The Ford EcoSport Storm stands out for its bolder and more urban look, lending sportiness to a vehicle that could otherwise be considered discreet. Ford utilized this aesthetic in the Storm version during the final years of the EcoSport's production.
This model managed to combine a distinctive design with high-end finishing features, making it an attractive alternative for those seeking a raised vehicle with a robust appearance, good performance, and even the option of 4x4 traction for limited adventures.
The first generation of the Ford EcoSport was introduced in February 2003, marking a new concept for the sport utility body. Originating from the Fiesta hatchback, it emerged as the most accessible SUV in the country, offering 1.0, 1.0 Supercharger, 1.6, and 2.0 engine options.
Initially, the EcoSport was predominantly urban, and only in 2005 did it gain on-demand all-wheel drive capability, a change driven by insistence from Ford of the United States. However, 4WD variants represented only about 2% of sales during this initial period.
The second generation of the EcoSport was launched in July 2012, maintaining its urban essence but now derived from the New Fiesta. In the higher configurations, the 2.0 engine remained, while the 1.6 8V was replaced by the 1.6 16V Sigma.
This second generation was equipped with the Powershift gearbox, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which caused problems for several owners. In 2019, Ford introduced the Storm version for the EcoSport, characterized by a sportier design, a 2.0 engine, and all-wheel drive.
Subsequently, Ford had the opportunity to replace the EcoSport's 1.6 engine with the 1.5 Dragon and swap the Powershift for a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. In 2021, Ford ended its manufacturing operations in Brazil, and the SUV concluded its trajectory, accumulating over 720,000 registrations over 18 years.
The EcoSport was the second product of the Brazilian Ford's Amazon project, which began with the fifth-generation Fiesta manufactured at the automaker's new plant in Camaçari (BA) starting in 2002, a factory that currently belongs to BYD.
There are reports that the first sketch of the Eco was made on a restaurant napkin. However, Ford also considered competitor movements, such as Fiat's Adventure versions, and market research indicating that less than 5% of SUV owners used 4x4 traction.
For this reason, the EcoSport was conceived without the 4x4 option and built on a unibody chassis. Nearly ten years later, other brands recognized this need, and today the market is dominated by truly urban SUVs, largely thanks to the first Eco.
While competitors reacted, Ford kept the EcoSport as the best-selling SUV for over a decade. Sales began to be significantly affected in the second half of the 2010s with the arrival of a series of compact crossovers.
The Ford EcoSport Storm was launched in 2019, drawing attention mainly for its more sober look. This includes the black grille with the version name embossed on a horizontal bar, darkened headlight lenses, and a bumper distinct from the rest of the line.
This front design was inspired by the front of the previous generation F-150 Raptor pickup (which was not yet scheduled for sale in Brazil). On the sides, the vehicle boasts 17-inch alloy wheels with an exclusive design and body decals. At the rear, there is a custom spare tire cover and darkened taillights.
Although based on the top-of-the-line Titanium version, the Storm incorporated darkened patterns on the roof lining and dashboard. Orange accent details were added to the bottom of the multimedia screen, door handles, and center console.
An interesting fact is that this variant helped increase the participation of 4WD versions. If this index did not exceed 2% in the first generation, it was only with the Storm that it reached over 5% of the SUV's total registration mix.
In this phase of the EcoSport, the naturally aspirated 2.0 16V engine from the Ford Duratec family already featured direct injection, resulting in 176 hp with ethanol and 170 hp with gasoline, powers that may be sufficient in certain situations.
Initial accelerations are satisfactory, showing agile responses. However, the six-speed automatic transmission demonstrates slowness in the higher gears, resulting in a 0 to 100 km/h time of 10 seconds.
Torque reaches 22.5/20.6 kgfm at 4,500 rpm, which requires attention to engine revving when overtaking with the Ford EcoSport Storm on highways.
Dynamically, the SUV is pleasing. It is relevant to mention that this generation of the EcoSport used a high-precision laser measurement system for front alignment at the Camaçari factory, a technique similar to that used on the Mustang of that era, in addition to having an active front grille.
