Contemporary and Quiet: Ford EcoSport Delivers High Levels of Craftsmanship In and Out

 BEIJING, April 22, 2012 – The modern and connected new Ford EcoSport was unveiled today at 2012 Auto China in Beijing, its contemporary shape revealing an equally modern and sophisticated interior design for Ford’s all-new small SUV.

 

The all-new EcoSport provides spaciousness for five, a high driving position with outstanding visibility, a refined cabin environment engineered for quiet operation, carefully selected and matched materials, and a modern design ethos.

 

It all adds up to an inviting and comfortable interior that matches the design appeal of the exterior and makes the Ford EcoSport a compelling alternative to the typical small car.

 

The EcoSport's interior has been designed and executed to provide the highest levels of quality and craftsmanship, reflecting an urban sophistication that is just as social as it is capable. And it is home to an impressive array of technologies and features. The EcoSport reflects its world-class design and engineering, which translates into well-finished and perfectly aligned surfaces, attractive and soft to the touch fabrics, as well as a quiet and modern interior.

 

Customer expectations were at the heart of the EcoSport design story. The choice of materials and the execution of design elements reflect the importance of low maintenance costs and excellent durability in the development process. EcoSport has undergone extensive durability tests in all types of weather, terrain and usage in all of the regions where it will be sold, helping to refine every element of the vehicle.

 

The finish of the EcoSport’s body is the first visual aspect to reflect the new levels of quality and manufacturing. It is evidenced by the consistent fit of the components and the vehicle’s aerodynamic profile, which greatly contributes to the interior’s sound quality.

 

The interior offers a very modern design, together with a series of technological features that a new generation of consumers desire in a connected car, and at the same time, look for in a differentiated, comfortable and inviting driving experience.

 

“The all-new EcoSport’s interior follows the contemporary and creative lines on the exterior. The captivating panel, the ergonomically friendly seats with soft-touch materials, and Ice Blue illumination help create an agreeable and inviting environment,” said Ehab Kaoud, chief designer, Ford South America, who led the EcoSport’s design. “It offers a level of interior quietness unmatched in its category.”

 

Ford South America's Product Development Center in Camaçari, Brazil, is the only one of its kind in the region. Its 1,200 engineers and designers use state-of-the-art technology, including advanced CAD and CAE tools, to develop vehicles. Camaçari is one of Ford's eight centers of excellence in the world and operates in real time with the other centres across the globe.

 

 

The fluid, dynamic and refined lines of the all-new EcoSport are clearly defined by Ford’s new global design language, based on five main elements: silhouette innovation, perceived efficiency, refined surface language, technical graphics and new face.

 

The muscular beltine, formed by the windows and door creases, draws an ascending curve that rises as it runs to the rear of the car and reflects the uniquely dynamic character of the compact, urban SUV.

 

The large trapezoidal grille is another characteristic of the Ford design DNA which gives the    signature Ford face, like the other new global designs.

 

With a coefficient drag of 0.365, theEcoSport’s aerodynamically sculpted lines help contribute to its impressive fuel economy. Inclined A pillars and a short hood help create a contemporary and sporty appearance. EcoSport’s sleek profile creates a feeling of perceived efficiency.

 

The oblique headlamps – slim and elongated – are technical graphics in the new Ford design language that reinforce its modern style.

 

“The lines of the headlamps stretch towards the rear, allowing the air to flow around them,” said Kaoud. “The dynamic line that stretches from the hood to the A-pillar and to the roof is another important highlight in the EcoSport’s modern appearance.”

 

The blacked-out B pillars and side windows form one continuous shape, conveying a clean, robust profile.

 

At the back, a large rear window that wraps around to the sides along with oblique tail-lamps. The swing gate handle is built into the tail-lamp and is another highlight of the EcoSport’s innovative design.

 

The spare tyre, with an exclusively designed wheel, is mounted on the swing-out door. This design feature – a classic SUV cue – defines the delightful personality of the EcoSport family: a sporty, contemporary and casual vehicle for consumers who seek modernity without having to give up robustness and efficiency in their vehicle.

 

The all-new new EcoSport offers an inviting, comfortable and friendly interior for the senses. It stands out for its modern and agreeable lines, the use of materials with differentiated textures and by its high-quality finish. The soft-touch fabrics offer a choice of modern colors and patterns, specially selected to meet the taste of the customers, with leather option in some markets.

 

The high position of the driver’s seat offers good visibility and offer easy and comfortable access to the panel's controls. The small SUV’s comfort is also evident in the ergonomically friendly seating with anatomical cut-outs and side bolsters, which support the body comfortably.

 

The centre console's design also has its own personality. The center-mounted LCD screen and SYNC controls create a contemporary line to the package. The air vents follow asymmetrical cutaways in the panel for visual appeal and functionality.

 

Various convenient storage options are positioned for ergonomically friendly and easy access, increasing the onboard practicality and comfort.  More than 21 litres and 20 locations of occupant-oriented intelligent storage are available.

 

The rear seat can be adjusted and reclined, which adds to the comfort. It also offers a quick fold-down system, facilitating its use, as well as safety hooks to secure child restraint seats.  

 

 

The interior’s finishing materials were chosen after extensive research with consumers, with a focus on quality, sophistication and originality.

 

The top-of-the-line EcoSport Titanium, for example, offers a modern and sophisticated environment with a black panel and finish contrasted by silver detailing.

 

In addition to the quality of the materials, various factors contribute to make the new EcoSport’s interior a quiet and pleasant place, thanks to advanced engineering design which maintains a high torsional strength in the body.

 

The perfect fit in the design and build of diverse interior components also helped contribute to reduce noise in the interior as well as the body’s aerodynamic design, which was honed in the wind tunnel.

 

This quality helps increase the enjoyment of being inside the all-new Ford EcoSport, whether it is to talk, listen to music or to simply enjoy the quietness and take advantage of everything that the vehicle offers.