Ford EcoSport: Designed for efficiency

DUBAI, UAE, 28 February 2021 — When the Ford EcoSport launched more than a decade ago, Ford wanted it to be efficient – in performance and design.

From New York to Casablanca and Dubai, the EcoSport’s exterior design had to spark the imaginations of Ford fans globally.

Ehab Kaoud, Ford’s Chief designer for trucks and SUVs – now based in Detroit – was in charge of delivering this design.

Cover model looks

Faced with a complex task of creating a globally-loved vehicle, he encouraged his design team to think big.

“I asked the designers to imagine their vision for the Ford EcoSport on the cover of their favourite magazine,” Kaoud explained.

The team worked tirelessly on ideas. The result: EcoSport’s premium look coupled with Ford’s design DNA – all the while conscious of the average compact SUV consumer’s budget.

“Take the grille for example; we placed it higher on the front facia giving it a proud, strong stance,” Kaoud said.

“If you look at the profile of the vehicle, the hood incorporates itself into the A-pillar and shoots back, giving the EcoSport a creative and unique silhouette. The design has the brand’s DNA all over it, and when you first look at it, there’s no escaping that it is unmistakably a Ford.”  

Efficient design

The design team wanted to explore ‘efficiency’ in more ways than simply looking at how much fuel the EcoSport consumed.

“Perceived efficiency is not only about the vehicle’s fuel economy, but also visual efficiency. We cut excess materials, specifically excess visual weight,” said Kaoud.

“The headlamps, tail lamps and corners of the EcoSport wrap around the body rather than protrude, and the wheels are flush with the body making the EcoSport sit planted on the road. It gives it that tough, strong appearance when you see it in motion.”

They also took decluttering EcoSport’s surfaces into prime consideration. For example – they incorporated the handle on the rear swing gate into the taillamp – a unique EcoSport design feature.

Now, you just need to press a button on the door handle to release the swing gate…and easily access the cargo area.

Science in design

Living up to the ‘eco’ in EcoSport, the design team also worked towards maximum efficiency. In the design stages, they first created a clay model of the vehicle – allowing engineers and designers to work together to refine its aerodynamics.

Edges of the top corner – of the rear – the taillight, and rear quarter window, incorporated with Kaoud’s efficient wraparound design, allows EcoSport to function impressively in the wind tunnel.

Designing with science doesn’t stop with aerodynamics. Safety plays a large part, too – it’s every bit as important to the design process.

Going beyond just airbags and seatbelts, design teams throughout Ford delve deeper. They account for the prescribed legal requirements of safety. And in doing so, give customers peace of mind when driving any Ford vehicle.

For example: The A, B and C pillars on the EcoSport have added heft. This protects passengers much better in the event of a rollover. Designers added elements to the pillars in order to create an improved field of view around the vehicle; not to mention making the space less claustrophobic.

“Science tells us how drivers position themselves, and how they might see out of the vehicle.

“There are certain parameters of the A-pillar which design cannot circumvent, but by adding a small window – placed at the bottom of the A-pillar – we give it an airy look and feel. And, importantly, the surface doesn’t impede vision,” Kaoud explained.

The smart design of the Ford EcoSport no doubt helps it stand out amongst compact SUVs. Efficient both inside and out – it displays iconic Ford looks and undeniable Ford DNA…and is optimised for aerodynamic efficiency and – above all else – to be a safe and stylish vehicle for families.