Ford has just revealed its Nissan Juke competitor, the Fiesta-based EcoSport. Unveiled at Ford's 'Go Further' event in Amsterdam the B-segment SUV is slated to go on sale in Europe within 18 months.
Originally developed for the South American market, the EcoSport has joined Ford's global car offerings and the current version debuted in India earlier this year. With the success of small SUVs in the European market it was only a matter of time before it was added to the Ford Europe portfolio.
"Ford EcoSport will deliver great value, quality and fuel economy," said Nick Collins, B-car vehicle line director, Ford of Europe. "It will also present customers with a fantastic small car choice that will also include the B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle as well as new Fiesta."
Body-cladding along the sills and bumpers give the EcoSport an 'off-road' look, though it will be launched initially with front-wheel drive only. Four-wheel drive may be made available at a later date.
The EcoSport promises to be highly specified with Ford SYNC, which allows owners to voice-activate phones and audio devices connected via Bluetooth, Emergency Assistance, which immediately calls emergency services in the event of an accident and Hill Launch Assist all slated to feature as standard.
Ford also announced that the EcoSport will be joined in its SUV range by an all-new Kuga and the Edge SUV, a larger and more premium vehicle that is already offered in North America.