We spent a weekend getting to know the Ford EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente Black a bit better. Do the cosmetic changes enhance the appeal of this long-servingcompact family car?

The Ford EcoSport has been the segment’s top-seller for quite some time and, in response torecent arrivals offresh-faced competitors, Ford has given its base Ambiente 1.5 Auto derivative a makeover.

Considering that the newcomer’s nomenclature isEcoSport (1.5 Ambiente) Black, you would expect it to feature some dark visual enhancements, but whereas the cosmetic embellishmentsof the Sport versions of the Ranger and Everest models are part of an optional add-on package (or pack, in Ford parlance), the Blue Oval’s latest small crossover is a new, standalone mid-range derivative.

In time-honoured tradition, the Ford EcoSport Black looks even sportierby virtue of its “go-faster stripes”.

At first glance, you’re likely tonotice the black decals on the EcoSport’s flanks and bonnet, with matching finishes for the grille, bumpers,side sills, wingmirrors, roof, 16-inch alloy wheels (which replace the standard 15-inch steel units) and even the spare wheel cover on the tailgate. Our test unit was finished in very bright red, which, interestingly, doesn’t seem to be available on Ford SA’s local configurator.

The EcoSport Black is powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine that drives the vehicle’s front wheels via a6-speed automatic transmission. The motor’s stated peak outputs are91 kW and 151 Nmand, like most compact family cars,there’s no part-time 4×4;the Ford relieson its 206 mm of ground clearance to get you through – or up and over – the rough stuff.

Standard equipment covers the basics, includinga (particularly effective) air-conditioner, power steering, electric windows all around, rear parking sensors, and a 4.2-inch infotainment system with 2x USB ports, Bluetooth connectivityand 6 speakers. Safety-wise, theEcoSport Black has 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic traction- and stability control.

The Ford EcoSport Black is adept at travelling on the dirt.

What is the Ford EcoSport like to drive?

Thanks to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, new-vehicle launches have changed dramatically. Suffice to say largegatheringsof people in one place (such as the country’s motoring journalists assemblingat a new-vehicle launch venue) is a rarity these days,so smaller regional events have become the norm. In our case, we were asked to drive toMontagu and set off ona weekendadventure in the EcoSport.

A weekend-long road trip presents a great opportunity to find out what a car’s all about. You get to travel your own route– at your own pace and can discover a vehicle’s various strengths and foibles on the way to and from your destination. We also put the Ford’s practicality to the test – with some careful packing, we managed to squeeze in a full-sized mountain bike as well as sufficient luggage for 2adults.

That rear-hinged door is not the easiest to use, but we eventually got the bike and luggage in.

On paper, the engine’s outputs seem adequate; the EcoSport’s performanceshould compare well with those of its fellow naturally-aspirated rivals, but we suspect the 6-speed automatic transmission blunts thevehicle’s forward urge. It’s interesting, as the same engine felt more energetic in the Ford Figo Freestyle, but that was paired with a manual gearbox. The EcoSport’s engine also tended to be quite noisy under full acceleration (such aswhen overtaking at freeway speeds). The gearbox doesn’t help matters: it’s far too eager to kick down a ratio when you depress the accelerator more than a 3rd of the way.

Alas, this powertrain is not the punchiest, but, to be fair, it’s all about offering value for money at this end of the segment. If youwantmore performance, then you need to look to EcoSport derivatives powered by the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine, but you’ll be paying more, both in terms of list price and poorer fuel economy. The diesel engine makes a good case for itself, but we have yet to test it.

After a 455-km round trip, the test unit indicated an average fuel consumption figure of 7.2 L/100 km, which was reasonably close to Ford’s claim of 6.2 L/100 km.

The Ford EcoSport Black replaces the stock 15-inch steel units for these black 16-inch alloys.

As far as ride quality is concerned, the EcoSport does the basics right; on this trip, it rode comfortably on a variety of surfaces. We even drove on farm roads; the Ford proved more than adept at traversing gravel routes.

The refinement is not great, however – the 16-inch wheels and tyres seemed to generate a lot of road noise and the interior panels emitted quite a few rattles. What we did like about the EcoSport was its driving position… You sit well perched, from where you have excellent forward visibility. To its credit, the driver’s seat is also height-adjustable.

The vibrance of the EcoSport Black was only matched by the spring flowers.

How much does the Ford EcoSport cost in South Africa?

The Ford EcoSport range kicks off at R303 900 and this Black derivative costs R337 400. The 1.0-litre turbo engine range comes with more standard specificationand starts from R346 000.

A 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 3-year/unlimited-kmroadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited-km corrosion warranty. A 4-year/60 000 km service plan is included, with intervals every 15 000 km.

Summary

There seems no end in sight to the expansion of the compact family car segment.Considering that Ford has managed to keep its EcoSport fresh and specified in line with customer expectations. The Blue Oval is well aware that new offerings from Kia (Sonet), Nissan (Magnite), Suzuki/Toyota (Vitara Brezza/Urban Cruiser, Honda (WR-V)and Haval (Jolion) all want a slice of the segment leader’s share.

The Ford EcoSport does show itsage in some ways (it’s been in Mzansi since 2013) and, given the stiffcompetition in this segment, customers are spoilt for choice. That said, the EcoSport does blend the roles of urban runabout and gravel cruiser rather well. Despite some cheap-feeling finishes, it feels like it can handle rough roads(mechanically speaking) and its packaging makes quite avisual statement.

Further Reading:

Ford EcoSport Latest specs and price

Ford EcoSports for sale – browse new and used stock now