Ford Ecosport 2014 News

The Australia Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced legal proceedings against Ford Motor Company of Australia.

An automatic transmission designed to save fuel has increased complaints among Ford customers who claim it's not a smooth operator.

You’d probably hop right into the vehicle and ask it to dial Morgan Freeman. Or Arnold Schwarzenegger, Eddie Murphy, Jeff Goldblum or Bill Cosby, judging by the reactions of people who were pranked by Ford with a talking Ecosport.The carmaker tapped the talents of comedian and impressionist Anil Desai – currently in Melbourne for the Comedy Festival – to pull of the stunt that had people happily willing to use Ford's SYNC system to dial up what they thought were major stars and try to tell them jokes.Ford says the stunt was part of their campaign to promote the Ecosport SUV through an ‘urban discoveries’ theme. “The premise of the campaign is to highlight how EcoSport can help you find the unknown gems in your city and the Talking Car video was a spin off from that,” Ford spokesman Martin Gunsberg says. “The idea is the Talking Car was a discovery in its own right and we set it up in various areas around Melbourne, waiting for people to discover it.“We had a lot of fun creating this video and we found that anyone willing to accept they were talking to a car tended to be up for some fun as well," Gunsberg says. Which is no surprise, as Aussies are generally up for anything. The only odd aspect was that all the people targeted chose to call American celebrities -- not a single Australian came to mind. We would have loved to see somebody telling jokes to Tony Abbott or Dame Edna.Watch the desktop version of the Ford's talking car prank video here. 

Ford says their capped price service offer, MyFord, has been successful in bringing thousands of owners back to the brand -- 13,000 in 2013 alone. So they're taking the offer further, raising it to seven years and 135,000km from the six years/105,000km that rolled out in 2011.The revised program -- available on vehicles built from 2007 -- has been extended to cover brake pad replacements and rotor machining across the range except the sporty FPV, ST and XR5 variants and the light commercial Transit van. All eligible models will have front pads capped at $259 and rear ones at $219, except the rear-wheel drive Falcon and Territory rear pads, which will be capped at $259. Machining is capped at $88.Ford has also announced a year's free membership and roadside assistance with state motoring organisations -- NRMA, RACV, RACT, RACQ, AANT, RAA and RAC -- at participating dealers with the sale of any new car, except FPV and Transit.“The addition of the Auto Club Program is another customer-focused offering that Ford owners will enjoy,” Ford Australia general manager, customer service division, Stephen Kruk, says. “Customers expect this level of certainty from their dealers and we’re happy to say that since it was introduced in July 2011, the program has been very well received by our customers.”Owners can check the maximum price for a service, and all terms and conditions at www.ford.com.au/myfordcps.  MyFord Capped Price Servicing is available on the following vehicles.Ford Fiesta – WQ, WS, WTFord Focus – LS, LT, LV, LVIIFord Mondeo – MA, MB, MCFord Falcon – BF, BF FPV, BF MkII, BF MkII FPV, BF MkIII, FG, FG FPV, FG MkII, FG MkII FPVFord Escape – ZD, ZCFord Econovan - JHFord EcoSport - BKFord Kuga - TE, TFFord Territory – SY, SY F6X, SY MkII, SZFord Ranger – PJ, PK, PXFord Transit – VM, VNThis reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Toyota-owned badge Daihatsu retired from our market in 2005, but a void in Toyota’s line-up could see some of the Daihatsu product return in the form of the small Terios SUV rebadged as a Toyota Rush.Toyota is keen to capitalise on a growing sub $25,000 compact SUV market segment. Sales are thriving, with a new Nissan Juke, Suzuki SX4, Holden Trax, Ford EcoSport and Fiat Panda all joining the Mitsubishi ASX in the search for a slice of the market. Toyota doesn’t currently have a competitor in this segment, with the bigger RAV4 starting at $28,490.But Toyota has an advantage in this rivalry: It owns Daihatsu – Japan’s oldest car manufacturer and small car specialist. The first generation Daihatsu Terios sold in Australia between 1997 and 2005, creating the same compact 5-door SUV segment that is now thriving. But the current model never made it to our shores due to Daihatsu’s local retirement.Toyota has successfully sold the Rush in overseas markets for over a decade, and the current model since its introduction in 2006. It is powered by an 80kW, 141Nm 1.5-litre VVT-I engine, featuring a five speed manual and four speed automatic. But unlike other cars in this segment, it has permanent four-wheel drive and a central differential lock, which combined with short overhangs, gives the Rush more offroad credibility than most of its competitors.However, a two wheel drive version is also on offer, for buyers who prefer the extra height and space but not the extra capability of a small SUV. With a kerb weight of just 1180kg for the four wheel drive model, the Rush is a relative lightweight, which should help keep running costs low.If Toyota Australia decides to tackle the compact SUV market with the Rush, it will be the first time a car manufactured by Daihatsu is sold in Australia since 2005. However, a new Rush is expected sometime next year, featuring improvements to power, safety and refinement. This means it’s likely Toyota Australia will wait until then to introduce the Rush into Australian showrooms. 