Ford Ecosport spotted testing in ST-Line form ahead of September launch

The 2017 Ford Ecosport has been spotted testing in European ST-Line form, as Ford finalizes the model for launch at next month's Frankfurt motor show.

The updated model will inherit the more aggressive exterior styling of the Kuga and Edge models. Its look will be near identical to the US-spec model that is revealed last year, as will the kit and technology the crossover will come with.

Development cars spotted by an Autocar spy photographer display restyled front bumpers with a new black mid-section and lightly tweaked rear bumpers.

Earlier test cars (see gallery) had a fixed spare wheel to their tailgates. This feature remains popular in South American and Chinese markets, but UK and European-spec Ecosports now do without it.

Across all markets, the 2017 Ecosport will come with Ford's latest-generation Sync 3 infotainment system. 

It seems likely that the current car's engine line-up, which comprises a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol, 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol and 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel, will be unchanged. The most recently spotted test car appears to be fitted with the 1.5-liter petrol engine.

The option of four-wheel drive may be added to the range. However, iIf such an option is introduced, it will only be available on the most potent variants.

The facelifted Ecosport's entry-lvel price is expected to stay close to the current model's £ 15,645. 

 

READ MORE - Ford Ecosport spotted testing in ST-Line form ahead of September launch

Ford Green-Lights Next-Generation of Focus RS

We've yet to see the next Focus ST in final production trim, but Ford’s German vehicle line director for C-Segment models, Gunnar Herrmann, recently told Australian news site Drive that the company has given the green light for a high-performance RS version.

Built in limited numbers, the previous Focus RS was a 305HP, front-wheel drive hot hatch that wouldn’t look out of place in a WRC rally stage. Despite the fact that all that power was directed only to the front wheels, it handled extremely well partially thanks to Ford’s RevoKnuckle suspension.

Herrmann told the Australian website that Team RS, which is responsible for all hot versions of European Fords, will stick to FWD for the new Focus RS, denying rumors that the company was thinking of making the car a hybrid by using electric motors to power the rear wheels.

“I think we will stay with our two-wheel-drive strategy for the new RS, which was well executed for the previous version,” said Herrmann.

Surely, the new RS should have more power than its predecessor, but how much can the front wheels handle before terminal understeer?

Herrmann doesn’t seem worried: “More power for the next RS is sustainable. With the limited edition, UK-only RS500 we went up to 350HP – and some of our development units had up to 380HP and even more torque. Then you get into the issue of durability – but the car can handle it”.

The next Focus RS, which is expected in early 2014, will retain the RevoKnuckle suspension but ditch the Volvo-sourced 2.5-liter five-cylinder in favor of a more powerful version of the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder that will also power the ST.

So, how much power will the new RS muster? Well, given that the new ST’s output will reach 250HP, and Herrmann's statements about RS500, we would venture a guess in the 350 to 380HP range.

2010 FORD FOCUS RS

READ MORE - Ford Green-Lights Next-Generation of Focus RS

2014 Ford Focus RS Dreamed up as Three-Door Hot Hatch

Earlier this month, Ford's global boss for small cars, Gunnar Herrmann, confirmed the development of a next generation Focus RS. The news motivated reader Lil-k Amaru to create a computer generated version of the future hot hatch.

While Herrmann shared several juicy details, revealing for example that Ford is working on a highly tuned 2.0-liter turbo engine driving the front wheels, he didn't say if the Focus RS will be based on the 5-door hatch or the rumored three door version (keep in mind, it's not clear yet if the 3door Focus will be designed more on the coupe side like the Opel Astra GTC or more on the traditional side like the previous model).

Nevertheless, Lil-k Amaru opted for the second choice blending a whole lot from the body of the older RS with select styling elements from the newer generation of the Focus like the headlamps, tail lamps and the kink over the rear wheel arches.

READ MORE - 2014 Ford Focus RS Dreamed up as Three-Door Hot Hatch

Next-Generation Ford Focus RS A Possibility, Not Guaranteed

We've long pined for many of the exemplary automobiles Ford offers in Europe. Thanks to the One Ford mantra enforced by CEO Alan Mulally, we're starting to see those cars show up in North America, but one truly awesome example -- the Ford Focus RS -- may never arrive on our shores.

