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R.T. Briscoe Nigeria plc, one of the franchise owners of the Ford operating under the BriscoeFord subsidiary, is poised to avail customers more choice of quality range of automobiles following the receipt of the first batch of the all-new 2014 model of Ford Ecosport compact SUV that arrived in the country recently.
Built on Ford’s global B-segment platform, the compact EcoSport will deliver the agility and fuel efficiency of a small family car with the flexibility, spaciousness, high driving position, and go anywhere appeal of an SUV.
The all-new EcoSport will offer a range of efficient power trains, including the 125ps 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine recognised as “International Engine of the Year” and a 110ps 1.5-litre petrol engine expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency in Nigeria.
Compact and agile, the all-new Ford EcoSport is also full of innovative technologies and features. Bringing together features not normally found in this segment, it offers a driving experience with a superior standard of onboard connectivity, safety and convenience.
One of the highlights is the award-winning SYNC driver connect system with voice control. More than 4 million vehicles are currently on the road with SYNC technology. Ford forecasts that nine million additional vehicles will be equipped with this technology by 2015 globally as it deploys the Ford-exclusive system in products such as the new EcoSport.
Powered by the Microsoft windows embedded automotive platform, SYNC has created the “upgradeable car”, allowing new features and improvements to be seamlessly integrated at the same pace as consumer trends and preferences.
SYNC sets the trend for a hands-free, voice-activated future. It helps drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road as they choose their favourite music and make calls on a mobile phone.
EcoSport’s voice-activated audio system features a CD/MP3 player, USB slot, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth connection, auxiliary slot and a 3.5-inch LCD screen. Voice controls will be available in various languages, depending on the region.
EcoSport also offers other key features, including Ford push-button start, keyless entry, electric power-assisted steering, automatic headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers. It comes with a number of driver assist features, including anti-lock braking system, electronic stability program, hill launch assist and rear parking sensors.
The all-new EcoSport offers an advanced climate control system, providing efficiency and comfort, including electronic air-conditioning with individual controls for the driver and passenger. This is one urban SUV that features improved versions of creative solutions, such as the cooled bin inside the glovebox and storage underneath the passenger seat.
Furthermore, energy efficiency is one of the highlights of the all-new EcoSport. The goal set by Ford in the model’s development was to become the segment leader in fuel-efficiency with its various engine options.
Again, the availability of an all-new 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine, to be a benchmark in fuel economy, and flex-fuel options in Brazil is part of Ford’s global strategy to offer various motor choices to meet the needs of each region.
It is instructive to note here that efficiency is present in all aspects of the vehicle’s design. The SUV’s body was specially developed, including the use of new materials and designs to make it much lighter and resistant.
Safety remains one of the topmost considerations in the new EcoSport that was designed to meet the strictest safety standards in the markets in which it will be sold. Its high-resistant body with optimised weight, developed with design tools and advanced software, combines programmed energy impact absorption zones with an extremely rigid protection cage to protect occupants.
The chassis’ stability and robustly built body with high torsional rigidness for occupant protection are part of the features which give the EcoSport the confidence of a true SUV.
The vehicle also offers an advanced package of safety features to help drivers prevent accidents and to protect passengers, including dual front airbags (for driver and front passenger) and side curtain airbags.
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, the United States manufactures and distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide.
By: Mike Ochonma