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSAlfa-Romeo MiTo: The Mini Cooper-rivalling MiTo hatch is due for a refresh in January. Tweaked styling is expected, along with updated features and sharpened pricing in line with other recent Fiat Chrysler Australia pricetag shuffles. (Approximately 25,000-30,000)Honda City and Jazz: Honda’s slow-selling City compact sedan is due to be replaced by an all-new model in the second quarter of 2014, leading the also-new third-generation Jazz compact hatch which is expected in around June. The new Jazz will benefit from a new dual-clutch auto transmission, and a new hybrid variant is expected to dip well below the current petrol-electric model’s 4.5L/100km combined figure. (Approximately $16,000-23,000)Kia Rio: Also due for a refresh in the third quarter is the Kia Rio light hatch and sedan range, with the stylish model likely to score visual tweaks and value gains to keep up with more recent competition. (Approximately $15,000-22,000)Mini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)Volkswagen Polo: Volkswagen’s Polo light hatch range is also due for a mid-cycle refresh in the second half of the year, with revised styling, plus efficiency and technology trickle-down from the Mk7 Golf likely. Approximately $17,000-29,000)SMALL CARSAlfa Romeo Giulietta: Following on from its pricing shuffle in 2013, the small Giulietta hatch range also due for a mid-cycle refresh later in 2014. Approximately 24,000-40,000)Hyundai Elantra: Hyundai will revise its Elantra sedan in January, with freshened styling and a new local suspension tune expected to be the main changes. (Approximately $20,990-$30,190)Kia Pro_cee'd GT: Kia will bring the Pro_cee’d GT down under in March, with the new hot hatch set to go head to head with its mechanical sibling the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo. (Approximately $30,000)Kia Soul: Also expected in March is a heavily revised version of the trendy Soul small hatch, with rejigged styling, upgraded underpinnings and petrol and diesel drivetrains. (Approximately $21,000-$30,000)Mazda3: Mazda will renew its assault on the Australian sales charts in January, with the arrival of the new third-generation 3 sedan and hatch models. The new 3 will be available with 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre versions of Mazda’s SkyActiv petrol engine from launch, with diesel versions set to follow later. (Approximately $20,000-35,000)Nissan Pulsar SSS sedan: In the third quarter, Nissan will break with Pulsar SSS tradition by adding a sedan version of the hot turbocharged model, with Mazda’s SP25 sedan its only logical rival. (Approximately $31,000)Peugeot 308: Peugeot’s headline act for 2014 will be the new 308 small hatch, with the lighter and more efficient model arriving before the end of the year to target Volkswagen’s Golf head-on. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Proton Suprima S: Proton will launch the Preve sedan-based Suprima S small hatch in January, in $21,790 (drive away) GX and $26,590 (drive away) GXR spec levels. Available with a CVT auto initially, both versions will use a 103kW/250Nm 1.6 litre petrol turbo. Cheaper $19,790 (GX) and $24,590 (GXR) six –speed manual versions will arrive later in the year. (Approximately $19,790-$24,590)Proton Preve: In the second quarter, ther Malaysian brand will add a five-speed manual version of the Preve GXR sedan, which is expected to undercut the existing CVT auto version by $2000 with a $20,990 drive away pricetag. A more upmarket Preve LE is expected at around the same time, and likely to be priced around the $25,000 mark.Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Skoda Rapid Spaceback: Skoda will introduce the much anticipated Rapid Spaceback in the second quarter, with the new hatch to sit beneath the recently launched Octavia Liftback and wagon. (Approximately from $20,000)Toyota Corolla sedan: Toyota’s grasp on the Australian market is set to be strengthened by the arrival of a sedan version of the new Corolla in February. Both European and US versions of the new sedan have been unveiled, and the Australian model will most closely resemble the European model. (Approximately $20,000-$32,000)Volkswagen Golf wagon: Volkswagen will add a wagon bodystyle to its Mk7 Golf lineup early in 2014, mirroring the hatch with its range of petrol and diesel engines. (Approximately $27,000-37,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. (Approximately 37,000-56,000)Kia Optima: Kia’s Optima will score a mid-cycle update in January, with revised styling inside and out, along with added features. (Approximately $30,990-$40,490)PEOPLE MOVERSCitroen C4 Grand Picasso: Citroen will replace the long-serving C4 Grand Picasso with an all-new version in the second quarter of 2014. The new model promises to continue as a stylish alternative to other seven-seat people movers with a choice of petrol or diesel drivetrains and will hopefully retain the current model’s sub-$40,000 pricing. (Approximately $37,000-$40,000)Honda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDFord EcoSport: The Blue Oval’s new EcoSport baby will complete its lineup in February, with the cheaper Trend and Ambiente spec levels joining the top-line Titanium that launched the model in December. (Approximately $20,790-27,790)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Jeep Cherokee: Jeep’s new more-civilised Cherokee SUV will arrive in the first half of 2014, with a choice of 2.4-litre petrol, 3.2-litre petrol V6, or 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines. (Approximately $28,000-$37,000)Kia Sportage: During the second quarter, Kia will grace its Sportage medium SUV with a more significant update than the minor revisions made in mid-2013 with the shift to European production. Like Optima, expect fresh interior and exterior styling and new features. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Nissan Qashqai: Nissan’s other significant SUV arrival for 2014 will be the Dualis-replacing Qashqai compact SUV, which will arrive in five-seat only guise in the third quarter. (Approximately $26,000-$36,000)Renault Captur: The Renault Captur will arrive mid-year, representing the French brand in the rapidly expanding compact SUV segement. The Clio-based crossover should start in the low $20,000s, and challenge the Trax, Juke, 2008, and EcoSport. (Approximately from $20,000)Skoda Yeti: Skoda’s best-selling Yeti compact SUV is also in line for a mid-cycle refresh in around June, with revised styling and features to bring it in line with the brand’s newer models. (Approximately $26,000-$38,000)Suzuki S-Cross: Suzuki’s SX4-replacing S-Cross will arrive in January, with reduced fuel consumption an increased interior space over the model it supercedes. Like the SX4, the S-Cross will continue with 2WD and AWD options, and will be priced between $22,990 and $34,990.COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000)Renault Kangoo Maxi crew van: A passenger-carrying Kangoo Maxi crew van is also expected in the second quarter. (Approximately $27,000)

Ford has announced a slew of new and updated models for 2014, headlined by the return of the much-loved XR8 -- and its V8 Miami engine -- as part of a styling and features overhaul of the Falcon range.Read Ford Falcon XR8 reviewsThe updates to the Falcon range will happen towards the end of the year and coincide with updates to the Territory SUV, with more details on both ranges to be revealed closer to the launch dates.Read Ford Territory reviewsHowever Ford's changes to other models kick off early in 2014 with the new Transit van range hitting showrooms in January with the front-wheel drive, short-wheelbase Custom model, powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel developing 92kW of power and 350Nm of torque -- an increase of 20Nm. It will be followed by the larger rear-wheel drive long-wheelbase Transit in the second quarter.The Transit range's features will include a new integrated and stowable roof rack, twin battery system, Ford’s SYNC in-car connectivity system with digital radio and Bluetooth, front, side and curtain airbags, and optional Trailer Hitch Assist, front and rear parking sensors and an electro chromatic rearview mirror with integrated rear camera display.Read Ford Transit reviewsThe Ford EcoSport compact SUV will be the next in line for changes, with February seeing the arrival of entry-level Ambiente and mid-level Trend spec models. And the Kuga SUV also gets a brushover, offering new paint colours, an optional $1200 pack that gives you a hands-free tailgate and smartkey system on the Trend spec level.Read Ford EcoSport reviewsThe Ranger ute line-up will expand, with the recently-arrived mid-level XLS now adding a 2.2-litre engine and the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions to join the 3.2-litre manual version. In addition, the 4x2 XL Single Cab Chassis 2.2-litre low-rider Ranger will be getting side airbags as standard, and satellite navigation has been added across the entire XLT line-up due to customer demand.Read Ford Ranger reviewsThis reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Ford will launch its entry into the burgeoning compact SUV segment from December 1, with the Indian-built EcoSport flying the Blue Oval