Additionally, the Ford EcoSport Storm configuration received specific adjustments to the suspension (independent multi-link rear) and electric power steering. Stability is good, as the SUV tends to roll little and maintains good pointing in curves.
One of the highlights of the Ford EcoSport Storm is the all-wheel-drive system (4WD). Developed by Mazda (the Japanese brand in which the American held a stake until the 2010s), it operates through on-demand viscous coupling.
All-wheel drive allows for light expeditions on innocuous and discreetly rough dirt terrain. Furthermore, the suspension adjustment raised the SUV by 1.7 cm (totaling 1.70 m), with a ground clearance of 20 cm and an approach angle of 23.6 degrees.
However, it is important to note that the EcoSport is fundamentally an urban SUV, and more off-road sections should be avoided. Its 19-degree departure angle does not help much, and this variant uses asphalt tires, offering no low mode for the 4WD system.
Because it is derived from a compact hatchback, the EcoSport's interior does not feature extraordinary luxuries. The environment is similar to that of the New Fiesta, offering restricted space for legs, shoulders, and knees for both front and rear passengers.
The SUV compensates with a high driving position. Although the seats could have better density, the trunk accommodates 362 liters, a volume greater than current hatchbacks like the Fiat Argo.
The interior finish is superior to the first generation but remains relatively simple, with a predominance of rigid plastic and few soft surfaces. The darker tones of the Storm help mitigate this internal simplicity of the Ford EcoSport.
The suspension deserves positive mention, providing comfort to front occupants with low steering wheel vibration and minimizing rear sway, even though it is a tall SUV. Acoustic insulation is effective for most of the time.
The Ford EcoSport Storm is the most complete model in Ford's small SUV lineup. In terms of safety, it features seven airbags, traction control, stability control, hill descent control, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, camera and reverse sensor, low tire pressure warning, and adaptive bi-xenon headlights with automatic height adjustment and washers.
The top-of-the-line version is also equipped with an eight-inch multimedia center with integrated GPS, phone mirroring, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium Sony sound system. Other items include a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with push-button start, leather-wrapped seats and steering wheel, automatic and digital air conditioning, rain and dusk sensors, cruise control, shift paddles, and lumbar support for the driver's seat.
The Chevrolet Cruze, a mid-size sedan, presents itself as a spacious and well-equipped alternative for those seeking a comfortable used vehicle for daily use, offering a more accessible cost compared to models like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Although the mid-size sedan segment has been challenging for non-Japanese brands, the Chevrolet Cruze managed to establish itself as an intermediate option between the popular Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. This car had two generations and was manufactured over 13 years, maintaining a more advantageous cost-benefit ratio against its Japanese rivals, which kept it as the third best-selling model in the category for a long period.
The global launch of the Chevrolet Cruze occurred in 2009, and it was once the best-selling car for the brand worldwide. In Brazil, the General Motors mid-size sedan was introduced in September 2011, replacing the Astra Sedan. Produced in Rosario, Argentina, the vehicle initially came in two versions, using the same naturally aspirated 1.8 engine, with options for a manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual option was discontinued in 2015. In November 2014, the Chevrolet Cruze received a cosmetic facelift. The second generation, named Project Phoenix, was launched in June 2016, equipped with a 1.4 turbo engine. Following the pattern of few versions, it had a special series and was updated in 2019, being discontinued after exceeding 200 thousand sales in Brazil, combining both generations.
In addition to the sedan, the Cruze line also generated a mid-size hatchback, even at a time when the segment showed signs of decline. In the first generation, nicknamed Sport6, the hatchback shared the same mechanical setup and options as the three-volume model. It is important to note that the number after the name refers to the six-speed transmission, not a six-cylinder engine.
Focusing on the first generation, the 1.8 naturally aspirated Ecotec engine produces 144 hp with ethanol and 140 hp with gasoline. These horsepower figures are well utilized by the six-speed automatic transmission during initial accelerations. The 0 to 100 km/h time exceeds 11 seconds, which does not imply slowness; rather, the driving demonstrates agility and a somewhat 'sporty' character compared to its Japanese competitors of the time, especially the Corolla.
However, during overtakes, the same automatic gearbox that performs well in take-offs can be disappointing, as it is slow to respond and frequently downshifts two gears to propel the sedan. The torque, which ranges between 18.9 and 17.8 kgfm, is available at 3,800 rpm. A positive aspect is the performance on steep climbs, as the GF6 gearbox had an inclination sensor that activated engine braking when detecting a descent without driver acceleration.
The fuel consumption of the Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 (2011-2015 model) is considered high. The averages recorded for the 2013 model year of the General Motors sedan are: 6.6 km/l in the city with ethanol; 8.6 km/l in the city with gasoline; 9.1 km/l on the highway with ethanol; and 11.8 km/l on the highway with gasoline.
In terms of dynamics, the Cruze stands out for its sportier posture within a traditional segment. The driver feels control over the vehicle, aided by precise steering. The suspension, which uses a torsion beam at the rear, is also firmer. In curves, the sedan appears balanced, attacking well and minimizing body roll.
With dimensions of 4.60 meters in length, 1.79 m in width, 1.47 m in height, and 2.68 m wheelbase, the Chevrolet Cruze accommodates its occupants well. The driver has a good driving position, and the steering wheel allows for height and depth adjustments. There is good legroom for the driver, although the door trim slightly limits the knee space. In the back seat, there is adequate space for two adults and one child, but the low roof makes it difficult for people taller than 1.75 m to enter.
The interior finish uses a lot of good quality plastic with correct closures most of the time. The first-generation LTZ version still incorporates elements that simulate metallic finishes and soft upholstery. However, the stiffer suspension does not provide much comfort to the occupants, especially with low-profile tires (225/50 R17), causing discomfort to passengers when going over bumps and speed bumps. Other negative points include the low ground clearance, at 13.1 cm, and the front deflector, which can cause scrapes on garage ramps, in addition to poor acoustic insulation, allowing the engine vibration to be felt in the cabin.
For the year 2013, the top-of-the-line LTZ version of the GM mid-size sedan is recommended. In terms of safety, the car features six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, a rear parking sensor, four-wheel disc brakes, electrochromic rearview mirror, and headlight height adjustment. The air conditioning system is automatic, and the version came equipped with a basic multimedia center that included native GPS, CD player, USB input, and Bluetooth connectivity, in addition to steering wheel controls with height and depth adjustments. Other standard items include a proximity key for door unlocking, electric power windows, light and rain sensors, leather seats, front and rear armrests, trunk and glove box lighting, and cruise control.
When comparing the Cruze with the top-of-the-line versions of its competitors in the same year, the Chevrolet model proves to be significantly more economical in the used market. According to KBB Brazil (July 2026), the average prices are: Chevrolet Cruze LTZ 1.8 16V 2013 costs R$ 59,059; Honda Civic EXS 1.8 16V 2013 costs R$ 72,604; and Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0 16V 2013 costs R$ 69,273.
Considering the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze with an automatic transmission, parts replacement costs are quite competitive. Some average values include: set of four front brake pads between R$ 110 and R$ 200; set of four spark plugs between R$ 180 and R$ 310; fuel pump between R$ 350 and R$ 480; oil change kit (5 liters 5w30 + filter) between R$ 380 and R$ 520; rear shock absorber (pair) between R$ 460 and R$ 800; rear bumper between R$ 490 and R$ 930; and right headlight between R$ 260 and R$ 550.
Owners of this initial phase of the Chevrolet Cruze report various complaints on forums and sites like Reclame Aqui. Among the most cited problems are unstable idle caused by lambda sensor failure, the automatic transmission entering safety mode causing excessive jerking, defects in the air conditioning compressor, and brake problems characterized by vibration and noise. The only recall registered for this initial generation of the Chevrolet Cruze was related to the replacement of the fuel filter in units manufactured in 2013 and 2014.
