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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
2022 Ford EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente Auto
- Thread starter MR_Y
- Start date
MR_Y
Well-known member
Well, the upgrades would put me close in price to a Trend (mid-spec) manual transmission model, instead of a Titanium (high spec) model.
However, those Trend and Titaniums have the problematic 1.0T EcoBoost motors, that will not last as well the 1.5 N/A.
The 1.5 N/A is only in Ambiente base spec.
I won't lie - I drive the car hard and it does not complain. While the engine can get noisey, it still moves ahead with decent urgency.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Update
I went on a trail run recently and parked the car in the usual open field parking area (Riversands Farm). When I returned, I saw that a Ford Ranger parked a few metres from my car, had its lock tampered and was broken into.
Not saying that my TVL lock would have helped, but I would advise any Ford owner with the basic locks to upgrade to TVL for at least some protection or at least deterrence.
In other news, the consumption has reduced to 8.9litres per 100km. I am still driving it hard when the conditions are right, so I guess the engine is opening up a bit. Mileage is just under 8,000km.
I fitted the sump guard last month (refer post on previous page) and it has been dealing well with gravel roads. Not a bundu basher sump guard, but a mild offroad item. Also, worth mentioning that parts and labour prices differ between Ford Dealers. Fury Woodmead were a bit cheaper than Eagle Ford. Also felt that the customer service was a bit better at Fury Ford Woodmead.
I still go to Eagle Ford weekly for my free car wash though. As it is on my work commute, it is convenient and all those free car washes do add up to a decent benefit over the 3 year period. Especially since the car hits dusty gravel roads every weekend.
I will be considering decals soon for the car. Just to make it a bit unique looking (getting nostalgic about my 320d stickers
)
I went on a trail run recently and parked the car in the usual open field parking area (Riversands Farm). When I returned, I saw that a Ford Ranger parked a few metres from my car, had its lock tampered and was broken into.
Not saying that my TVL lock would have helped, but I would advise any Ford owner with the basic locks to upgrade to TVL for at least some protection or at least deterrence.
In other news, the consumption has reduced to 8.9litres per 100km. I am still driving it hard when the conditions are right, so I guess the engine is opening up a bit. Mileage is just under 8,000km.
I fitted the sump guard last month (refer post on previous page) and it has been dealing well with gravel roads. Not a bundu basher sump guard, but a mild offroad item. Also, worth mentioning that parts and labour prices differ between Ford Dealers. Fury Woodmead were a bit cheaper than Eagle Ford. Also felt that the customer service was a bit better at Fury Ford Woodmead.
I still go to Eagle Ford weekly for my free car wash though. As it is on my work commute, it is convenient and all those free car washes do add up to a decent benefit over the 3 year period. Especially since the car hits dusty gravel roads every weekend.
I will be considering decals soon for the car. Just to make it a bit unique looking (getting nostalgic about my 320d stickers
)
I thought your sticker days were long gone...?
MR_Y
Well-known member
Well spotted.
The EcoSport is my don't-care-to-have-fun car.
I have challenged GTIs to TLGPs. I have no shame with this car.
Some stickers would add to its character
MR_Y
Well-known member
Update
Approaching 9,000km and the average fuel consumption is improving. I managed to hit an average of 8.6 litres per 100km while still driving spiritedly.
I washed the car myself last weekend just for the fun of it. One thing I noticed was how uniform and tight the panel gaps are, especially for a car made in India. Also the metallic paint is decently applied to the whole car. Even the bits that are hidden (door hinges and underbonnet) are sprayed well.
The engine is noisey and because I started listening to Podcasts more often than music, the engine noise has become more noticeable to my ears. Under hard acceleration it sounds bad. But, at least the car moves with decent pick up. Also, cruising at 140kph in 6th gear is not that bad. I can imagine that the manual spec version, with the 5 speed box, may be quite straining on the ears at highway speeds.
Approaching 9,000km and the average fuel consumption is improving. I managed to hit an average of 8.6 litres per 100km while still driving spiritedly.
I washed the car myself last weekend just for the fun of it. One thing I noticed was how uniform and tight the panel gaps are, especially for a car made in India. Also the metallic paint is decently applied to the whole car. Even the bits that are hidden (door hinges and underbonnet) are sprayed well.
