This heavily-disguised test-mule is likely to be Ford’s replacement for the aging EcoSport SUV. It will join the Fiesta Active in the company’s compact crossover range, acting as a rival for cars like the SEAT Arona and Kia Stonic.
Ford hopes this new model will rectify the old EcoSport’s shortcomings, by offering a more spacious interior, a bigger boot and better road manners. Our spy shots also show Ford’s new compact SUV will ditch the EcoSport’s side-opening boot-lid in favour of a conventional top-hinged hatch.
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Specifications for this new SUV are yet to be announced, but we expect it to feature the latest range of 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engines, along with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel and maybe even a naturally aspirated 1.1-litre petrol for the base models. A choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes will likely also be available.
Four-wheel drive could be offered as an option, borrowing tech from the latest EcoSport. However, as in the EcoSport, we expect it will only be available with Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBlue turbo diesel engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
The EcoSport’s three-tier trim-level range will likely be offered, separated into Zetec, Titanium and ST-Line spec.
Zetec models will probably come with an eight-inch touchscreen, air conditioning and alloy wheels, whilst higher-specced Titanium and ST-Line models will add satellite navigation, leather seats and further options for customisation. There’s a good chance Ford will decide to offer a plush Vignale version, too.
Prices haven’t been announced, but we expect this latest compact SUV to start at around £18,000 for the Zetec model, rising to more than £23,000 for the range-topping Vignale models.
Click here to read our in-depth review of the current Ford EcoSport...