2022 Ford EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente Auto

[MR_Y]

A mate shared this video recently.
Goes to show that the EcoSport handles quite well for a budget cross over. I can attest to this car being quite solid and stable on the roads, unlike some of its competitors. The facelifted Indian spec models gained ESP and other safety tech with the last facelift in 2020, to be on par with the European spec models (apart from autonomous braking).

 

[MR_Y]

I took the EcoSport for its first ever family road trip yesterday. A long drive to North West from JHB, with a full load in the boot.

As expected, the little motor struggled on the uphill sections of the N14 with all that luggage. The car itself is no lightweight (for a small car) since its kerb weight is just over 1.3 tonnes. Suzuki Brezza is 250kg less.

However, a steady press on the accelerator is enough to at least keep the car to 120kph. The 3 pot motor sounds harsh, so playing music is a must to drown out the engine.

Overtaking uphill requires some careful planning. However, I must add that this car still feels more responsive than the Forester 2.5 CVT Sport that I test drove last year (https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/threads/2022-subaru-forester-2-5i-sport-road-test.97844/). It also easily beats the new Corrolla Quest 1.6 CVT that I rented in Cape Town.

The 6th gear does help quieten down the engine when cruising on the flat sections.

There were some medium crosswinds on the highway, but the car remained planted on the road. Very impressive.

On the smaller roads through North West, the car felt more at ease than on the highway. It zipped through the curvy roads and dodged potholes with ease. Very simple to maneuver. It's also tall enough to not be dwarfed too much by bakkies and big SUVs - this is important, so you can easily see all the vehicles ahead of and around you.

The aircon was on full blast for the whole trip and the car was driven with no consideration for fuel economy. My average consumption is at 9.5 litres per 100km for the trip.

The seats (aftermarket genuine leather from Handel Street upholsterers) feel very comfortable and there are no complaints. Willing to say that it is more comfortable over long distances than the seats in the X3 which are a bit hard.

I have some mild gravel road driving to do today and will test the hill descent control today over a steep section. Will post pictures.

 

[modocrat]

I'd tell my wife to hit me over the head with her rolling pin if I picked the EcoSport over a Macan or X3 to do a road trip
Enjoy the travels, we await the pics 😎

 

[Eust]

Hahaha was thinking the same thing.
Enjoy the trip

 

[MR_Y]

I'd tell my wife to hit me over the head with her rolling pin if I picked the EcoSport over a Macan or X3 to do a road trip
Enjoy the travels, we await the pics 😎

Short answer....


We are staying at a wildlife lodge.
The less fancy the car, the better.

 

[MR_Y]

With a change in lifestyle and no longer a need to drive to dodgy areas, this car will be replaced this year with a cheap toy. Also, with the X3's motorplan being extended soon and its mileage being low, it makes sense to use that car more often to get full utility out of it.

Likely a used, sporty (low risk) hatchback with a manual box and out of warranty. New thread to follow.

The Ford will go to an older family member. With all the comfort and security mods fitted, it is perfect for them.

 

[CK4LIFE]

Likely a used, sporty (low risk) hatchback with a manual box and out of warranty. New thread to follow.

Me already thinking Swift Sport or similar

 

[MR_Y]

After just over a year of ownership, my EcoSport is getting sold soon.

As expected, We Buy Cars lowballed me (27% less than what I paid for car incl extras).
MitMak motors offered a very good offer - easily matching what my year model (not considering all my extras) sells for from dealers on their used floors. So, MitMak basically offered me full retail value for a 2022 Ambiente 1.5 Auto (which is 18% less than what I paid for the car incl extras).

As part of my search for a suitable toy (search still continues), I test drove a 2017 Suzuki Swift Sport 1.6 from Motus. The car didn't do it for me, but the salesperson was so kind to offer me a valuation on my EcoSport, even though I was no longer interested in buying the Swift.

2 days later, they offered me well over base retail value for the car. They considered all my options/extras fitted on the car and offered me a total fair value that is excellent.

In total, I lost only 8% of what I paid for the car including the extras. The paperwork is being finalised and the car will be on the Motus showroom soon.

The EcoSport treated me well and served its purpose. It was originally bought to serve as my daily driver (hence all the extras fitted to it) and as a back up if the old V60 gave issues (which it didn't). It was also meant to handle charity work that we used to do in rough areas. With changing circumstances, it is no longer required. With the excellent offer from Motus, it made sense to let it go at a good price.

The EcoSport, especially in base Indian manufactured trim, is a hardy little car that can handle both tar and dirt roads easily. Its composure on wet highway roads at speed is excellent for this type of car. Stable and surefooted. This is not a budget crossover, but rather a well sorted small hatchback that can do the rough stuff well.

 

[MR_Y]

This popped up in my Google Photos memories feed.

The family miss this car a bit. It was a do anything car that was at home on the highway (granted, a bit noisy) or running around town (Jobury CBD) or to rural areas.

I am still impressed by how stable the car is in the rain on highways. Definitely not just another budget car in terms of stability and handling.

91 kW motor and 6 speed auto easily trump the 77kw / 4 speed of the Suzuki Brezza.

If I was still doing work in the CBD and having to travel to rural areas for charity work, I would buy this again.

 

[FILV]

I Basically daily my wifes 2015 Fiesta Ecoboost, i then drove her aunts Indian made 1.5. And it was quite interesting. It does not feel as well made as the Fiesta. Simple things like the feel of the opening of the door handle from the inside and outside feels cheaper and more "hallow". The thump of the doors also noticeably not as solid as the Fiesta. Rear leg room was impressive. Boot space not so much lol.

Agreed the drive is quite confidence inspiring. They are such good chassis. I often tell my wife its such a brilliant chassis, i can understand why the ST was so loved the world over. Only thing that lets this 1.0T Powershift down when driving spiritedly are the gear changes. You have to Accelerate a second before you normally would, for the gearbox to apply the power. But What great quality machines. The dash board design of the Fiesta is also ageing well in my opinion.