The engine is noisey and because I started listening to Podcasts more often than music, the engine noise has become more noticeable to my ears. Under hard acceleration it sounds bad. But, at least the car moves with decent pick up. Also, cruising at 140kph in 6th gear is not that bad. I can imagine that the manual spec version, with the 5 speed box, may be quite straining on the ears at highway speeds.
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sash
///Member
Great write up and feedback. I am considering something like this for my mum and the torque auto box is slowly disappearing from a few brands. I dont like the CVT and the older autos.
I also wasn't aware of some of the upgrades available, I would rather do what you have as opposed to paying for the higher spec.
I also wasn't aware of some of the upgrades available, I would rather do what you have as opposed to paying for the higher spec.
MR_Y
Well-known member
An old picture from Google Maps, but still an accurate view of my shortcut to avoid Midrand traffic in the mornings.
The little FWD EcoSport with its short wheelbase, over 200mm of ground clearance and peppy engine makes light work of this.
Unlimited free car washes from Eagle Ford come in handy to clean up the car every week.
The tyres (Goodyear Assurance) are excellent for this type of car and handle these types of roads, as well as tar, quite well.
Buzzing past people in expensive AWD SUVs as they tip toe their cars on this dirt road is priceless...
The little FWD EcoSport with its short wheelbase, over 200mm of ground clearance and peppy engine makes light work of this.
Unlimited free car washes from Eagle Ford come in handy to clean up the car every week.
The tyres (Goodyear Assurance) are excellent for this type of car and handle these types of roads, as well as tar, quite well.
Buzzing past people in expensive AWD SUVs as they tip toe their cars on this dirt road is priceless...
Attachments
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MR_Y
Well-known member
Small update:
Sadly, decided to not take this car to the skidpan event, since it was not feasible taking two cars there.
Car is still performing well. Mileage is almost 12,000km. Fuel consumption average is 9.0 litres per 100km. Both my wife and I drive the car often and we drive it hard, especially when overtaking on the highway. The 3 cylinder engine needs to be worked hard to overtake. With gentler driving, 8.0 is possible, but then forget about fast lane driving.
The EcoSport has become the family weekend car.
Weekends are for trail runs, driving to the farm and running around to congested shopping centres, as well as visiting JHB town (Braamfontein, Mayfair, Fordsburg). We also do charity work occasionally in some rough neighborhoods, where driving a German SUV is not advised. The EcoSport thrives in these conditions.
I was thinking of selling the Ford, since I have 2 other SUVs, but it has become a part of our family routine and serves its purpose well.
In addition to the weekend role, it is also used by my wife and I if either of us are working late and need to drive home at night. Its unassuming nature means that it mostly avoids unwanted attention.
It also helps that people give you way in traffic compared to the premium brands
Sadly, decided to not take this car to the skidpan event, since it was not feasible taking two cars there.
Car is still performing well. Mileage is almost 12,000km. Fuel consumption average is 9.0 litres per 100km. Both my wife and I drive the car often and we drive it hard, especially when overtaking on the highway. The 3 cylinder engine needs to be worked hard to overtake. With gentler driving, 8.0 is possible, but then forget about fast lane driving.
The EcoSport has become the family weekend car.
Weekends are for trail runs, driving to the farm and running around to congested shopping centres, as well as visiting JHB town (Braamfontein, Mayfair, Fordsburg). We also do charity work occasionally in some rough neighborhoods, where driving a German SUV is not advised. The EcoSport thrives in these conditions.
I was thinking of selling the Ford, since I have 2 other SUVs, but it has become a part of our family routine and serves its purpose well.
In addition to the weekend role, it is also used by my wife and I if either of us are working late and need to drive home at night. Its unassuming nature means that it mostly avoids unwanted attention.
It also helps that people give you way in traffic compared to the premium brands
GravityLee
Well-known member
Aha!
MR_Y
Well-known member
Update
Annnual service
The car went in for its annual service in December. Ford SA has really upped their aftersales game since I last owned a 2011 Focus many years ago. Everything is now on the MyFord app and booking a service as well checking the car's service history is simple to do.
Worth raving about the very detailed service report emailed to me after the service. Contains detailed info on battery charge, tyre tread, brake pad thickness, etc. As well as a glossary of technical terms.
The report is in PDF format and has a Red, Amber, Green grading to warn you of any maintenance items nearing replacement.
