THE Ford EcoSport is essentially a Fiesta-sized chassis with taller ride height, old-school off-roader styling and a serious emphasis on practicality.

It was initially designed for South American markets, but as part of Ford's efforts to sell the same models in every market, here it is.

Ford is hoping that a little bit of retro charm and some space-maximising features will win the day in the crowded small SUV corner of the market.

Looking bigger than it actually is, due to clever penmanship from the designers, the EcoSport is chunky and mildly imposing. Ford has downsized without sacrificing usefulness, so while the boot is tall and great for piling plenty of stuff in behind the rear seats, the cabin is spacious enough for five at a pinch.

It's the little things that make the difference, like being able to fit large drinks bottles into special recesses in the front doors, and like a huge air conditioned glove box. The sliding tray beneath the front passenger seat is just one of 20 clever storage solutions.

For the first time Ford is offering an SUV-type vehicle with its 1.0-litre Ecoboost turbocharged petrol engine, and it's the pick of the range. Beneath its thrummy character there's enough muscle to push the Ecosport along at a modest rate, and while it's not as nippy as the Fiesta it has plenty of pace around town.

What's particularly pleasing, though, is how undemanding it is in an urban setting. The controls are nicely weighted, the light steering helps with parking in tight spaces, and despite appearances it's as wieldy as a supermini.

This second-generation EcoSport comes in a range of three trim levels, and the facelifted model comes better equipped.

The most noticeable change is that the spare tyre has been discarded from the impractical horizontally-opening rear door.

Entry-level Zetec trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, electric windows, hill start assist, radio/CD player with Ford Sync and USB connection and a leather steering wheel.

Titanium spec adds keyless entry and go, cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, and half-leather seats.

However, Ford will be hoping you splash out for Titanium S trim level, which comes with 17-inch alloys, sports suspension, rear privacy glass, LED signature lights and a Sony DAB system.

Ford is looking at two ends of the spectrum. Firstly there's the older buyer who will embrace a car that is easy to get in and out of and gives a commanding view of the road. On the other hand there is the younger buyer, who appreciates the practical family-biased touches that make it feel a lot bigger and more spacious than it really is.

As befits a market sector focused more on urban agility than the ability to climb every mountain, the EcoSport is front-wheel drive only. Up front you’ve the choice of Ford’s awarding winning three-cylinder, 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol motor and frugal 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel and petrol unit, all matched to a slick five-speed manual gearbox.

Bash-proof plastics abound in the cabin, which, while coming close to that of a Fiesta or Focus, are the obvious sign of the EcoSport’s low cost roots. Still, what you can see and touch is of a good standard, and the controls and displays will be familiar to existing Ford owners.

It’s fair to say that, in 1.0-litre EcoBoost trim the car is best suited to relaxed urban motoring. Brisk performance is easily achievable but push hard and you’ll soon be jealous of the extra torque and smoothness of the diesel motor. .

Other cars might have stolen a march in this market sector but Ford’s EcoSport can stand tall, confident that it has the requisite talents to meet many of its rivals head on.