Used car check
Ford EcoSport – Mini SUV with small problem areas
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Mini SUVs are best-sellers in Germany. The Ford EcoSport is one of them. The high-seater scores points with its spaciousness and relatively low price. But its production has been discontinued. Find out how the compact SUV fares as a used car here.
The Ford EcoSport was already two years old when it made its debut in Germany and Europe in 2014. The second generation of the four-meter SUV was launched in South and Central America in 2012 and continued the success of the first (2003 to 2012). On the German market, the EcoSport competed against the Fiat 500X, Opel Mokka and Renault Captur. Ford retired it at the end of 2023.
Quality
At the start there was a spare wheel on the tailgate.
(Photo: Ford)
The Ford EcoSport gave a mixed performance in the TÜV main inspections. It passed the chassis check without any problems, but the light test did not look good. The brakes also gave cause for criticism: with older models, prospective used car buyers should also look out for oil leaks.
Body and interior
The seventh generation of the Fiesta (2008 to 2017) served as the technology donor for the EcoSport. Visually, it differed from its small car brother through SUV design elements, such as the spare wheel attached to the rear door. The space available is fine, with the driver and front passenger sitting comfortably high. The trunk volume varies between 333 and 1238 liters. Access to the luggage compartment is via a rear door that opens to the side.
After the facelift, the crossover partially lost its off-road look.
(Photo: Ford)
There was already a facelift in 2015. Ford responded to customer criticism of the build quality. The interior was now slightly upgraded with chrome trim and dimmable lighting. The distinctive spare wheel was removed. The jagged dashboard and many control buttons remained for the time being.
The next facelift in 2017 brought improvements here. The choice of materials inside was also improved, for example with foamed plastics on the dashboard. The front design has since been based on the big brother Kuga.
Engines and drive
The engine selection was pretty decent for a small SUV. Ford had petrol and diesel engines on offer. You could even order all-wheel drive. At market launch there was a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 82 kW/112 hp, the well-known 1.0 three-cylinder turbo with 92 kW/125 hp and the 1.5-litre diesel with 66 kW/90 hp.
The engines were coupled to a five-speed gearbox as standard, and a six-speed automatic was available for the four-cylinder petrol engine. The petrol engines consumed an average of between 5.3 and 6.2 litres, while the diesel engine made do with 4.6 litres. With the first facelift in 2015, the diesel received a little more power and reached 70 kW/95 hp. At the same time, Ford adjusted the chassis so that the vehicle rumbled a little less over bumps in the road.
Between 2017 and 2019, Ford offered 4×4 drive in conjunction with a 125 hp 1.5-liter diesel engine. Diesels were dropped from the engine range at the end of 2020 – including the 88 kW/120 hp version of the 1.5-liter diesel. The petrol three-cylinder engines with 125 hp and 103 kW/140 hp remained. From mid-2018 to the end of 2021, the three-cylinder with 74 kW/100 hp supplemented the petrol range.
Equipment and safety
At the beginning of its career in Germany, Ford made it easy for customers: There was only one equipment line, which included 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and a CD radio.
The seventh generation of the Fiesta (2008 to 2017) served as the technology donor for the EcoSport.
(Photo: Ford)
The EcoSport was later offered in four equipment lines. Those who value a sporty appearance will find what they are looking for in the “ST Line” equipment variant. Extras included two-tone paintwork, xenon lights and partial leather seats.
The “Active” design line has also been available since 2020. This includes, among other things, increased ground clearance and protective barriers on the body.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a small SUV, you should add the Ford EcoSport to your list. However, you should look for vehicles that are well maintained and have a fresh TÜV sticker.
According to mobile.de's analysis, around 2,600 used second-generation EcoSport models are currently being offered for sale on this platform. Prices start at around 6,000 euros.
