Just a few hours after surfacing online, the 2018 Ford EcoSport has been officially unveiled for the North American market ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Although Ford says the model is all-new, it is essentially just a facelifted version of the EcoSport available elsewhere in the world. Nevertheless, it acts as an interesting addition to Ford’s North American range and according to the brand, “is a perfect companion for those who believe in going small and living big”.

Customers of the 2018 EcoSport will be able to opt for either a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine or a larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Ford hasn’t released technical specifications of these engines just yet but has confirmed that the 2.0-liter unit will come paired with a four-wheel drive system as standard. Both will then be coupled with six-speed automatic transmissions.

Despite the model’s small size, Ford has packed the cabin full with all of its latest technologies, including the new B&O Play audio system as standard on the EcoSport Titanium featuring 10 speakers and 675 watts of power. This audio system was developed in part by acoustic engineers from Harman and promises to provide an excellent listening environment.

Elsewhere, the EcoSport includes SiriusXM satellite radio, a dual FM radio antenna and HD Radio technology incorporated into Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system. The 8-inch system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also found within the sub-compact SUV are two fast-charging USB ports, two 12-volt power outlets and a 110-volt outlet.

In total, customers will be able to opt between four different trim levels, the S, SE, SES and Titanium. All are offered with the same palette of 10 exterior color options as well as seven ambient lighting options. While the Titanium is the range-topper, the SES is the sportiest of the four and includes four-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension and steering as well as copper accents throughout the interior, including on the sport seats.

Ford says the EcoSport will arrive in local dealerships in early 2018. Prices have yet to be released.

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