Ford EcoSport SUV Unveiled Ahead Of 2013 Australian Debut

Ford's upcoming EcoSport compact SUV has been revealed in its production outfit this week, following its unveiling as a concept earlier this year.

Rolled out at the Beijing Auto Show, the EcoSport is virtually identical to its showcar predecessor, with the more conventional headlight internals and black bumpers the only stand-out differences.

The EcoSport has been developed with a focus on emerging markets, but an Australian debut has been confirmed. We can expect to see the little Fiesta-based SUV here in 2013.

"The new EcoSport is full of personality. Customers around the world immediately recognise its capability and SUV robustness that is achieved with aggressiveness," Ford design boss J Mays said.

"It is friendly and it’s a vehicle that really makes you smile."

The model shown here is the familiar Titanium trim-grade, featuring chrome highlights, 16-inch wheels and Ford's SYNC infotainment system - the latter finally bound for Australia later this year in the Thai-built Focus small car.

Power for the EcoSport will be provided by Ford's new turbocharged 1.0 litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine (the same technology in  Ford's new four-cylinder Falcon), producing 89kW and 170Nm of torque.

While 80kW 1.5 litre petrol and 55kW 1.5 litre diesel engines have also been confirmed, Ford Australia has so far confirmed only the 1.0 litre engine.

Watch for more details on the Australian-delivered EcoSport as it nears its local launch in the next year.

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