The morning mist still lingered over the winding roads of the Blauberge Mountains when I first turned the key of our test vehicle, a 2022 Ford EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium. There was a chill in the air, but the anticipation of putting this compact SUV through its paces in such a dramatic setting quickly warmed me up. A few minutes later, I was cruising through alpine curves, the EcoSport humming with a surprising eagerness. For a car that has often lived in the shadow of its more polished cousin, the Ford Puma, I was curious to see what the EcoSport truly had to offer when pushed beyond city limits.
Rugged Looks, Urban Soul
From the outside, the Ford EcoSport strikes a confident pose. Its upright stance, high-riding body, and bold front grille lend it a sense of ruggedness that’s not always common in the mini-SUV segment. The version we drove came in the ST-Line trim, featuring a two-tone paint job, deep blue body with a contrasting black roof, that added flair and modernity.
The front has a wide, high-mounted grille flanked by sharp headlights, giving it a bulldog-like appearance. The side profile is compact but muscular, thanks to the slightly flared wheel arches and 17-inch alloy wheels. But it’s the rear that drew mixed feelings. The side-hinged tailgate, while evoking a sense of old-school SUV charm, proved to be a bit of a nuisance, especially in tight parking spots where swinging it open required significant clearance.
Still, the EcoSport looks the part of a city-friendly SUV that’s not afraid to get a little dirt on its tires.
Interior and Features: Fiesta DNA With a Practical Twist
Climbing into the EcoSport reveals an interior that’s heavily inspired by the Ford Fiesta, and that’s not a bad thing. The dashboard layout is clean and symmetrical, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and I found it responsive and easy to navigate even while wearing gloves, a bonus in the chilly Blauberge air.
The instrument cluster is traditional but readable, with analog dials flanking a digital display that provides trip data, fuel economy, and driver assistance status. The climate control buttons are positioned a bit low, but they’re large and clearly labeled.
Materials are a mixed bag. The upper dashboard gets soft-touch plastics, but lower panels and door trims are still made of hard plastics that feel dated in 2023. The ST-Line trim adds red contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel, giving the cabin a sportier vibe.
Practicality is where the EcoSport shines. The upright seating position offers excellent visibility, and there’s plenty of headroom both front and rear. I’m just above 6 feet tall and had no issues finding a comfortable driving position. Rear passengers also fared well, with enough legroom for two adults to sit comfortably.
Driving Dynamics: Punchy Engine, Stiff Ride
Now, let’s talk about performance. Our EcoSport came with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine pushing out 125 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque. On paper, those numbers seem modest, but on the twisty alpine roads of the Blauberge, the EcoSport felt surprisingly alive.
The engine has a peppy character, with torque peaking early at around 1,500 rpm, making city driving a breeze. On mountain inclines, I expected it to struggle, but the EcoBoost motor held its own, especially when kept in the mid-range. The 6-speed manual gearbox deserves praise, it’s slick, with short throws and a satisfying engagement.
Handling is decent for a car of this height. The steering is light but direct, and body roll is kept in check during cornering. However, the suspension setup is a bit of a double-edged sword. While it lets the EcoSport handle long bends with poise, it also means that rough patches, cobblestones, and sharp bumps are felt more than you’d like. Over some of the older, cracked asphalt roads in the valley, the ride became jittery.
Braking performance was solid, with good pedal feel and minimal fade even after a long downhill stretch, a testament to Ford’s commitment to driving dynamics even in their smaller offerings.
Real-World Practicality: Suited for the Day-to-Day
One of the EcoSport’s biggest practical advantages is its spacious boot. With the rear seats up, you get 400 liters of space, enough for two medium-sized suitcases, a duffel bag, and a picnic basket (yes, we tested that). Fold the rear seats down, and the volume expands to 1,215 liters. That’s plenty for a trip to IKEA or a weekend camping getaway.
Fuel economy during our test hovered around 6.5 liters per 100 km, which is close to Ford’s official WLTP rating of 6.2 L/100 km. That’s respectable, considering the elevation changes and the spirited driving we indulged in.
The car also includes seven airbags, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a heated windshield, a godsend during early morning starts in the mountains. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, however, are missing, which is a shame in today’s tech-savvy market.
Technical Specifications:
These technical specifications are as listed by the Ford’s official site.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.0L EcoBoost Petrol |
| Power | 125 PS (92 kW) @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 170 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-100 km/h | 11.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h |
| Fuel Economy (WLTP) | 6.2 l/100 km |
| CO2 Emissions | 141 g/km |
| Boot Capacity | 400 L (up to 1,215 L) |
| Length x Width x Height | 4,096 mm x 1,765 mm x 1,627 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1,359 kg |
| Price (Base) | €25,100 |
Conclusion: Outgunned but Not Outclassed
Driving the Ford EcoSport through the Blauberge Mountains was a reminder that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a spirited, practical, and visually distinctive small SUV. Yes, the EcoSport is not perfect, it lacks some modern safety tech, the ride can be stiff over broken roads, and the cabin plastics feel outdated. But it also offers a punchy engine, generous space, and a character that’s hard to ignore.
In a market rapidly shifting towards EVs and crossovers with more polish, the EcoSport feels like the last of a breed, a small, honest SUV that wears its flaws on its sleeve but delivers where it counts.
If you’re in the market for a used compact SUV and want something that still delivers good value, don’t overlook the Ford EcoSport. Just make sure you’ve got enough room for that swinging tailgate.
Is the Ford EcoSport still being produced?
No, production of the Ford EcoSport ended in 2023. However, it remains available in the used car market and offers good value due to its robust build and efficient engine options.
How does the EcoSport compare to the Ford Puma?
The Puma is more modern, has better ride quality, and comes with more advanced safety tech. The EcoSport, however, offers more cargo space and a higher driving position.
Is the EcoSport good for long drives?
Yes, especially with the 125 PS engine. It cruises comfortably at highway speeds and offers decent fuel economy. The only downside is the ride quality over rough patches.
