Ford Ecosport compact SUV

* Fiesta-based SUV * Sportier styling and clever tech * On sale at the end of the year...

Ford Ecosport compact SUV

The Ford Ecosport compact SUV has made its debut at the 2013 Geneva motor show.

Built on the Ford Fiesta platform, the Ecosport has a higher driving position and more aggressive styling than the best-selling supermini. The large grille and narrow headlights give the Ecosport a sporty appearance and make it look like a smaller Ford Kuga.

The Ecosport will be powered by a choice of three engines: a 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine that produces 123bhp, a 109bhp 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel with an output of 89bhp. Performance figures haven't been revealed.

Ford Sync features prominently in the Ecosport. It provides the driver with a voice-controlled infotainment system and the new Ford Sync Applink, which connects to smartphones and allows the driver to control smartphone functions without touching the device.

Ford Sync also incorporates an emergency assistance feature that contacts emergency services if it detects the car's been involved in an accident.

The Ecosport joins the Kuga in the Ford SUV family. It is expected that they will be joined by the Ford Edge a larger, upmarket SUV at a later date.

It will arrive in UK dealerships at the end of this year. Prices are yet to be announced.

By Matthew Burrow