Photo by Paul Clinton.

Photo by Paul Clinton.

With the help of radio and TV personality Ryan Seacrest and a trio of hip hop artists, Ford unveiled its EcoSport subcompact SUV on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show at a social-media-fueled Nov. 14 pop-up event near Hollywood Boulevard.

The EcoSport, which would likely be sold as a 2019-model-year vehicle starting in early 2018, made its entrance amid swirling fog and pulsating beats from DJ Khaled and other rappers on a temperate November evening.

The EcoSport will offer a pair of engines, including a turbo 1.0L three-cylinder or 2.0L four-cylinder. Both engines would be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to a front-wheel or four-wheel drivetrain (Ford's Intelligent 4WD). Four trim grades include S, SE, SES, and Titanium.

Photo by Paul Clinton.

Photo by Paul Clinton.

Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system displays audio and operating data on an 8-inch touch screen. The system offers smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and an optional B&O PLAY 10-speaker 675-watt audio sytem that's standard on Titanium.

EcoSport will offer available HD Radio technology, SiriusXM satellite radio and a dual FM radio antenna that boosts the range and clarity of FM signals.

Rear seats fold down to enhance cargo hauling, and the vehicle includes more than 30 stowage poclets, bins, and hooks, according to Ford.

Photo by Paul Clinton.

Photo by Paul Clinton.

The EcoSport is one of four SUVs Ford is planning to introduce in the next four years that will also include the new Bronco. Ford sells the EcoSport in several other global markets, including South America.

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