in the face of fresh competition from Holden, Nissan, Peugeot and Fiat, with Renault and Honda also readying their challengers.Launching in top-spec Titanium trim for now, the EcoSport will carry a $27,790 entry price until the lesser Ambiente and Trend variants join the lineup in February 2014. Like the Holden Trax and Peugeot 2008,  the EcoSport will be offered in front-wheel drive only, and will offer the choice of the 82kW/140Nm 1.5-litre petrol four from the Fiesta hatch range, or the widely-acclaimed 92kW/170Nm 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol three-cylinder unit that’s set to join the Fiesta lineup shortly.From February, the EcoSport Ambiente will be available with the 1.5-litre only, at $20,790 with a five-speed manual, or $22,790 with the six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch auto. The also-delayed mid-spec Trend will command $22,290 in 1.0-litre manual guise, or $24,790 for a 1.5-litre auto version.The top-tier Titanium model arriving next week will also be available with either engine, at $25,790 for the 1.0-litre manual and $27,790 in 1.5-litre auto.Ambiente models will be identified by 15 inch steel wheels, and come equipped with a flexible interior with 20 storage cavities, manual aircon, an overhead console with sunglasses holder, dual 12V power sockets, a 3.5 inch multimedia screen and Ford’s SYNC smartphone connectivity and voice control system.Trend models will step up to 16 inch alloys with front fog lamps, cruise control, unique cloth interior trim, adjustable lumbar support for the driver, silver dash detailing, extra map lights and a chilled glovebox that can hold six cans. Titanium models wear unique 16 inch alloys, chrome exterior detailing and score a standard spare wheel cover ($265 option on Ambiente and Trend), while the inside gets leather trim on the seats and steering wheel, climate control and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, proximity keys, auto wipers and headlamps, and rear parking sensors.Cargo space for all models is a tall 346L area with the seats up, which expands to a 705L flat-floor area with the 60/40 split seats folded, with a full-size spare wheel fitted to a side-hinged tailgate.On the safety front, Ford expects a five-star safety rating with dual front and side, curtain and knee airbags for a total count of seven, plus ABS and stability control.PRICINGFord EcoSport Ambiente 1.5 5sp manual –  $20,790Ford EcoSport Ambiente 1.5 6sp auto –  $22,790Ford EcoSport Trend 1.0 5sp manual - $22,290Ford EcoSport Trend 1.5 6sp auto -  $24,790Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.0 5sp manual - $25,790 Ford EcoSport Titanium 1.5 6sp auto – $27,790 Watch the desktop version of the Ford EcoSport Titanium first drive video here. This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

The changing story of Ford is being told at AIMS. Once synonymous with a big, plain Australian family car, the local branch of the Blue Oval brand is embracing Ford’s sophisticated international product and technology. Called the “One Ford” strategy, it looks pretty good. Heading that act is the best engine of 2012 – the EcoBoost 1.0- litre – which will first be seen here in the Ford Fiesta, followed by the EcoSport sub-compact SUV. The turbocharged threecylinder engine will be sold in two specifications – 74kW/170Nm and a high-output 91kW/170Nm. Fuel consumption should range from a diesel-like 4.8-5.0 litres/100km. Ford spokesman Neil McDonald says the “replacement for displacement’’ engine won’t disappoint in terms of performance or economy. In that respect, it’s much like the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine already powering the Mondeo and Falcon. If sheet metal is more to your liking than what’s under the hood, there’s the first look at the EcoSport, new Ford Kuga, Focus ST hot hatch and the Ford Fusion. The Fusion is the US-designed version of the next Ford Mondeo, which gets here late next year. The new car rides on the existing chassis to its rear suspension to one like that used by BMW and Audi. The result is expected to be an improved ride over the already good balance between comfort and performance in the existing Mondeo. The sloping “fastback’’ roofline was penned by British designer Chris Hamilton and Ford is using a scalloped roof lining to ensure the striking styling doesn’t restrict rear headroom. A bigger boot and updated styling mark the arrival of the second-generation Ford Kuga (above). A foot-activated automatic tailgate is among the neat touches this compact SUV brings to the market segment that’s attracting record numbers of buyers. Active park assist and a blind spot warning system are also expected to be part of the package, based on the European and US models. The Kuga is expected to go on sale with 2.0-litre turbo diesel and petrol powerplants. If the Kuga’s not compact enough, try the EcoSport, which is based on the Fiesta small car and is expected to be priced under $25,000.  