Ford has already announced and revealed the performance-oriented 2012 Focus ST hatchback, which is destined for North America, but the company has remained rather quiet about a possible next-gen RS model. Motor Trend recently sat down with Jost Capito, head of the Ford Performance Vehicle division, and discovered the company may not even create a new version.

"It sounds silly, but think of the [Focus] RS as a shark and the [Focus] ST as a dolphin," Capito told MT. "Obviously, you want more dolphins in your pool, but some people will want sharks, because a dolphin isn't a shark and doesn't do what a shark does."

A rather off the wall analogy, but it makes sense -- Ford would likely find more buyers (especially here in the U.S.) with a well-rounded vehicle with some performance credentials than it would with a hardcore, pedal-to-the-metal, race-tuned vehicle. The latter model -- which is close to the RS formula -- doesn't necessarily make sense, but the car has proven to be a bit of a sensation in Europe.

"The [Focus] RS depends on a lot of factors," Capito said. "It's a really special thing; you can't predict it."

For now Ford is evaluating business and market conditions, both in North America and in Europe, and waiting until they align before committing to an RS. For now, all we can do is cross our fingers, hope there are enough shark lovers in this world to convince Ford to craft a new RS.

READ MORE - Next-Generation Ford Focus RS A Possibility, Not Guaranteed

2010 Ford Flex Review

Overview

Launched in 2009, the Flex is Ford's large crossover offering. Easily distinguishable from any other people-movers thanks to its unique boxy exterior, the Flex comes well equipped even in base-model flavor and can be optioned out to bonafide luxury-car levels. The Flex's boxy styling is not for everyone, however, as Ford has found out via the models' relatively-slow sales, though its somewhat hefty pricetag does not help matters. The Flex is a bit lacking dynamically as well, and can be difficult to park, especially if not equipped with a back-up camera. However, the Flex makes up for those shortcomings partially with its smooth ride and comfortable, which make it great for long distance trips and partially with its high-quality and, in the higher trim levels, well-appointed and well-equipped interior. The flat roof means plenty of room for all three rows of passengers, not to mention ample cargo room. As a bonus, the Flex can even tow up to 4500 pounds, which is plenty for hauling most weekend toys.

The Range

• Bodystyles: SUV
• Engines: 3.5L V-6, Twin-turbo 3.5L V-6
• Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
• Models: SE, SEL FWD, SEL AWD, SEL EcoBoost, Limited FWD, Limited AWD, Limited EcoBoost

What's New

The big news for the 2010 Ford Flex is the addition of the powerful EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6. Additionally, the Flex receives the Active Park Assist self-parallel-parking system as an option on range-topping Limited models.

Exterior
Flex SEL and Limited models get white roofs and body-color mirrors. Wheel options go from 17-in. on SE models to as big as 20-in. on the range-topping Limited. EcoBoost models get separate dual exhausts.

Interior
Depending on configuration, the Flex can sit either six or seven, though taller adults will find the third row to be cramped. Cargo capacity ranges from 20.0 cu. Ft. to a whopping 83.2 cu ft.

Performance & Handling
The Flex is not the most agile vehicle, but when fitted with the 3.5L 355-hp, 350-lb-ft EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6, it will move with surprising urgency. Even the base engine, a naturally-aspirated version of the 3.5L V-6 that makes 262 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque doesn't labor when moving the Flex's two-and-a-quarter tons except in extreme conditions.

Safety

The Flex received 5-star crash safety ratings from the NHTSA from all four positions thanks partly to its compliment of six standard airbags. Stability control and four-wheel ABS are standard as well.

EPA Fuel Economy

• SE, SEL FWD, Limited FWD: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway
• SEL AWD, SEL EcoBoost, Limited AWD, Limited EcoBoost: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway

You'll Like

• Roomy interior
• EcoBoost power
• SUV-like towing capability

You Won't Like

• Steep pricetag
• Hefty curb weight
• Boxy styling not for everyone

Sum Up

Best Box You Can Buy

If You Like This Vehicle You Might Also Like

• Chevrolet Traverse
• Mazda CX-9

The Price :

MSRP:

$33,175.00

READ MORE - 2010 Ford Flex Review