Revamped Ford EcoSport goes on sale

Ford has revamped the EcoSport with a new look, improved handling and extra equipment. The Indian-built crossover is designed as a rival to the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke but has sold slowly in the UK. Prices for the updated model start at £14,245.

Ford will be hoping these changes improve its popularity. One of the key changes is that the EcoSport is now available without the awkward looking rear-mounted spare wheel. Instead it comes with a tyre repair kit and a redesigned swing-gate tailgate.

The 1.5 TDCi engine has been improved with an extra 5PS giving it 95PS in total while claimed fuel economy is 64.2mpg with emissions of 115g/km. As before a 1.0-litre EcoBoost model is available along with a 1.5-litre petrol. All engines have been tweaked to offer more low speed pulling power.

Refinement should be better thanks to more sound deadening materials in the doors and dashboard, as well as tighter seals around the pedals.

Ford says it has also improved the handling with a lower ride height, retuned power steering and changes to the suspension and shock absorbers.

Inside, there's a restyled interior with partial leather seats now standard on Titanium models. All models now come with Ford’s SYNC voice-controlled system with a 4-inch colour display in the centre console.