FORD has lifted the wraps on the full production version of its new EcoSport urban crossover model due to hit the streets at the end of the year.

The compact offering boasts the agility of a small family car with the space and ‘go anywhere' appeal of an SUV

And it will be among the first Ford models in Europe to be equipped with the company's SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system as well as SYNC Emergency Assistance.

That's in addition to a Ford SYNC AppLink, which enables customers to voice-control smartphone apps from the driver's seat.

EcoSport will be the second SUV to be brought to market in Ford's expanding European range following the recently-launched Kuga.

The brand also plans to bring over the next generation Ford Edge, a larger and more premium utility vehicle popular in the USA and other markets.

Built on Ford's global small car platform, the EcoSport features a distinctive front grille, short bonnet and raked front pillars while angular headlamps reinforce a very modern look. Technologies will include the likes of Electronic Stability Program and Hill Launch Assist.

It will be offered with Ford's strong but frugal 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine - the 2012 International Engine of the Year - a 110PS 1.5-litre petrol unit and a 90PS 1.5-litre diesel.

Ford vice-president Paul Mascarenas said: "The role of the car is evolving. Customers want to be able to safely enjoy the same level of connectivity in their cars as they would do at home and SYNC AppLink enables then to do just that.

"By maximising the potential of apps, Ford can offer customers a class-leading range of smartphone app capabilities while on the move."

Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region using information from the vehicle's on-board GPS unit, and mobile network to pinpoint accident location.