The all-new Ford EcoSport made its debut in the ASEAN region at the 34th Bangkok International Motor Show.

Based on Ford’s global B-segment platform, the Ford EcoSport is an aspirational alternative to the compact car, spacious for five adults and their gear, according to the automaker.

The Ford EcoSport will be built at the company’s new state-of-the-art Ford Thailand Manufacturing facility in Rayong, which will supply the entire ASEAN region as well as other export markets. Other manufacturing locations include China, India and South America. The stylish SUV will be available in about 100 markets around the world.

The Ford EcoSport will launch with the global 1.5L four-cylinder gasoline engine, which delivers 108 PS of power and peak torque of 138 Nm. Depending on the market it can be mated to either the fuel-efficient six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission or the five-speed manual transmission. The engine features twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) technology.

The rear seats can be reclined for greater comfort or folded down for additional cargo space. With the rear seats tumbled against the front seats, the boot space increases to 705 liters, big enough to fit a washing machine, according to Ford. If needed, the rear seats can be split 60/40 to transport long objects such as flat-pack furniture while still carrying passengers at the back.

The EcoSport features Smart Keyless Entry, the doors unlock automatically as the driver pulls the door handle. Once inside, a press of the motorsport-inspired Ford Power Start button gets the engine going.

The EcoSport is also equipped with the Ford SYNC system, which uses voice-activation technology to enable owners to answer phone calls and select music from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB. First introduced to Thailand on the all-new Ford Focus, SYNC is now making its way into the compact car segment, according to the automaker.

To take the stress out of driving, the EcoSport comes with an array of driver-assist systems. Rear parking sensors keep customers from backing into obstacles they cannot see. Hill Launch Assist ensures they can make a perfect hill start whether it’s an uphill or downhill slope, by holding the SUV for up to 2.5 seconds while the driver’s foot moves from the brake to the accelerator pedal.

The EcoSport’s chassis also features electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) for outstanding steering response and improved fuel efficiency, according to automaker. The SUV offers advanced safety items, such as dual front airbags and side curtain airbags, as well as Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program.