2018 Ford EcoSport Titanium to WNC Nature Center

Rear hatch swing door allows good access to your supplies

Asheville's Wildlife Park

There is a current TV commercial about the 2018 EcoSport, and I can report that after driving the Titanium 4WD model up to Asheville, this compact SUV is just a neat vehicle with nice technology. Fun, capable and connected is the pitch from Ford Motor Co. and the EcoSport delivers. Heading up the Saluda grade into Western North Carolina, older cars were making their way to the right side lanes, but this Ford never tired of the fast lane. I utilized the 8-inch touchscreen to switch between navigation and satellite radio, heading for my first visit to Asheville's Wildlife Park.

EcoSport with moonroof crossing Gashes Creek Bridge

A public swimming pool facility adjacent to the WNC Nature Center was jam packed with folks looking to cool off in the summer sun. One keeps driving uphill to reach the Nature Center, which is nestled among a public soccer field complex and the winding Gashes Creek near Swannoa. The Southern Appalachian Mountains are the reason for this facility, and the desire to provide a connection between that ecosystem and the public, including an exhibit with over 60 species of animals on a 42-acre campus. The facility is run by the Asheville Parks and Recreation Department and is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Sync 3 Dash system features voice-recognition,
Apple Car Play, 911 Assist and Valet Mode

The Lightening Blue color and the ebony black leather seats go well together. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with a 6-speed automatic with select shift run smooth, providing great gas milage that goes 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Push to start ignition and rain-sensing wipers are just a couple of the modern conveniences on this Ford. The air conditioning has a nee MAX A/C button that works well when just getting into a hot car that needs cooling, or perhaps roll back the moonroof to get a larger puff of outside air. You can't drive with the rear hatch swing door open, but when trunk access is required this is such a good feature - and not just your ordinary fifth-door option.

To view past blog entires about Ford Motor Co. click on 2017 Raptor