We've driven the 1.0-litre petrol motor-equipped EcoSport already. And now, here's a look at the version with the 89bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine.
However, out on the highway is where the EcoSport begins to feel a bit away from its comfort zone. It tends to run out of breath, particularly when you have to execute a high-speed overtaking move.That said, the EcoSport’s refinement is quite impressive. The motor feels composed for the most part and only gets a bit noisier closer to the redline. The Ford managed to set some brisk times in our acceleration test. It took 13.72 seconds to reach 100kph while it reached a top-speed of 168kph.
Out on twisty roads, the EcoSport is as easy to drive as your average hatchback. Straight-line stability is also really good, but it does ‘thunk’ over big bumps. The front suspension certainly feels stiffer than that of the EcoBoost petrol version and, as a result, the Ford doesn’t iron out surface imperfections that well.
Even then, the stiff suspension setup lends it a certain agility and it’s got a well-weighted steering which, aided to its good body control, makes it really entertaining to drive on the twisty stuff.