The 'BK' generation Ford EcoSport (often considered the 1st generation in Europe and Asia, but technically the 2nd in South America) is a B-segment urban SUV based on the Fiesta Mk6 platform. Initially designed for emerging markets (Brazil, India), it was adapted for Europe with mixed success in its early days due to a rustic finish and improvable road handling. A major update in late 2015 corrected the situation (soundproofing, revised running gear, removal of the backpack spare wheel as an option). Diesel Focus: The 1.5 TDCi is the most pragmatic and reliable choice for this model, avoiding the pitfalls of the petrol engines (wet belt of the 1.0 EcoBoost) and problematic automatic gearboxes.
The first global generation Ford EcoSport is a vehicle of contrasts. Designed on a budget, it falls short with its finish and side-opening trunk. However, with the 1.5 TDCi engine, it is an extremely rational and reliable used choice. This small diesel engine, freed from the flaws of the old 1.6 TDCi 16v, proves to be indestructible if well maintained and used on the road. Buying advice: Favor a post-2015 1.5 TDCi model (without the spare wheel on the trunk, better soundproofed and better damped). Absolutely avoid 1.0 EcoBoost versions whose belt has not been changed recently, as well as all versions equipped with the Powershift automatic gearbox.