LONG-TERM UPDATE 2 | Our Ford EcoSport still has game after all these years

Who would have thought that a Ford EcoSport would be gracing our long-term fleet in 2023. Certainly not me, that's for damn sure. I mean this is, after all, a compact crossover that was first launched to the local market in 2013 — a time when the rand was 10 to the dollar and I could chug more than four beers without fear of a hangover. Yeah, a decade is a long time in human years but when converted to car years it’s an aeon.

As such I was expecting our jolly Luxe Yellow EcoSport Active to feel olde worlde but fortunately this wasn’t the case. Sure, certain elements of the interior look and feel outdated but a refresh in 2018 added modern niceties such as a floating eight-inch colour touchscreen that sits proudly on the middle of the dashboard.

Wired to a Ford Sync 2.5 infotainment system, it gives you clear and easy access to Apple CarPlay — or Android Auto if that’s more your vibe — and all the Apps you need to get your driving done. It works well and unlike some other budget systems (yes, I’m looking at you Suzuki) operates with a degree of polish with no lag or hanging episodes so far.

There’s also a smart leather multifunction steering wheel, two USB-A ports and voice control functionality that lets you make calls and listen to text messages — a technology I have made use of. But, hey, some people dig it and Ford needs to cater for everyone.

Another standard feature is a set of rear parking sensors, which, like my colleague Brenwin Naidu, I don’t trust because I’m not sure whether they factor in the enormous spare wheel cover protruding from the rear hatch. There were occasions while manoeuvring where I put the EcoSport into park and got out to check how much space I had before that plastic outer shell came to grief — or the huge Isuzu double cab my neighbour insists on parking right behind my carport. I hate to bring this up again but I think it’s something Ford should clarify.

As you already know, our EcoBoost Active is powered by the Blue Oval’s 1.0 EcoBoost engine that promises 6.3l/100km on the combined cycle. During my weeklong tenure I made several trips to and from Zwartkops Raceway and driving at the legal limit was able to get the fuel economy meter to a respectable 6.1l/100km. You would probably manage better with a six-speed manual gearbox but then you’d lose out on the smooth and easy-going six-speed auto that helps make everyday traffic jams more bearable.

Talking of smoothness, I was also impressed at how well the EcoSport Active rides. With its squishy 205/60 R17 tyres and a suspension tuned to tackle the odd dirt road or two, this compact crossover made easy work of the scabby Johannesburg road network.

What’s next on the itinerary? A drive to the Western Cape towards the end of March: a road trip with my best friend that’s sure to put the EcoBoost Active’s long-distance legs, luggage space and general cabin comfort to the test.

FORD 1.0 ECOSPORT ACTIVE 6AT: UPDATE 2

PRICE: R393,700

ODOMETER ON DELIVERY: 10,000km

CURRENT ODOMETER: 10,995km

AVERAGE CONSUMPTION: 6.1l/100km

PRAISES: Despite its age there’s certainly some life in the old dog yet

GRIPES: Again, that huge spare wheel cover is causing parking anxiety