Ford unveils new-look EcoSport SUV

Ford has revealed the European production version of the all-new EcoSport SUV at the mobile technology industry's influential Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The EcoSport will be equipped with the Ford SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system as well as SYNC Emergency Assistance. In addition, the compact SUV will be one of the first Ford vehicles in Europe to offer the Ford SYNC AppLink, which enables customers to voice-control smartphone apps from the driver's seat.

The EcoSport will be sold in Thailand in the near future, Bill Ford told journalists during his visit to the kingdom late last year.

"We are entering the age of the connected car and the EcoSport debut at the Mobile World Congress underlines just how important advanced vehicle technology is to customers and to Ford," said Paul Mascarenas, Ford chief technical officer and vice president for Research and Innovation.

The EcoSport will be the second SUV to be launched in Ford's expanding European range when it goes on sale at the end of this year, following the recently launched Ford Kuga. Ford also plans to introduce in Europe the next generation Ford Edge, a larger and more premium utility vehicle popular in the US and other markets.

Built on Ford's global small car platform, the compact EcoSport will deliver the agility and fuel efficiency of a small family car with the flexibility, spaciousness, high driving position and "go anywhere" appeal of an SUV.

"The role of the car is evolving," Mascarenas said. "Customers want to be able to safely enjoy the same level of connectivity in their cars as they do at home, and SYNC AppLink enables them to do just that. By maximising the potential of apps, Ford can offer customers a class-leading range of smartphone app capabilities while on the move."

Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency-service operators in the event of an accident, in the language of the region using information from the vehicle's on-board GPS unit, and mobile network to pinpoint the accident location and choose the appropriate language in which to deliver an introductory message.

The all-new EcoSport will be offered with Ford's innovative 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, the "International Engine of the Year", a 110 hp 1.5-litre petrol engine; and a 90 hp 1.5-litre diesel engine expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency.

The SUV's distinctive front grille, short bonnet and raked front pillars deliver a sporty and contemporary feel, and angular headlamps reinforce the modern look. It will also offer a comprehensive package of driver assistance technologies including Electronic Stability Programme and Hill Launch Assist.