Editor’s note: this review first appeared on the February 8 online motoring page of Malaya Business Insight. An issue with the server on March 4 caused a failure in the posting of special feature stories, including this one. It was recovered from the server and has been updated, reposted and restored to its original date.
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STARTUP. This is a word of my generation. Unlike the “sariling negosyo” of my father’s time, start-ups are anchored on solving a problem, finding a solution, failing and getting back, and being better.
A startup is a young company founded by one or more entrepreneurs to develop a unique product or service and bring it to market. By its nature, the typical startup tends to be a shoestring operation, with initial funding from the founders or their friends and families.
The Ford Ecosport is like a startup.
In its life as an SUV-like, high-clearance, and packed subcompact, it been around the Philippines since 2014–two years earlier in some markets. It has gone from a single powerplant version with a DCT Powershift transmission that was deemed weak and faulty. It failed on that count, what is the equivalent to the ambivalence of a startup to show oof. But it fell, then picked up from there with a proper recall. Then it dusted itself off, analyzed the weak points, strengthened on it, added more value into the whole package and produced a car which by today’s standards is one of the best choices in its category.
I can even go on to say, it could probably be the most value-packed, bang-for-the buck buy if one considers a brand new, start-up, newbie driver car. Just like a startup. Always rejuvenated and offers more at the second revolution.
Let me count the ways why I said this.
First, it’s just that–a bang for the buck. That expression is as old as time itself yet startups love to use it because it reflects what they are. Big SUVs offer three times the space of the Ecosport, but the question is, do you need all that space for a daily driver? After the EcoSport’s major design redraw in August 2018, it became one of Ford’s three top-selling vehicles. And though it does not cannibalize with the Ford Territory in terms of size and price, it does get a second look–specifically for that reason–bang for the buck. Ford is now offering is at P7.9K a month in a special deal.
Second, it is really flexible. Startups are focused but flexible, accommodating a lot of workloads and seeking tasks to do. The equivalent, in the case of the EcoSport, is its roominess for passengers and cargo. There is no doubt the Ecosport can, and will deliver this robust versatility, it was designed to pack it in, and in style. The side-opening rear door, not a hatch because the hatch opens up or down, is stylish and well, very gentlemanly.
Third, it is chunky and it’s a beauty. No body-shaming here. The roundish shape of the Ecosport is pleasant and plump, none of the aggression of the chiseled lines of its competition. And plump does not mean it’s not sleek. The shape is just pleasant to look at. For example, the rear spare tire holder reminds me of a toy car I loved, the large front grille is gaping but without sharp teeth to gobble me up, the headlights are tucked in well, like Totoro’s eyes when asleep. It is also nice to know that like a startup, this non-aggressive stance is welcoming. Inside, the same feeling goes, smooth fabrics, textured plastics look and feel homey. That new eight-inch floating display screen that comes with Ford’s SYNC 3 is just marvelous.
Fourth, it is more than adequate. Startups consider the word adequate as a compliment. Adequate is not “good enough.” In the startup vibe, it means it fulfills what it was made for. So there is nothing extravagant or over about it. The Ecosport I borrowed is the Titanium Ecoboost 1.0 AT. There are three other trims–the 1.5 Trend AT, 1.5 Trend MT, and base (but not void) 1.5 Ambiente MT. So the one I drove had six airbags and an automatic start/stop engine system. That more-than-adequate engine has a turbocharger that puts out 123 hp and 170 Nm of torque. It was also a good call for Ford to use a 6-speed conventional automatic transmission instead of an uber-complicated double-clutch (thus DCT) built by Getrag, as those had issues with reliability and shuddering at low speeds. There is still a 5-speed manual gearbox for those who chose to use their left foot more often.
Fifth, it can pull through. One of the things that I read so often about the EcoSport is it is “underpowered” a term loosely used by motoring journalists to say that “it does not feel like a Ferrari.” But cars that don’t jump off the traffic light or overtake 5 vehicles in one pop do not mean they are underpowered. There is a mathematical formula for that and it’s called power-to-weight ratio. Thus the 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder Ti-VCT gasoline engine with 121 hp and 1150 Nm of torque can propel all 1,350+ kilograms with ease. Matching this statement to the previous one says that “this much, is more than adequate,” I believe.
Sixth, it is agile and fun. Agility, is another startup trait. The 1.0L EcoBoost engine is responsive and the steering precise but a bit underhanded in the curves. That trait can be easily set aside because the short 2,529 mm (99-inches) wheelbase provides that nimbleness, ease of control, and directional stability. That is where the fun comes from. On spirited sprints, one can feel the push in the bottom of the seat. Combine that with the pull each time the turbo kicks in at around 1,500 rpm and it’s agile and fun. On most surfaces, climbs and dips, it was straight on fun and nimble. Even in the steepest of Robinsons’ parking ramps.
Overall, my time with the Ecosport was really pleasant and fulfilling. It proved that like a startup it can survive and succeed. And be chunky and fun while doing so.
