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By Jonathan Crouch

Ford's EcoSport aims to move a little further upmarket in the small Crossover segment, especially in potent 140bhp EcoBoost petrol range-topping form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at what's on offer.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 78

In its first few years on sale, there wasn't really a version of Ford's EcoSport Crossover that you could genuinely call desirable. Here though, is a version with much more of the 'want one' factor, the 1.0 EcoBoost 140PS derivative. This variant comes with more power and equipment than you might expect from an EcoSport, but at a price that might see you preferring that more modern Ford Puma Crossover model on the other side of the showroom.

Backgroundword count: 130

Little by little, Ford is honing its EcoSport small Crossover model into a pretty reasonable contender in its class. In 2015, tweaks to the suspension improved the ride, plus this design got greater refinement, a smarter cabin and the option to do without the rear-mounted spare wheel. In 2016, a pokier 140PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine was added in at the top of the range and it's that variant we look at in more detail here as part of the substantially updated improved EcoSport line-up announced in the Autumn of 2017. Like its other range stablemates, this model offers chunky looks that deliver up a bit of Amazonian attitude, even if in truth, this car is more CBeebies than SAS in its take on hostile streetlife. Let's check it out.

Driving Experienceword count: 191

You don't go an awful lot faster in this 140PS EcoSport variantl than you would in its 125PS counterpart - but then that's not really the point of a car like this. Rest to 62mph in this range-topper takes 11.8s, which makes this variant about a second quicker than its stablemate. Top speed is 115mph, 3mph more than the 125PS derivative. Torque - pulling power - is rated at 210Nm, 40Nm more than the lesser variant. The on the road dynamics of this model have improved since the original launch thanks to suspension retuning with revised rear twist beam suspension and more carefully considered spring and damper rates for chassis optimisation, plus a 10mm reduction in ride height and optimised Electronic Stability Control and power steering systems. Crossovers of this kind need to drive as much like the superminis they're based on as possible. From here on, the signs are that this one will. There's no 4x4 option (that's restricted to the 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel variant), but you do get a great raised driving position and a comprehensive package of driver assistance technologies, including Electronic Stability Program and Hill Launch Assist.

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