FORD has cleverly added to the appeal of its compact, keenly priced EcoSport SUV by creating an Active version.
This gives the blue oval badged machine beefed-up exterior looks that match the expectations of the kind of busy, outdoors-oriented people that are likely to buy it.
Better still, the practical interior doesn’t compromise on comfort and technology, making the Active model a pleasing place to be on longer journeys.
It certainly has a greater road presence than the standard EcoSport, with a bold grille and light clusters, contrasting gloss black roof and striking bi-tone 17in alloys.
A raised ride height, wider wheel arches and lower body black cladding enable it to better tackle rougher road surfaces and potholes.
Inside, you’ll find plenty of leather and faux leather complemented by attractive pale blue stitching, and it’s easy to get a comfortable driving position – aided by a sliding centre armrest.
There is decent room for four adults or a family of five, who will all enjoy a decent view thanks to the high seating position.
The floor of the sensibly shaped boot can be raised to create a hidden compartment or lowered to create a 356-litre luggage area. And folding the rear seats creates an impressive 1238 litres of storage space to take the likes of camping gear.
A highlight for all on board is Ford’s infotainment system – which features a three-way split, eight-inch touchscreen floating at the top of the dash.
It has full smartphone connectivity, voice control, intelligent sat nav and is easy to use, especially as you can see music, phone and map details all at the same time.
The set-up also allows for internet connectivity and has an emergency assistance function to call for help should you have an accident.
There is also a very effective automatic air con system as well as powered windows front and back, and heated door mirrors. Other standard driver aids include auto lights and wipers, cruise control, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.
You’ll also enjoy the benefits of traffic sign recognition and an intelligent speed limiter, but hopefully not need the pre-collision assist that includes automatic emergency braking.
Ford offers a range of very reasonably priced optional extras – at least three of which on the test vehicle would be on my tick list.
A £600 Driver Assistance Pack adds safety benefits such as a driver attention alert, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, front parking sensors and auto high beam.
The X-Pack, also costing just £600, adds luxuries such as a 10-speaker, surround-sound B&O audio system, power-folding mirrors and keyless entry and start.
It would seem churlish, too, given how cold the Scottish weather can be, not to treat yourself to the £300 Winter Pack, with heated front seats and heated steering wheel.
And the EcoSport Active is definitely able to deftly handle our weather-ravaged road surfaces north of the Border.
However, while the steering is responsive and the commanding view inspires confidence, you will notice some wallow through bends due to the softish suspension and high-sided design.
Nonetheless, the driving experience is largely very relaxing and enjoyable – ideal if you’ve had a hard day of outdoor activity, for example.
The Active is offered with just one engine choice – the award-winning, three-cylinder, 1.0-litre EcoBoost unit. Driving the front wheels, it’s mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and develops 125PS.
This enables it to get up to 62mph in 11 seconds and on to a top speed of 111mph, and proves capable both around town and out on the open road.
With a basic on-the-road price starting at £21,900 including premium paintwork, fuel economy will also suit those on a budget, as it has an average mpg of 47.1 and CO2 emissions of 137g/km.
I can certainly see plenty of those people in the market for a smaller, rugged-looking SUV plumping for the EcoSport Active.
