Ford Ecosport Ecoboost test drive in UAE

You know that downsizing is reaching its potential when a three-cylinder makes more power than a four-cylinder, and revs about in a more refined manner without ringing at the redline incessantly.

That’s exactly the case with Ford’s three-pot Ecosport Ecoboost, and right off the bat, as good as it is, its delicate little innards and turbocharging means it’s simply not suitable for the extreme Middle East climate.

The ‘small SUV’ corner of the market is becoming ever more crowded, with just about everyone getting in on the action, most recently Chevrolet with its Trax and soon enough Hyundai with its upcoming ix25. Even Fiat is bringing the 500L Trekking to our shores this December, powered by the company’s 165bhp 1.4-litre turbo four. Ford is hoping that a little bit of retro charm and space-maximising features will win the day.

If the Ecosport was playing Practicality Poker it would be holding a royal flush. Ford has downsized without sacrificing usefulness, which is brilliant to see.

But it’s the little things that make the difference, such as a huge air-conditioned glove box and being able to fit large drinks bottles into special recesses in the front doors.

And as for that 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine, it’s made it into an SUV-type Ford vehicle for the first time and it’s the pick of the bunch. (Elsewhere in Asia buyers can also choose a 1.5-litre diesel.)

Just a shame it’s forbidden fruit, though.