New Ford EcoSport spotted on test

What you are looking at here is a fairly updated version of the Ford EcoSport. Compared to the recently upgraded versions for the UK and the Indian market, this new model is expected to come with a refreshed design for the front and the rear end. More importantly, the latter was spotted on test in Michigan, indicating that the new EcoSport could be headed for the US markets as well.

Looking at the heavy camouflage across the front and the rear end, it seems the new EcoSport will feature various trim and bits from the bigger Edge and the recently revised Escape crossover models. This new model, however, continues to wear its spare tyre on the tailgate. 

While Ford has already improved the overall refinement and comfort levels in the European-spec EcoSport earlier this year, it is possible that the brand could make further changes for the US markets. 

The EcoSport was originally developed keeping India and the Asia-Pacific markets in mind, but eventually sold across most of the world. The latter decision hasn't gone down too well especially in European markets where the highly competitive crossover segment has yielded impressive entries such as the Renault Captur, Mazda CX-3 and the Honda HR-V. Ford, then, will have its work cut out with this new EcoSport in competing with brands including Honda, Mazda and Subaru if the brand is to sell the vehicle in the US markets.