The Ford EcoSport, a subcompact crossover based on the Fiesta, was recently spotted by TFLcar reader Kraig (last name withheld) doing high-altitude testing in Frisco, Colorado. Does this mean it might be heading for the U.S.?
With the proliferation and success of subcompact crossovers in the market – think Honda HR-V, Chevy Trax, Jeep Renegade, etc. – it makes sense for Ford to jump into the mix, especially when they have a car like the EcoSport that’s already for sale in other countries.
The EcoSport shares Ford’s global B-car platform with the Fiesta, which also makes it a good candidate for U.S. sales, as the Fiesta is already sold here, making federalization potentially easier than with an all-new model.
Released globally alongside the Fiesta in 2012 as a 2013 model, the EcoSport shares that car’s 1.0-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder engine. It’s also available with the Fiesta’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder in some markets.
All wheel drive is an option, and the little crossover is available with a six-speed manual or the Powershift six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Like the Fiesta, the EcoSport is a truly global car, being produced in Brazil, India, Thailand and Russia.
The EcoSport would fit in perfectly with its competition, as it is based on a B-segment car – known as subcompacts in the U.S. The Honda HR-V, for example, is based on the Fit, and the Chevy Trax is based on the Sonic.
One notable difference between the EcoSport and others in the class is the rear-mounted spare tire, which gives the car a more rugged appearance than the grocery-getter stying of other subcompact SUVs.
Should the EcoSport come to the U.S.? Leave a comment below.
One thing is for sure, should Ford decide to bring the EcoSport to our shores – and it’s almost a no-brainer decision – they should consider changing the name to something more memorable. EcoSport sounds too much like EcoBoost.
Check out this TFLcar video of some of the EcoSport’s potential competition:
