[Saw an Ecosport for the first time in the flesh]

Bigger wheels typically improve ride quality, performance, and durability over uneven pavement (especially potholes). The other thing worth pointing out is that the EcoSport is the only vehicle in the class with a 4-lug instead of 5-lug wheel. It's not a big deal but in addition to the small wheel well, it's another factor limiting the size of the tires that can fit on the EcoSport.

 

The smart thing about the EcoSport is that because they are using a more inexpensive foundation than it's competition, they are able to squeeze out far more profits for the same price while offering more amenities.

[Saw an Ecosport for the first time in the flesh]

Assimilator...why do you veiw it as a weakness...its quirky and is no more limiting in terms of space when open than a regular liftgate......AND its a talking point....called, find the release....but seriously, open it takes up no more space than a liftgate ( we measured ) only downer is if its raining...no metal umbrella as such....

 

 

None of the issues are big but there are no advantages to a swing gate over a lift gate and quite a few drawbacks which just makes it more clumsy and an obvious disadvantage. The swing gate needs much more clearance than a lift gate which makes it challenging in parking lots, garages, or if you have a shopping cart behind your vehicle. It can only be approached from one side of the car when it's opened, in this case the passenger side rather than the driver side. It can't be partially closed when hauling longer items. It also poses a problem for bike racks or trailered items. Other minor issues include silly things like people who don't know how to operate the door for pickups and dropoffs. Although it's available in other markets I believe, the EcoSport doesn't offer a powered gate in the US either which is something you'll find on its competition. The reason the swing gate exists is to accommodate the spare tire.

[Tesla Model 3 review]

I'm not a huge fan of the screen-only interface but a few things are actually clever improvements such as the vent controls which allow you to adjust airflow without reaching for each individual vent.

[Saw an Ecosport for the first time in the flesh]

The wheels/tires on the EcoSport are unusually small for the segment which typically go up to 20" like the Trax and Encore. It's also by far the shortest in the segment while retaining the same height which contributes to its peculiar proportions and MPV-ish look. Although its has the smallest interior in the segment, it's not that far off from the norm for something so much shorter than average so it's an unusually efficienct package thanks to that ugly shape.

 

I actually think the EcoSport is kinda "cute", certainly more crude looking than the Trax or HR-V but it has some charm because of it like a Jeep Renegade or Kia Soul. It's certainly overpriced but it's fairly feature rich for the segment with things like AWD, BLIS, 8" Touch Screen, Heated Steering Wheel and more. I think it will do fairly well assuming it's not a quality/safety/critical disaster but it's a good Escape facsimile which will probably cause enough cross shopping to keep it moving regardless. The biggest drawback will definitely be the swing gate, I'm sure that will stop quite a few sales unless quirkiness is the selling point.

 

Otherwise most US critics have remarked that it feels and drives better than it looks and it's often praised for it's comfortable seats and tight handling. It may not handle itself as well in comparisons which will be inevitable.

[2016 Front Windscreen Wipers Stopped Working]

This happened to my Dad's 2015 Ford Edge under the same circumstances, he never found out what caused it. It would only work again after he turned the car off.