WHERE Brazil leads, the rest follow.

That was always the case with football, until last summer's World Cup at least, yet hardly something you would expect in the automotive world.

But as the British appetite for mini-MPVs continues to gather pace, car giant Ford can boast the first SUV model to be powered by a 1.0-litre engine - and it has proved a winner in Brazil for more than a decade.

The EcoSport is actually based on Britain's favourite car the Fiesta, and slots into the Ford line-up below the Kuga.

And with a string of well-established rivals already offering buyers style, size and engine choice, the EcoSport certainly has its work cut out.

There are multiple reasons for optimism though. For one thing, the EcoSport has more head and legroom than successful small SUVs from the likes of Vauxhall, Chevrolet, Nissan, Suzuki and French pair Renault and Peugeot.

Chunky, with a short bonnet and large front grille, it provides a high seating position for the driver, space for three in rear and, love it or loathe it, has a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

Power comes via a pair of petrol engines - the 125ps 1.0-litre EcoBoost that has twice been named Engine of the Year and a 1.5-litre unit producing 112ps - plus a 1.5-litre diesel with 91ps.

As a car geared mainly for town, city and weekend getaway use, there is no four-wheel drive option.

That said there's decent towing ability - up to 750kg braked - a wading depth of 550mm and approach and departure angles sufficient for at least gentle off-road conditions.

The EcoBoost unit featured in the tested model is strong, frugal and capable of returning an average 53.3mpg. Just don't expect any fancy acceleration figures.

This car, which costs £15,995 in the sole Titanium trim grade, is the quickest of the trio with its 0-62mph in 12.7 seconds and 112mph top speed. It is also slightly more fuel efficient than the £500 more expensive diesel.

Inside, the EcoSport is trademark Ford layout so everything is sensibly placed and accessible, but there's too much drab, cheap plastic around for my liking.

Kit is plentiful, with handy stuff like LED lights, keyless entry, trip computer, hill start assist and a cooled glovebox all coming as standard.

Options are thankfully inexpensive, the likes of rear parking sensors costing £210 and Ford SYNC, which is voice-activated to let users answer phone calls, connect to emergency services and play music via Bluetooth or USB, costing £250.