What's been popular abroad for years now has a niche to fill domestically. Built on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta, the EcoSport looks like a younger version of the Escape. We don't have all the final specs and numbers for the EcoSport but a few tantalizing details are circulating already. Though it's lost the rear-mounted spare tire it sports in foreign markets, the rear door on EcoSport still hinges on its side rather than the conventional top hinge. It's a fun eyebrow-raising detail that hints at its overseas history.

The 2018 Ford EcoSport comes in four trims: S, SE, SES, and Titanium. Details are pending, but you can expect the tech and options to get better as you move up the trims. The SES and Titanium have their own unique color palette, heavy on copper. There are two engine options to choose from: the Regular Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/122 and the Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-3 1.0 L/61. It appears that either engine can be paired with any trim. True to its bushwacking roots, the EcoSport comes in four-wheel drive or standard front-wheel drive.

Being brand new to the U.S. means the EcoSport gets more than a healthy serving of tech options. The centerpiece is an 8-inch touchscreen with Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system. You also get two USB ports and a 12-volt outlet standard, with additional optional plug-in outlets. The Titanium trim boasts a 675-watt B&O Play system with 10 speakers.

Given its compact size, some potential buyers might wonder about space. On the plus side, with a petite frame, the EcoSport delivers great fuel economy: 27 city and 29 highway miles per gallon. The EcoSport seats five but, practically speaking, no more than four adults fit comfortably. We don't have exact measurements for head and leg room for the 2018 model. But, we can say that the back seat is a 60-40 flip-up and split-fold flat seat. So you can go fold down one seat in back while keeping the other one up. Or you can fold down the entire back seat, more than doubling the cargo capacity. Versatility makes this a multipurpose vehicle.