Ford introduces new Ecosport as its first global compact SUV in Brazil and later in Asian markets. Recently, Ford of Europe did the same designed for global market but announced it was his first Kuga compact sport utility vehicle. Both Ford Ecosport and Kuga offer passenger car-like comfort and SUV versatility that deliver superior fuel efficiency, class-leading safety and cutting edge technologies. The cheaper Ecosport is more welcomed in Brazil in view of the high taxes that slowdown in selling luxury SUVs. Kuga is badly hit as consumers are more likely in search of fuel efficient small SUV. However, in China Kuga is selling as good as Ecosport due to lower taxes. In fact Kuga attracted more attention than Ecosport and apparently selling more when the two compact SUVs were exposed, one beside the other, in the Hall of Beijing during the show. To create an SUV cheaper and profitable to do in Brazil, Ford designed the EcoSport B on a platform, a compact hatchback with spare tire from the outside.
This could save space with this approach but at the same time it also challenges most SUV manufacturers since most of them now no longer carry the spare tire from the outside. As for the Kuga with more space than the Ecosport, comes with more technology. The features include Ecoboost engine which is more powerful and efficient. For Ecosport it has its minor benefit such as electric lock lid of the trunk, thrown into a hidden crevice of the right tail light. But for more advance technology designed for the Kuga, it has a system of automatic opening lid, triggered by the movement of the foot below the rear bumper. That shows the differences between development and underdevelopment. However, the Kuga left panel of the interior looks like Ecosport, following the visual identity of the Ford world, known as kinetic design. Ford designed the EcoSport and Kuga as well as other models with the customers in mind in addition to fuel efficiency, world-class safety, powerful performance and practical versatility. With different SUVs flooding the market each year with more advance technology what do you prefer for an SUV - luxury or affordable type? SUV for your family needs.
Still, the traction on offer is excellent, helping turn the car a little more from the rear and boosting agility. The RS is always raring to go. It’s firm in the standard mode, with hyper-alert steering, while initiating the RS mode for the dampers will have you pogoing up and down in your seat; the chassis is very firm. There is no doubt this hatch has the hot element covered, but it doesn’t have the breadth of ability of the Civic. Testers’ notes: “The RS was developed with help from rally driver and YouTube sensation Ken Block. The Focus RS is even more pumped up than its ST stablemate, with its huge grille and roof spoiler. But the Honda takes things to another level with its outlandish wheelarches, racy bodykit and massive wing. It makes the Ford look toned down when you put the two together like this. Each of these hot hatches offers ballistic straight-line performance, but they’re also fantastic at scrubbing off speed.
The Ford’s brakes are very strong and inspire confidence, but the Honda’s seem even sharper and the pedal gives plenty of feel. Both the RS (Rallye Sport) and Type R brands have heritage and loyal UK fans. Type Rs arrived in the nineties, and fast Fords have used the RS badge since the seventies. They now mark the top of each brand’s performance ranges. The Honda Civic Type R is the new hot-hatch king. A clever new chassis set-up means it’s more fun than ever without being too stiff for use on the road. Meanwhile, the strong in-gear performance feels more usable than before, and the car delivers sweet steering, slick shifts and incredible grip. It’s also really spacious and feels more up to date than the Focus RS. The 4WD Focus RS offers something a bit different from the Honda, so there’s no shame in coming second. It’s still a bargain considering the huge performance on offer, and it’s nearly as accomplished as the Civic in terms of handling. The Ford falls behind a little on ride and in-car tech, but you can’t go wrong with either of these amazing hot hatches. The VW Golf R is still one of our favourite hot hatches, and thanks to its powerful turbo and 4WD, it’s nearly as fun to drive as our rivals here. It’s also more practical than either and easier to live with - just not as exciting. It has the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 4WD combination as the Focus and Golf, but the A 45 is much more powerful. Performance is incredible and the cabin feels upmarket, but it’s not as involving as its rivals and costs quite a bit more.
