The Ford EcoSport enjoys prominence on the sales charts in the compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment, and the latest model raised the stakes further when it was launched in June this year. Now, Ford is making the EcoSport available to a wider range of price-conscious buyers with the introduction of a new entry-level petrol-powered model in the form of the 1.5 Ti-VCT Ambiente.
This model is now the most affordable offering in the range, followed by the 1.5 TDCi Ambiente that shares an identical level of standard specification, along with the five-speed manual gearbox. The award-winning 1.0 EcoBoost engine powers the mid-series Trend and range-topping Titanium models available with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
The Ti-VCT engine is credited with a maximum power output of 91 kW and peak torque of 150 Nm and despite its positioning as entry-level model, the Ambiente is equipped with a high level of standard features. The safety package incorporates Electronic Stability Control, six airbags, Isofix child seat mounting points, rear parking sensors, and manually activated ‘Follow-me-home’ headlamps.
As with the rest of the EcoSport range, pricing includes Ford Protect that comprises a four-year/120,000 km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance, and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A four-year/60,000 km service plan is included, with 15,000 km service intervals. The recommended retail price for the new EcoSport 1.5 Ti-VCT Ambiente is R254 950.
– Ferdi de Vos