The service was carried out by Ford Woodmead, who were previously part of Fury Group but have recently been acquired by Hatfield Group. Customer service is top notch. Service advisor kept me in the loop and provided an accurate ETA for when the car would be washed and ready, as well as a cost breakdown for items not in my service plan (eg. Wiper blades).
Honestly, the level of customer service now rivals that of premium brands. Well done Ford SA, or rather Ford Woodmead.
Driving
Regarding the car itself, no issues have been noted. I drove it during a very heavy rainstorm from Midrand, through JHB CBD (to fetch some items) and then through to Springs (N17) recently. The car stayed planted to the road and there were no scary moments, even when changing lanes at highway speeds in heavy rain. The Goodyear Assurance tyres work well in the wet and deal well with the poor quality roads in JHB town. The car felt stable and controllable.
The wiper blades were replaced at the last service and these new SA made wiper blades are much better than the originals (which were fitted and made in India). The headlights do a good job of night time illumination and the rear fog light adds extra peace of mind when travelling in rainy conditions.
This is a good car that is competent in real world conditions. The only negative is the small boot which does mean that folding the rear seat is a must to create extra packing space.
In two minds about selling it but I will at least keep it a while longer since it serves its purpose well as a 3rd car in the household.
Annnual service
The car went in for its annual service in December. Ford SA has really upped their aftersales game since I last owned a 2011 Focus many years ago. Everything is now on the MyFord app and booking a service as well checking the car's service history is simple to do.
Worth raving about the very detailed service report emailed to me after the service. Contains detailed info on battery charge, tyre tread, brake pad thickness, etc. As well as a glossary of technical terms.
The report is in PDF format and has a Red, Amber, Green grading to warn you of any maintenance items nearing replacement.
The service was carried out by Ford Woodmead, who were previously part of Fury Group but have recently been acquired by Hatfield Group. Customer service is top notch. Service advisor kept me in the loop and provided an accurate ETA for when the car would be washed and ready, as well as a cost breakdown for items not in my service plan (eg. Wiper blades).
Honestly, the level of customer service now rivals that of premium brands. Well done Ford SA, or rather Ford Woodmead.
Driving
Regarding the car itself, no issues have been noted. I drove it during a very heavy rainstorm from Midrand, through JHB CBD (to fetch some items) and then through to Springs (N17) recently. The car stayed planted to the road and there were no scary moments, even when changing lanes at highway speeds in heavy rain. The Goodyear Assurance tyres work well in the wet and deal well with the poor quality roads in JHB town. The car felt stable and controllable.
The wiper blades were replaced at the last service and these new SA made wiper blades are much better than the originals (which were fitted and made in India). The headlights do a good job of night time illumination and the rear fog light adds extra peace of mind when travelling in rainy conditions.
This is a good car that is competent in real world conditions. The only negative is the small boot which does mean that folding the rear seat is a must to create extra packing space.
In two minds about selling it but I will at least keep it a while longer since it serves its purpose well as a 3rd car in the household.
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Good stuff man.
What’s your long term fuel consumption like?
Was watching an episode of Buyers Guide and there was a discussion around the much higher fuel consumed versus the manufacturers claim.
Lots of owners wrote in with the similar complaint.
MR_Y
Well-known member
My 1.5 NA is averaging around 9.0 litres per 100km when used to runaround in town driving.
On highways, average drops to 8.5 litres.
Not the best consumption, but I do rev it a bit to get it to overtake and keep up in the fast lane.
The 1.0 EcoBoost is where the complaints are mainly on, if I recall.
SanM
///Member
This far exceeds the service levels provided by some “premium” manufacturers. Hatfield Group is also more customer focused from my experience. Took my S3 to the Sunninghill Audi, which was a Hatfield Group at the time, a few times and the service levels were great by being on time with service and providing shuttle service on drop off and pick up. My only issue with them was that they would not take kindly to claims under maintenance plan, trying to find every reason to repudiate. They also messed up my Audi Quattro sticker, purchased from them, by ripping small but noticeable parts of it when sticking onto the car and keeping quiet about it until I queried (had to prove it was them which I was able to since I took pics of it on the day of application).
MR_Y
Well-known member
My Fuelio fuel log looks pretty bad..
The car has been used for mainly short trips for the past few months and this is clearly reflected in the fuel stats above.
