This Ford was already known for some years, but to introduce it in Europe took quite a long time. It was a successful move, and now the door opens wide for the B-Max in Romania.
Meanwhile, its competitors speeded up, but several improvements to the new Fiesta and minor exterior modifications made the Ecosport a singular car. When designing the car, it was not just an image; it is a taller car with a comfortable boarding, only five centimeters are missing from the height of the larger Kuga; the floor is up to 190 mm high from the road surface.
The Ford Ecosport is an advanced small crossover with a powerful four-cylinder diesel engine.
The interior also benefits from the height
The seats are slightly higher than the competition, the passengers must bend the knees a little bit more, they need less space in length, and moreover, the seats support the thighs, making the long journeys less tiring. The dashboard uses the best of the new Fiesta; aesthetically and ergonomically is one of the best. There is nothing to complain about; the materials are pleasant and do not look cheap. The luggage compartment has 333 liters; the bottom has multiple positions, can be folded together with the loading part and the seats. The fact that the fifth door is opening to the side and not up didn’t feel like a handicap; you only need to bear in mind that the plateau does not fold itself.
Diesel Is still Alive
Under Ford’s smallest crossover hood there might be a gasoline three-cylinder engine, but also a fuel-efficient 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, uniquely suited for longer trips. The historic four-cylinder engine begins in partnership with the PSA concern. In the cooperation on design, the engine that powered not only Ford, Citroen, and Peugeot, but also Mazda and Volvo, was created. Its latest development, which meets the latest emissions regulations, has been made exclusively by Ford engineers. In addition to the reduced stroke from 88.5 mm to 84.8 mm, the return to the 16-valve cylinder head is a significant change. The small diesel is one of the few diesel engines on the market that does not need a special additive to destroy nitrogen oxides.
With its 4×4 drive, it is also attractive for driving in worse conditions or winter if it snows.
The magic of construction is in the specific timing of diesel injection and the water intercooler of the compressed air that more effectively cools the compressed air coming out of the turbo. Two buffer tanks are also proof of the two water cooling circuits. Another measure is the exhaust gas recirculation, supplemented by another circuit where the gases are not only cooled but also cleaned. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine has a 92 kW (125 hp) power output and a 300 Nm maximum torque in the range of 1750 to 3000 revolutions. The EcoBlue 125 k combined with a six-speed stick shift, feature as standard equipment. 
The biggest surprise is that the small Ford Ecosport with a diesel engine has all-wheel drive. Which is quite rare in this car class. Because of the higher ground clearance and the robust construction, dusty roads are no problem for the small Ford. Even the driving qualities on the asphalt roads are a pleasant surprise, although Ford is famous for good chassis. Even the higher body structure did not show unnecessary inclination in the bend; on the contrary, the driver still feels a positive and accurate response from the steering wheel.
The Ford Ecosport is an advanced small crossover with a powerful four-cylinder diesel engine. With its 4×4 drive, it is also attractive for driving in worse conditions or winter if it snows.
Text: Martin Vasiľ, photo: Ford
