Ford takes to Facebook to sell special model

FORD HAS TAKEN the unusual step of selling 500 examples of its EcoSport crossover on the social networking site Facebook.

Based on the Fiesta, the EcoSport combines elements of the small supermini with a raised ride height, taller body and chunky details to create a compact crossover. Underneath the tough exterior the EcoSport comes with a choice of the impressive 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol or 1.5-litre 90bhp diesel unit.

In keeping with the EcoSport’s sales method it also comes with the latest version of Ford’s Sync AppLink infortainment system, which uses a touchscreen and downloadable apps to give the kind of functionality more associated with a smartphone or tablet.

The latest additions to the system are Autoread, which can read out emails and texts messages to the driver and also allows them to dictate a reply using the car’s built-in voice recognition system. The same system can also be used to book hotels through the Hotels.com app.

The Ford EcoSport starts at £16,995 for the petrol EcoBoost model, and with only 140 examples coming to the UK it is likely to sell out fast.

Just 500 units of the car - 120 destined for the UK market - have been made available to order through the social networking site, with reports suggesting stocks are selling out fast.

Priced from £16,995, the EcoSport limited edition is available with either a 123bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine or a 90bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine.

The limited-edition models also include an expanded version of Ford's Sync AppLink infotainment system, which benefits from new apps and functionality.

Autoread is perhaps the biggest addition to the system. The programme, available on iOS and android devices, reads out emails and text messages and allows users to dictate replies via the car's voice-recognition service.Inkeep

Elsewhere, TomTom has signed up to provide satellite-navigation coverage, while motorists can also use voice-activation to book hotel rooms via the new Hotels.com app. Nearby events are also displayed thanks to a Wcities Eventseeker app.

By Press Association reporters