All-new Ford EcoSport SUV revealed tomorrow at the Paris Motor Show. 

The Ford EcoSport combines the agility, affordability, fuel efficiency of a small car with the practicality and spaciousness of an SUV.

Ford EcoSport will go on sale for European customers within 18 months. It will be equipped with the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and will line up alongside all-new Kuga and later Ford Edge, a larger and more premium vehicle already popular in North America.

“Ford EcoSport combines the value, quality and fuel efficiency of Fiesta, with the exciting look and feel of a modern SUV,” said Nick Collins, Ford’s global B car vehicle line director. “Its stylish design should prove a tempting addition for European customers to Ford’s B segment range, which already includes the innovative B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle and the new Fiesta.”

All-new EcoSport is the first global Ford to be developed entirely in South America and was launched in Brazil this month. Introduced in 2003, the groundbreaking first model established a new segment there and has gone on to sell more than 700,000 units in the region.The new model is expected to help drive further growth for Ford in both India and China when it is introduced in those key markets in 2013.

In Europe, the all-new EcoSport will be equipped with Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, the 2012 “International Engine of the Year”, which combines surprising performance with excellent efficiency. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine first went on sale in the Focus this year before being introduced to all-new B-MAX, with models including C-MAX, Grand C-MAX and all-new Mondeo also due to receive this innovative 3-cylinder powertrain. European EcoSport customers will also be able to specify a best-in-class diesel engine.

The distinctive and aerodynamic Ford EcoSport will feature a large front grille; slim, detailed headlights; and cladding on the side sills and bumpers. It will be equipped with Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system, which uses voice-activation technology to enable owners to answer phone calls and select music from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB.

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Ford SYNC also includes Emergency Assistance, which directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region.

EcoSport will offer a comprehensive package of driver assistance technologies including anti-lock brake system, Electronic Stability Program, and Hill Launch Assist.

Read More about Ford Cars on Drive.co.uk/Ford

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