AS transformations go, the job completed on the Ford EcoSport sports utility vehicle has been both swift and striking.

The original, launched in the UK 18 months ago, left a fair bit to be desired, not least due to its ‘retro' rear-mounted spare wheel and pretty basic interior.

But things have changed, to the point that more than 2,200 of the upgraded version have been sold since mid-summer.

And the changes seem sure to make EcoSport a more serious player on the compact SUV scene.

Gone is that old fashioned spare, to be replaced by a tyre mobility kit, and inside there are new partial leather seats as standard on Titanium models while privacy glass is available for all trim grades.

The restyled cabin is visually a more enjoyable environment for all with a charcoal black lower instrument panel, centre console and door boards.

It's also quieter thanks to thicker sound deadening materials in the doors and dashboard, as well as tighter seals around the pedals.

But perhaps the greatest improvement concerns the driving dynamics, following development work at Ford's proving ground in Belgium where 50 miles of test tracks include exact replicas of varied road surfaces from around the world.

The 125ps 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is terrific and it works perfectly in the EcoSport.

Not only is it strong and frugal - the fuel return is a combined 53.3mpg with five-speed manual gearbox - but it's also well damped and more agile.

A 10mm reduction in ride height lowers the car's centre of gravity for improved handling while the electronic stability control and power steering has also been specifically tuned for European roads.

Otherwise, the EcoSport boasts more head and legroom than successful small SUVs from several of its principal rivals.

Chunky, with a short bonnet and large front grille, it also provides a high seating position for the driver plus space for three in rear.

The amount of standard equipment is extensive but stuff like rear parking sensors (£210), privacy glass (£200) and metallic paint (£495) can bump up the price.