Ford has shown off an ST-LineEcosport, which will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week

This new Ford EcoSport ST-Line features a sportier trim, the latest connectivity as well as an all-new diesel engine. Interestingly, all-wheel drive makes its debut too.The new engine in question is a 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, with 92 kW and 300 Nm. Power goes to all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. It's marketed as a cleaner engine, with a claim of 4.5 L/100 km and emissions of just 119 g/km.The Intelligent All Wheel Drive is able to adjust torque delivery up to 50/50 in as little as 20 milliseconds, which will aid grip in slippery conditions.

The new Ford EcoSport line-up will for the first time include the sporty new EcoSport ST-Line variant. It featuresunique Ford Performance-inspired bumpers and side skirts, black-finish roof rails and headlight bezels, 17-inch Dark Tarnish alloy wheels, ST-Line badging and extended painted roof and door mirrors as standard. The interior has a unique ST-Line leather-trimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel; unique partial leather seats with red stitching; leather handbrake lever and gear knob; ST-Line branded scuff plates; and stainless steel sports pedals.

As the new EcoSport is aimed at young buyers, the newcomer will bejammed with connectivity options. A brace of fast-charging USB ports up front, 12V power outlets front and rear, and even a 110V power outlet (for the rear passengers) will be available as an option. Ford's SYNC3 infotainment/connectivity system has been made fitted and there's a smart-looking 8-inch touchscreen. Ford is also boasting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in its new EcoSport.

"Ford has sold 150,000 EcoSport compact SUVs in Europe since we first introduced the model to the region in 2014, and last year sales grew 40 per cent," said Steven Armstrong, group vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company. "The new Ford EcoSport offers customers even more style, comfort, capability and choice – blending rugged SUV functionality with city car practicality."The new Ford EcoSport for Europe will be built at Ford's manufacturing facility in Craiova, Romania, while the rest of the world's production comes from India.

Further Reading

Specifications of the current Ford Ecosport can be found here

Read a review of the Ford EcoSport here

See Spyshots of the new Ford EcoSport

Interested in buying a Ford Ecosport?

Find a used Ford EcoSport for sale here