Ford EcoSport vs competitors

New Delhi, July 1: Ford has launched its compact SUV EcoSport with a starting price of Rs 5.59 (ex-showroom Delhi). Such an aggressive pricing is sure to alter the Motown landscape. Basically Ford EcoSport caters to every Indian's desire to own an SUV. The EcoSport's aggressive pricing of R5.59-8.99 lakh targets the same customer — the Dzire is priced at R4.92-7.50 lakh — while both cars promise similar utility of an average boot, offer petrol and diesel and seat five. However, great exterior styling, superior interiors, and a host of innovative higher ground clearance, makes it an attractive option for both new and existing buyers looking to upgrade. The compact SUV comes in four trims, eight colours and three engine options including the globally awarded 1-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine. Manual transmissions will be available in both petrol and diesel models, while the automatic gearbox will come only in the petrol variant. While the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine develops a maximum of 125PS of power, the 1.5-litre petrol and diesel units put out 112PS and 91PS respectively.The 1.5 litre petrol EcoSport is priced Rs 5.59 lakh, the corresponding diesel variant is costing Rs 6.89 lakh. The 1 litre petrol model with Ecoboost engine is priced Rs 7.89 lakh and 1.5 litre petrol model with power shift at Rs 8.49 lakh.There will be four variants of the new Ford EcoSport on offer namely Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium (O). While the top-of-the-line variants pack fancy equipment and commendable technology, even the entry-level Ambiente variant offers decent amount of standard equipment including power steering, air-conditioning, electric ORVMs with indicators, front power windows, theatre dimming interior lights, Bluetooth radio with AUX and USB connectivity, dual tone interiors and remote central locking. Even the Trend variant (one up on base trim) gets ABS, rear wiper/defogger, all four power windows, steering mounted audio controls, etc. The EcoSport is equipped with Sync, Ford's voice-enabled in-car connectivity system, which means you can operate your Bluetooth-enabled phone and USB devices, dial calls, read out text messages and browse and select music tracks via voice commands.Here's a comparison of Ford EcoSport with five major contenders:Ford EcoSport vs Maruti Swift – A person buying the Swift might be tempted to get a compact SUV. While the petrol engine on the Swift is more frugal than the 1.5-litre petrol EcoSport, the diesel powered model can be a lucrative option for those opting for the ZDi variant of the Swift. The Swift ZDi is priced at Rs. 8.34 lakhs and lower varaints of the EcoSport diesel are available at Rs. 7.93 lakhs for the Ambiente and Rs. 9.01 lakhs for the Trend.Ford Ecosport vs Renault DusterThe base Duster is priced at Rs. 9.05 lakhs while the base EcoSport is priced at Rs. 6.63 lakh, a big difference of Rs. 2.42 lakh. The base Duster diesel is priced at Rs. 10.06 lakh while the base EcoSport diesel comes in at Rs. 7.93 lakh, a difference of 2.13 lakh. Renault's Duster is powered by the familiar 1.5 dCi engine we've seen in the Logan, Fluence, Scala and Pulse, which in the top-of-the-line variant produces 108bhp. The Duster takes a bit longer than the EcoSport to deliver its turbo, so when you cross the 2000rpm mark, there's surge in power that can be a bit irritating in stop-and-go traffic. However, the Duster is more rewarding if you keep your foot on the throttle pedal. Duster is a good cruiser on open roads. But in the city, the combination of heavy clutch and turbo lag spoils the party. In comparison, the EcoSport's 89bhp, 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine is good at city traffic. This is mainly because of instant delivery of power at low to medium engine speeds. It has got the lighter clutch of the two and its gearbox has a nice mechanical feel to it. However, the EcoSport is not too good on the highway, when you have to execute a high-speed overtaking move.In terms of ride and handling, both cars perform equally well. Despite their tall stance with high ground clearance, they are as easy to drive as against an average hatchback. On the inside, you'll notice a good difference between the two. The Duster's dashboard features a fresh design, two-tone colour scheme and better ergonomics, but it falls short on quality, due to the plastic. In addition, the overall design also looks simple enough. On the other hand, the EcoSport's interior is similar to the Fiesta saloon. The dash has a modern, angular design, dominated by the V-shaped centre console. In terms of safety, the EcoSport gets dual airbags and ABS with EBD on the Titanium trim. Titanium Optional adds Emergency Assist side and curtain airbags, which brings the total count to six. The Duster, on the other hand, only gets dual front airbags, even on the top-spec RxZ trim that comes with ABS with EBD and brake assist.The Eco Sport claims a fuel efficiency of 22kmpl for its diesel model and about the same for its petrol model. While the Duster claims a fuel efficiency of approximately 20.64kmpl for its diesel model and approximately 13.24kmpl for its petrol model.Ford EcoSport vs Maruti Swift A prospective car buyer looking to buying a hatchback may attract by the aggressive pricing of Ford EcoSport. While the petrol engine on the Swift is more frugal than the 1.5-litre petrol EcoSport, the diesel variant can be a good option for those opting for the ZDi variant of the Swift. The Swift ZDi is priced at Rs. 8.34 lakhs and lower varaints of the EcoSport diesel are available at Rs. 7.93 lakhs for the Ambiente and Rs. 9.01 lakhs for the Trend.Ford EcoSport vs Honda Amaze The EX variant (one up over the base) of the diesel Amaze cost Rs 7.84 lakh while the base EcoSport diesel comes at Rs 7.93 lakh. The top end diesel Amaze is priced at Rs. 9.35 lakh, while the Trend EcoSport diesel costs Rs. 9.01 lakh. Honda have an edge here as Amaze offers more interior and boot space than the Ford.