun to drive, though, helped by steering that now feels in touch with the front wheels.
7 – The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is the best bit: keen to work hard, smooth and a 52.3mpg average is decent for this class.
8 – Cabin quality has also been upped, though this was from a drearily low base to start with.
9 – The dash looks and feels more substantial, but there are some trim bits that let the side down.
10 – Can we now recommend the EcoSport? Hmm, there are better rivals out there, but at least the Ford no longer trails as far behind.
