Due to slow sales

Ford will refresh the European version of the EcoSport in May due to the slow sales of the model.

According to figures from JATO Dynamics, from April to November 2014 the company managed to sell 11,257 EcoSports on the continent, while the segment leader Renault Captur has 149,701 sales. This has forced the manufacturer to revise the rear end design of the crossover and starting from May it will be available without the boot lid-mounted spare wheel. A Ford spokesman has told Autonews Europe that the previous setup will still be offered as an option at no extra cost.

Other improvements for the EcoSport will include new interior plastics with higher quality and changes to the suspension. “We want to give it a bit more Fiesta personality,” the spokesman commented.

Ford has finally started doing something about the EcoSport, a car that has received some of the poorest reviews we’ve seen in a long time.

On the occasion of the Geneva Motor Show, Ford announced updates in terms of styling, equipment and drive dynamics for its smallest SUV, which for the first time will be available without a rear-mounted spare wheel.

On vehicles without the spare wheel, the rear swing-gate has been revised to allow for easier partial opening where space is limited.

For the interior, Ford says it made “subtle and stylish” improvements, including a restyled instrument cluster with chrome surround, light dimming function, and chrome tips for window switches. Thicker sound deadening materials were also added in the doors and dashboard, as well as tighter seals around the pedals.

In terms of equipment, Ford has introduced a Winter Pack, which includes heated windscreen, heated mirrors and heated front seats. The EcoSport will also be available later this year with a satnav system and Rear View Camera.

The EcoSport’s driving dynamics were also taken care of, as Ford retuned the suspension with a revised rear twist beam as well as revised spring and damper rates for chassis optimization. Although it’s an SUV, the EcoSport now sits 10mm closer to the ground for an improved handling. Ford also optimized the Electronic Stability Control and power steering systems.

The EcoSport’s powertrains have been upgraded to EU6.1 emission standard, with the result being that the diesel engine gained 5PS. Furthermore, reduced gearbox torque truncation in lower gears provides more available torque for both EcoBoost and TDCi diesel.

All these updates are showcased on the EcoSport S in Geneva, a sporty version featuring a Deep Impact Blue body color, black roof without roof rails, mirror caps, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear diffuser element and privacy glass.