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Not sure if the 2018 Ford EcoSport is your kind of car? We break down each of the features of this crossover SUV to show you there's one perfect model for each type of driver. Find out why Ford calls it a big upgrade in a small package. Safety- and Budget-Conscious If you have small kids, your top priority is to get the safest and most comfortable family car you can afford. Besides, why invest more in a car now when you know you'll probably be worried about getting ink stains on leather seats every other day? more The 2018 Ford EcoSport S model is ideal for you. Standard features include, among others, a rearview camera (it's great to know you don't have to pay extra for such a useful tool), side airbags on front and back rows, and a LATCH system to ensure the little ones are secured. Comfort-Loving Commuters The SE model is built for the driver who doesn't mind paying a little extra money for comfort. This is even more important for people who spend a lot of time on the road. If to you your car is practically your second home, then you'd love these standard features in this model. The list includes electric automatic temperature control, two smart-charging USB ports, a power moonroof, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system. Active and Outdoorsy You often decide weekend road trips on the spur of the moment, and they tend to include hiking for hours or kayaking in a peaceful lake. Does this sound like you? Then the SES model is right up your alley. Reliable and sturdy, the SES performs well, even when you change your mind about what road to take, thanks to the standard Intelligent 4WD System and traction control. Other standard features that come in handy include fog lights, roof rack crossbars, and hill stop assist. Carpool Karaoke Aficionados James Corden fan or not, you're that driver who uses every minute of their commute to sing your favorite songs. Extra bonus points if there's a traffic jam. For you, a car has little to do with the driving experience. You don't care about engine horsepower, but you need the perfect sound system to reach those high notes. The entertainment system that comes standard on the Platinum model is out of this world. We could list all the features, but all it takes is saying it includes the B&O PLAY Premium Audio System, nine speakers, and a subwoofer. Unique and Customized If you prefer a unique car that reflects your personality, you can always build your own model. Browse the 2018 Ford EcoSport page where you can see all the standard features that come with each model and the available upgrade packages. And if you're indecisive between two models, click the comparison tool and select the option only to show you the differences. You can compare up to three models at the same time, or you can count on our experienced staff to show you the different specs in person. Photo by techAUcomau | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

When you think about what the typical American loves to drive and you have to think truck. The Ford Raptor is no exception. The only problem is that the Raptor has yet to land on American soil. Rumor has it that an American-friendly Raptor is scheduled for arrival soon. This is what consumers can expect from this Ford F-150 doppelganger. What Fuels This New Addition? Overseas, the Raptor currently runs on diesel, which is not the ideal situation for Americans. Ford will need to make changes to accommodate gas as the fuel of choice. The current Raptor has a 2-liter engine that provides 210 horsepower, and Americans would want something similar in order to make the most of their off-road adventures. more How the Raptor Compares to Others in Its Class If the Raptor is going to make a dent in any way on the U.S. market, it needs to up its game where power is concerned. The 2-liter engine might not be enough to power its way through its competitors, as consumers will want at least 308 horsepower. This will allow the Raptor to carve out a spot for itself among the likes of the Chevrolet Colorado. Torque is another aspect to consider and could be a game changer for those deciding between the Raptor and other competitors. Why Fans Love the Raptor Those who have had the pleasure of driving a Raptor state that the suspension is what makes this installment from Ford so special. It handles well in tricky situations which bodes well for those who want to do a bit of off-roading. It also has a high clearance, which means boulders and hilly countrysides are no match for the Raptor. As far as Rangers are concerned, this is one for the outdoorsy types. Don't Confuse It With the F-150 Those who believe the Raptor has already landed on US soil are forgiven for getting their models mixed up. Ford has previously released a Raptor under the F-150 banner, and it is a favorite among those who like powerful and intimidating trucks. It's bigger and more powerful than the Ranger and is a treat to those who need it to work hard, such as business owners and those who take their leisure time seriously. It boasts a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that offers an incredible 450 horsepower. The Suspense Is Real While Ford envisages a global release of the Ranger Raptor, they are still mum on the release date for the U.S. This places Ford lovers in a predicament, as there is also no mentioned of starting MSRP as yet either. Those who are looking to change their wheels within the next few months will have to await the formal press release before putting their hopes on the Ranger Raptor. They can expect the price range to come in under the F-150 Raptor, and it also needs to compete with Chevrolet and Nissan, which will give potential customers a ballpark figure of what to expect. With Ford being an American brand, it may be tough for some enthusiasts to understand why the Ranger Raptor wasn't introduced to American soil first before making its appearance in Asia. Photo by JeepersMedia | Licensed under cc by 2.0

Ford Motor Co. has been leading the charge in vehicle modernization for over 100 years. The Ford EcoBoost engine is just one way the company is innovating in areas such as performance and fuel efficiency. There are a lot of engines on the market that claim they can boost your vehicle's performance in these areas, so what makes the Ford EcoBoost engine so amazing? Here is everything you need to know about the Ford EcoBoost Engine. Twin-Independent Variable Cam Timing Traditional engines run combustion on a consistently timed piston rotation. This means no matter what kind of load is being placed on the engine, your engine valves are opening and closing at the same speed. Even the most finely tuned traditional engines don't take the current workload into account and, by their very nature, fuel efficiency optimization is somewhat limited by the overall design of the engine. more The Ford EcoBoost does take current conditions into account. What this means is, when you're putting more demand on the engine, your valves will begin to open and close more quickly and, when the workload is lighter, this rotation will slow down. The result is greater performance when you need it and better fuel efficiency when you don't. Improved Performance With Turbocharging In the Ford EcoBoost engine, vehicle exhaust is stored in a rotating turbine, rather than being expelled, as with most traditional engines. This is important because there is still potential energy in that exhaust that can be harnessed, and that's exactly what EcoBoost does. The turbine that stores this exhaust is connected to a compressor that feeds the pressurized air from the exhaust back into the combustion chamber, which provides a boost of power when your vehicle needs to use this extra energy. Direct Fuel Injection The combustion chamber in your engine doesn't need a lot of fuel at one time to provide maximum power. With this in mind, the EcoBoost engine delivers fuel to the engine in the form of a fine mist, rather than a steady stream. This provides the engine with exactly as much fuel as it needs to achieve proper combustion, generating all the power you need while increasing the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Digital Engine Performance Optimization All of these innovative features are managed by the engine's integrated computer system, which constantly monitors performance and fuel consumption. The algorithms built into the Ford EcoBoost engine's systems are specifically designed to provide you with the right amount of power while maximizing fuel efficiency by only using exactly as much as the engine need when it needs it. If at any time the onboard computer detects an increase in fuel efficiency, it will automatically adjust performance to compensate. The Ford EcoBoost engine is a work of mechanical genius. This is an impressive engine that is beginning to show up in more and more of Ford's most popular models. The next time you're shopping for a car, make sure to look for one that includes this amazing engine. Photo by Sim Br | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0