SPIED: 2017 Ford EcoSport – revised exterior, retains tailgate wheel option for select markets

This is the 2017, facelifted Ford EcoSport compact SUV. Aesthetically, it gains exterior trim details found on the Edge and Escape crossovers, which help give it a more substantial look. Last year’s updates came after the EcoSport’s lacklustre sales from launch; between April and November 2014, Ford sold 11,257 EcoSports compared to 149,701 Renault Capturs and 125,002 Peugeot 2008s sold in that period.

Looking around to the back of the disguised EcoSport, there’s a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, indicating this particular test unit is configured for the South America or Asian markets; the current EcoSport for Europe received updates last year which included the deletion of the tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

Updates to the existing model for Europe include revised a suspension setup, as well as updated components and materials in order to reduce noise, vibrations and harshness levels; the facelift can be expected to include yet more updates when it comes to market. The test mule here appears to wear larger wheels and tyres, however it remains to be seen whether or not the facelift will receive the European model’s revised chassis setup.

The latest powertrain options for Europe currently include the 1.5 litre TDCi diesel engine, rated at 95 PS and achieving 4.4 litres per 100 km on the NEDC fuel consumption cycle. the 125 PS 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine manages 5.4 litres per 100 km, while the naturally aspirated 1.5 litre petrol engine delivers 6.3 litres per 100 km. As for a completely revised version based on the all-new Fiesta, that crossover is expected only in 2018 or 2019.

Currently in Malaysia, the Ford EcoSport is priced at RM92,988 for the 1.5L Trend variant, and RM103,988 for the 1.5L Titanium variant.

Current Ford EcoSport in Malaysia

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