Creative, Connected and Compact: EcoSport is Ford’s New Small SUV with Smart, Innovative Technologies

 BEIJING, April 22, 2012 – Compact and agile, the all-new Ford EcoSport is also full of innovative technologies and features.

 

Bringing together features not normally found in this segment, EcoSport offers a driving experience with a superior standard of on-board connectivity, safety and convenience.

 

One of the highlights is the award-winning SYNC driver connect system with voice control. More than 4 million vehicles are currently on the road with SYNC technology. Ford forecasts 9 million additional vehicles will be equipped with SYNC by 2015 globally as it deploys the Ford-exclusive system in products such as the new EcoSport.

 

SYNC sets the trend for a hands-free, voice-activated future. It helps drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road as they choose their favorite music and make calls using voice commands.

 

EcoSport’s digital audio system features a CD/MP3 player, USB and auxiliary slots, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth connection, and a 3.5-inch LCD screen. SYNC will be available in both Mandarin and English in China.

 

The EcoSport also comes with a range of key features such as electric power assisted steering, power windows, remote control locks, dual power side mirrors, Passive Anti-Theft System, Smart Keyless Entry, and Ford Power Start, and rear parking sensors.

 

 

The all-new EcoSport offers an advanced climate control system, providing efficiency and comfort, including air-conditioning with pollen filter as standard and optional electronic air-conditioning.

 

The all-new small SUV features improved versions of creative solutions, such as the cooled bin inside the glovebox which can chill six 350ml cans when the air conditioning is activated, as well as a storage drawer underneath the passenger seat.

 

 

Energy efficiency is one of the highlights of the all-new EcoSport. The goal set by Ford in the EcoSport’s development was to become the segment leader in fuel-efficiency with the all-new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost™ engine as well as the new 1.5L Ti-VCT petrol engine.

 

The EcoSport’s fuel economy is further enhanced by the availability of the innovative six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission which combines the efficiency and driving dynamics of a manual gearbox with the convenience of a conventional automatic transmission.

 

Efficiency is also present in every aspect of the vehicle’s design. The SUV’s body was specially developed, including the use of high-strength steel and new designs to optimize weight and fuel efficiency.

 

 

The all-new EcoSport was designed to meet the strictest safety standards in the markets in which it will be sold. Its body was developed with design tools and advanced software to reduce weight, combining programmed energy impact absorption zones with an extremely rigid protection cage to protect occupants.

 

The chassis’ stability and robustly built body with high torsional rigidness for occupant protection, 20% better than the previous model sold in South America, are part of the features which give the EcoSport the confidence of a true SUV.

 

The vehicle offers a comprehensive package of safety features including standard dual front airbags (for driver and passenger) and optional side curtain airbags to protect rear-seat passengers in rollover-type accidents. The pelvis bolster provides pelvic protection while the energy-absorbing side door trim provides thoracic and abdominal protection during side impact accidents.

 

The EcoSport is also equipped with advanced active safety technologies such as Anti-Lock Brake System, Electronic Stability Program, and Hill Launch Assist.