Occasional long distance drive to JHB and Springs, sees sub 8.5 litres per 100km achieved.
The 12.0 result was in October 2022, when I used the car daily to work in pretty hectic traffic conditions. Still, that result seems a bit high. I assume the garage filled up a bit more than max level, possibly.
The more realistic range, ignoring the outliers of 12.0 and 11.2, is 8.0 to 10.4.
Long term average of 9.6 litres per 100km seems about right based on my usage of this car, but still is high for what should be a relatively economical car.
The 1.5 TDCI EcoSport may make more sense for ultimate economy, but those don't come in automatic.
Worth adding that both the wife and I drive the car hard.
Filing 93 octane, my average fuel cost per km is R2,10 per km. My X3 20d is at R1,72 per km, noting that while 50ppm is more expensive than 93, the 20d is more fuel efficient.
Given my limited use case of this car, the fuel is not too much of an issue. But it is not a car that I will advise for those needing a daily driver for mainly city use.
On another point, rattles are starting to come up from the dashboard and the door panels. Only really audible when travelling over gravel roads. Turning up the radio helps a bit and I am keen to get a little undeseat subwoofer to improve the bass - though that may cause more rattles.
The car has been used for mainly short trips for the past few months and this is clearly reflected in the fuel stats above.
Occasional long distance drive to JHB and Springs, sees sub 8.5 litres per 100km achieved.
The 12.0 result was in October 2022, when I used the car daily to work in pretty hectic traffic conditions. Still, that result seems a bit high. I assume the garage filled up a bit more than max level, possibly.
The more realistic range, ignoring the outliers of 12.0 and 11.2, is 8.0 to 10.4.
Long term average of 9.6 litres per 100km seems about right based on my usage of this car, but still is high for what should be a relatively economical car.
The 1.5 TDCI EcoSport may make more sense for ultimate economy, but those don't come in automatic.
Worth adding that both the wife and I drive the car hard.
Filing 93 octane, my average fuel cost per km is R2,10 per km. My X3 20d is at R1,72 per km, noting that while 50ppm is more expensive than 93, the 20d is more fuel efficient.
Given my limited use case of this car, the fuel is not too much of an issue. But it is not a car that I will advise for those needing a daily driver for mainly city use.
On another point, rattles are starting to come up from the dashboard and the door panels. Only really audible when travelling over gravel roads. Turning up the radio helps a bit and I am keen to get a little undeseat subwoofer to improve the bass - though that may cause more rattles.
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MR_Y
Well-known member
The gremlins have started...
When two people clicked the lock and unlock buttons on the doors at the same time, while the car was switched on and stationary, all the gauges and lights in the car turned off and stayed off. The car could still be switched on/off and be driven and the pedals, steering wheel and other driving controls worked. But, speedo, radio, indicator, lights, etc. were off. When I tried to repeat the accidental rebooting process, the problem was solved. Not sure if this is a gremlin or an Easter Egg to rebooting the electronics?
The car has two alarm settings - door locks and interior motion sensor. Whenever the interior motion sensor is switched on (which happens by default and cannot be set to be off permanently), the alarm triggers often. Not sure what is causing it. Could it be sunlight reflecting off the interior motion sensor or something else. Anyway, I switch the motion sensor off manually to avoid this nusiance. As back up, the door alarms are active and I have the TVL lock fitted to mitigate lock tampering. Will ask Ford to investigate next time.
When two people clicked the lock and unlock buttons on the doors at the same time, while the car was switched on and stationary, all the gauges and lights in the car turned off and stayed off. The car could still be switched on/off and be driven and the pedals, steering wheel and other driving controls worked. But, speedo, radio, indicator, lights, etc. were off. When I tried to repeat the accidental rebooting process, the problem was solved. Not sure if this is a gremlin or an Easter Egg to rebooting the electronics?
The car has two alarm settings - door locks and interior motion sensor. Whenever the interior motion sensor is switched on (which happens by default and cannot be set to be off permanently), the alarm triggers often. Not sure what is causing it. Could it be sunlight reflecting off the interior motion sensor or something else. Anyway, I switch the motion sensor off manually to avoid this nusiance. As back up, the door alarms are active and I have the TVL lock fitted to mitigate lock tampering. Will ask Ford to investigate next time.
