THE full production version of Ford's new EcoSport urban crossover model has been revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.

Due to arrive by the end of this 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, while next year will see the arrival of the larger, more premium, Edge model

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 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.

Chief programme engineer Nick FitzGerald said: "All-new Ford EcoSport for Europe is extremely economical, flexible and stylish, and will - alongside the new B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle, the best-selling Fiesta and all-new Tourneo Courier - complete a comprehensive small car line-up for Europe."

EcoSport is the first Ford global model to be developed entirely in South America. Originally introduced in 2003, the original model established a new segment and has gone on to sell more than 700,000 units in the region.

The new model was launched in Brazil in September last year and is expected to help drive Ford's plans to sell one million SUVs in Europe over the next six years.