Dressing up regular cars to look like their performance cousins is big business. And for Ford, that business is called ST-Line, in "honor" of the Fiesta and Focus ST.
Right now, those are the only two models that deserve the two letters, which famously make you think of sanitary towels. However, there's a whole heap of ST-Line models that are usually powered by small diesel engines.
Soon, they ST-Line roster will be joined by the EcoSport, as a test prototype wearing the body kit and badges was photographed completely undisguised in Spain.
The photos snapped by Decochas reveal everything we needed to know. A full array of skirts and spoilers change the front bumper, rear bumper and also add a bit of flair to the roof of the tiny crossover.
While we like the idea of a cheap Ford crossover, everything about the EcoSport is hard to swallow. Over the years, it's been tarted up with things like a new grille, big wheels and lowered suspension, ignoring all the major design lines set by the Brazilians. The best example of this is the trunk - initially intended to have an outer spare wheel and side hinges.
Just like its big brother, the Kuga, the EcoSport's front end looks like somebody swallowing a bitter lemon.
Unless we're mistaken, the AWD system is also new for Europe. While in America that's supposed to come with a naturally-aspirated 2-liter, the Europeans are likely to pair the 4x4 traction with a 1.0 EcoBoost or 1.5-liter diesel.
The bits we do like about the ST-Line include the wheels and the fact that it's got a contrasting roof and pillars (painted black). However, the fact that there's no visible exhaust system "uncovers" the fakery.
The interior should get only minimal changes, like red stitching for the steering wheel and gear shifter, or a new piece of trim. But with the Frankfurt Motor Show just around the corner, the EcoSport ST-Line could be revealed in the next few days.
Soon, they ST-Line roster will be joined by the EcoSport, as a test prototype wearing the body kit and badges was photographed completely undisguised in Spain.
The photos snapped by Decochas reveal everything we needed to know. A full array of skirts and spoilers change the front bumper, rear bumper and also add a bit of flair to the roof of the tiny crossover.
While we like the idea of a cheap Ford crossover, everything about the EcoSport is hard to swallow. Over the years, it's been tarted up with things like a new grille, big wheels and lowered suspension, ignoring all the major design lines set by the Brazilians. The best example of this is the trunk - initially intended to have an outer spare wheel and side hinges.
Just like its big brother, the Kuga, the EcoSport's front end looks like somebody swallowing a bitter lemon.
Unless we're mistaken, the AWD system is also new for Europe. While in America that's supposed to come with a naturally-aspirated 2-liter, the Europeans are likely to pair the 4x4 traction with a 1.0 EcoBoost or 1.5-liter diesel.
The bits we do like about the ST-Line include the wheels and the fact that it's got a contrasting roof and pillars (painted black). However, the fact that there's no visible exhaust system "uncovers" the fakery.
The interior should get only minimal changes, like red stitching for the steering wheel and gear shifter, or a new piece of trim. But with the Frankfurt Motor Show just around the corner, the EcoSport ST-Line could be revealed in the next few days.