A weekend spent in the Ford EcoSport Black

The Ford EcoSport is a firm favourite among families, empty nesters and, well, everyone really! One just has to look at the sales numbers to see just how popular this compact SUV is. Guaranteed you know someone who drives one! I can’t even count the number of friends and family members who own one. Not that it needed to, but Ford has added a limited edition model to its line up and I got to spend some time in it.

PARENTING WEEKENDS

Things have changed quite drastically since Luca came in to our lives. As any parent can relate, I am sure, sh*t just got real! We can no longer just head off in to the yonder, all carefree and smug. Nope, every single detail of every single day now needs to be planned out. Well it does for me because, as you may have noticed, I am a control freak. So when Ford asked if we wanted to take the Ford EcoSport Black away for a weekend my first reaction was, “hell yes,” but then I remembered that there is just a bit too much planning that goes in to a weekend for us at this stage. And if I am honest, the EcoSport boot would just never, in a million years, be able to fit us all in. Even if I took out my husband, Luca and Archie, there would still not be enough space, I need an Everest-amount of space.

But we are always looking for things to do on the weekends that will keep Luca occupied (read: tire him out). And so Ford said, “Go for a drive and do some cool stuff,” and I was all for it. So we woke up nice and early on Saturday morning (not by choice mind you, thanks Luca), and off we headed in the direction of Butterfly World near Franschhoek. We timed this with Luca’s morning nap thinking he would fall asleep as we left and voila, 45 minutes later we would arrive and he would be all fresh-faced and excited about his outing. Typically, he decided to wait until we were only 15 minutes away from Butterfly World to fall asleep, so we drove past. In hind sight it was for the best, my husband Googled it and it turns out that there are no Butterflies at Butterfly World at the moment. Damn Covid!

#ECOSPORTBLACK

We decided to head straight to Franschhoek and actually, it gave us some time to not only enjoy the scenery, but also take stock of the car I was driving. I am not a fan of limited edition models, I find them to be a bit gimmicky and they cost more, so what is the point? But the EcoSport Black actually looks pretty cool. It is based on the Ambiente 1.5 Auto model but adds several dark-hued feature enhancements. The front grille and skid plate are finished in black and the theme continues on the bonnet too with a bold black decal insert on the upper section of the hood that matches the painted black roof. Integrated black roof rails add both sporting flair and practicality to the package. It boasts 16-inch black alloy wheels that replace the 15-inch steel rims with wheel trims on the standard EcoSport Ambiente. And also adds black side decals and mirror caps, while the rear of the vehicle features a black spare wheel cover as standard.

If you missed my video on the Ambiente 1.5 Auto (shame on you), back when we were footloose and fancy free, take a look. This will give you all the info you need on the ride and drive of this car.

FUN-FILLED MOMENTS

We ended up having the most lovely time in Franschhoek as we headed shoe shopping (for me) and then to the market (for my husband). We walked the streets until it was time to get Luca back in his seat for his afternoon nap. Oh what we would have done to be able to hit a wine farm (with a driver)! As much as I hate that the boot is too small for me, for a day like this, and so for those who don’t need space, the EcoSport offers such a comfortable, fuss-free and easy drive. It ticks all the boxes really! If you want to spend the extra on what is essentially added styling, then be my guest, because there is no denying that regardless of which EcoSport you get, you’ll have yourself an excellent little car!

Saturday afternoon was spent picnicking at Green Point Park and then my husband and I were fortunate enough to head out for dinner in the EcoSport Black for a date night. We went to one of our favourite spots that reminded me of the EcoSport in a way. It is not a fancy place, there are no frills or fuss, it serves incredible food and you always feel comfortable and satisfied.

Take a look at our little day out in the #EcoSportBlack

PRICING OF THE ECOSPORT BLACK

EcoSport Black 1.5 6AT: R336 900

All EcoSport models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A four-year/60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.