2019 Ford EcoSport Brings EcoBoost Powertrain, Sharper Looks, and P918,000 Starting Price (With Video)

*Update: Ford Philippines clarifies that six airbags is only standard on the 1.0-liter EcoBoost Titanium variant.

Ford Philippines has taken the wraps off its latest SUV offering in the country, the 2019 Ford EcoSport, bringing with it increased levels of features, technology, driving dynamics, and a overhauled stylish design. Marketed by Ford Philippines as all-new, this EcoSport is actually a highly-revised mid-cycle refresh of the small SUV that has become a popular choice for Filipino motorists over the years.

Starting with the front, the Ford EcoSport features a more refined front fascia, featuring a more refined and bolder trapezoidal grille, angular headlights that now feature automatic projector HID headlights with LED daytime running lights, and a front three-quarter profile that Ford says was “inspired by the straps of a rucksack and designed to reflect an adventurous character.” The side profile remains largely unchanged from the model it replaces. Rounding up the looks are some snazzy new alloy wheel designs.

The interior of the Ford EcoSport also receives a modest upgrade from the model it replaces. While the overall shape remains the same, materials quality has been spruced up on all areas. The interior hosts a lot more storage places now, which includes a height-adjustable trunk that can be raised for underfloor storage, or lowered to increase capacity to 334 liter. The center console now has a folding and sliding center armrest which is big enough to store a tablet. Front and center in the dashboard is Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment system for the Titanium variant, which is operated through an 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The lower variants, meanwhile, has a non-SYNC3 9-inch touch screen system.

Powering the Ford EcoSport is the multi-award winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine for the Titanium variant, which produces 125 hp and 170 Nm of torque, while the 1.5-liter produces 123 hp and 150 Nm of torque. The EcoBoost can only be had with the 6-speed automatic, while the 1.5-liter non-turbo has both the 6-speed automatic and 5-speed manual. Finally, we say goodbye to the much-criticized 6-speed dual clutch transmission.

In terms of safety, the Ford EcoSport is equipped as standard with a rear view camera, ABS with EBD, hill start assist, and electronic stability program. Six airbags, meanwhile, is only available on the Titanium variant. We highly commend Ford Philippines for making most of these safety features as standard on all variants.

The Ford EcoSport will be available in showrooms starting tomorrow, August 30, 2018. Here are the prices for the new Ford EcoSport.

1.5-liter Ambiente MT: P918,000
1.5-liter Trend MT: P968,000
1.5-liter Trent AT: P1,028,000
1.0-liter EcoBoost Titanium AT: P1,168,000