Based on the Fiesta, the high-rise wagon will go on sale with a price tag starting from as low as $22,000. The Ford EcoSport is aimed directly at urban, style-conscious motorists who place economy, practicality and agility above off-road ability. In fact, the EcoSport - a name that will stick for Australia - will be made only with front-wheel drive. But it will have a fresh range of engines. Top of the list is Ford’s EcoBoost 1-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine. Ford claims it has the same power and will return similar performance to its 1.6-litre normally-aspirated engine thanks to direct-fuel injection and turbocharging.  Ford claims 4.5 litres/100km and 140 grams of CO2 per kilometre - but says however good this engine is, it can’t match an even more frugal 1.5-litre turbo-diesel. The SUV will also be available with a 1.5-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine.  The diesel version - a smaller-capacity derivative of the Ford/Peugeot 1.6-litre turbo-diesel - can get fuel economy about 3.9 L/100km when matched to a five-speed automatic.  Ford production director for the B-Car category, David Filipe, tells Carsguide that the EcoNetic diesel engine - available in Australia’s Fiesta - is unlikely to be available in the EcoSport because the drivetrains selected are already efficient.  But he hasn’t ruled out the SUV being a potential recipient for alternative engines, though in the shorter term, sees fuel-saving add-on technologies being introduced.  “We are looking at stop-start systems and other technology,’‘ he says. “We have also been very aggressive on weight reduction.’‘ But he didn’t have final weight figures for the car.  He says transmissions will be a five-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. There may be a six speed manual for the bigger diesel engine. He says the dual clutch box is shared with the Fiesta and will be available later in the launch timetable.  “We have no plans for an all-wheel drive version.’’ Filipe says. “We know how to do it but it’s up to market demand. But I can’t see a lot of buyers of B-segment cars wanting AWD. In C-segment cars, yes, there is demand. The Kuga is one example of demand in this segment.’’ Ford Australia spokesperson Sinead Phipps says it’s too early to give drivetrain, specification and pricing. But she has confirmed that the 1-litre turbo-petrol is one of the engines coming here. Filipe says the EcoSport has been specifically designed and engineered so it drives like a nimble small car. “It doesn’t drive like an SUV,’’ he says.  “We had a German team - the one that built Fiesta - do the ride and handling of the platform. It is an SUV that can be interpreted for all global markets. “There’s no reason we can’t take the EcoSport into the US,’’ he says, even though that market is not on the agenda.  Filipe also says the small SUV has been developed for all markets with a Euro-5 level of emissions and has “a strategy’’ to be a five-star NCAP crash-rated car. Of the launch of the EcoSport, Ms Phipps says: “It will create its own segment in the small-car class.  “We see it being particularly attractive to urban buyers who want the same level of flexibility in bigger SUVs - including our Territory - but want it in a smaller size.’’ Ford’s Asia Pacific and Africa president, Joe Hinrichs, says the EcoSport - which uses the new Fiesta small car as its base - will spawn more models. One is believed to be a coupe.  Australia currently sources two passenger cars from India - the Hyundai i20 and the Suzuki Alto - and some commercial vehicles. Ford is soon to complete a massive increase in its Indian factories, opening new car and engine plants in west and expanding its existing plants in the east.  Mr Hinrichs says India will lay a bigger role in providing smaller vehicles for the global market. Ford Australia will also launch a mid-size SUV in March, the Kuga, which is built in Germany. In 2013, the EcoSport will be followed by a 4WD wagon based on the Ranger utility and built in Thailand.