Ford EcoSport SUV unveiled: Here in 2013

[barra240t]

Not supposed to be an AWD nor for off road. I agree, pricing and marketing are key to make this a big seller.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by mac_man_luke

Is this seriously going to be FWD only? if so that will kill it.

Why?, these things are designed for the tarmac only, like most cars

[mac_man_luke]

Yea but AWDs drive so much nicer and say you happen to drive onto some wet grass it certainly will help

Mum has a Subaru liberty and looking at going to an eco sport but will not consider anything other than AWD after having one. Will have to look at the other options.

[mac_man_luke]

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

Why?, these things are designed for the tarmac only, like most cars

AWD is still of benefit in a road going car and people will take them places they wouldnt a hatch or sedan.

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by mac_man_luke

AWD is still of benefit in a road going car and people will take them places they wouldnt a hatch or sedan.

theres as many resons as ten years ago. These days awd is nearly nothing in a non performance car, as the safety systems cut in and do the same if not better job in bad conditions. Fuel economy is the biggest gain. Most awds now only use the front wheels unless slip is detected and then it sends some power to the rear.
If your heading offroad....your tyre type and ground clearance would be bigger factors then the type of awd system being used.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by mac_man_luke

AWD is still of benefit in a road going car and people will take them places they wouldnt a hatch or sedan.

I kind of agee, but for 99% ofvthe time the FWD will be fine.
AWD will only add to the price and running cost will be more of an issue for this to sell.

[JG34JA]

Agree for the most too, but having AWD might be seen as the 'hero' model - almost all SUV's have it...

[jpd80]

Ford actually said that this is their Urban Utility (SUV) and as such
the majority of intended buyers will never contemplate going off road.

In South American countries, there's a different case for a diesel AWD
Ecosport, that's why an AWD version was developed for there.else.

[Luke Plaizier]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Ford actually said that this is their Urban Utility (SUV)

<Cough> UUV <Cough>

[ryeman]

So many 4WD/AWDs are soft roaders and v rarely spin the front wheels and activate the rear drive and as such with limited ground clearance FWD is a more rational system which certainly from my experience get you far enough to get you ultimately into trouble if you want that sort of excitement.