Year 2012 really will be a year of compact SUVs in India and worldwide as is evident by the gradual increase in demand for such macho cars in the country and elsewhere. SUVs that are the most anticipated and will be the most sought after will be Ford Ecosport and Renault Duster besides Maruti XA Alpha and others. Both Ford Ecosport and Renault Duster were unveiled at the 2012 Auto Expo held in New Delhi in January and were able to bag tremendous response from the visitors as well as industry critics.
Ford Ecosport Review :- No doubt there is an expected surge in demand for compact SUVs and India is getting ready to have these offering in a big way. Almost every car maker seems to pitch in its compact SUV in India. Reason: small size, seating capacity and big car feel besides power and performance. Besides, not all SUVs in India are truly put to real off roading and are majorly used for on road MUV purposes. These two SUVs have the guts and features to emerge as a prominent contender for the best compact SUV in India.
Comparing the vitals it is revealed that where Duster is more powerful, longer, wider than Ecosport, it will fall short on brand visibility and trust than the latter. Let’s compare the two in toto.
Ford Ecosport vs. Renault Duster: the under the hood effect
Renault’s second SUV in India after Renault Koleos is expected to be powered by 1.6L petrol with 105 bhp and a 1.5L dCi diesel motor with two power output levels viz. 85 bhp and 110bhp. Whereas Ford Ecosport is expected to have 1L EcoBoost petrol engine with 118bhp of power and the diesel Ford Ecosport will be 90bhp 1.5L engine powered. Comparing the power output, the Ford Ecosport petrol will be a little more maneuverable than Duster while the latter is at a win-win situation in diesel.
Renault Duster is expected to imbibe the true SUV spirit while the Ecosport will go by the Ford tag “Urban SUV” suggesting that the latter will feel more convenient in the city than in the extra urban space.
Ford Ecosport vs. Renault Duster: Expect space and comfort hand in hand
Since Duster is longer and wider than Ecosport, it will have more legroom and elbow room inside than the latter. Even if the Brazilian Ecosport is downsized to under four meter to get the excise benefit, we can expect similar difference inside. Thus in terms of space and comfort, Duster scores high.
Ford Ecosport vs. Renault Duster: Stunning looks vis–vis strong head turner
Comparing looks of the Duster and Ecosport is quite easy. Where the one is conventionally designed, the other has a more urbane and next generation looks. Both the SUV look rose with Ecosport having more sporty looks with its upward raised stance. Take the front, side or rear both the SUV score high and thus look wise there is a tie.
Ford Ecosport vs. Renault Duster: Almost similarly priced but what about VFM
Price of these compact will no doubt decide their fate in India besides the mileage. As expected both will start at Rs 7 lakh and will have their top fully loaded variants priced around Rs 10 lakh. But what about the value for money. It is here that Ford will have an upper hand. With the recent mammoth dealership spree, Ford will have more showrooms and service centres than Renault. Besides, Renault will also have to struggle and could have to take a back seat following the tag of being a relatively new brand in India when compared to Ford.
Ford Ecosport or Renault Duster: To buy it or not buy it
Both the SUVs will lay the foundation of a new true compact SUV segment in India. Both have the looks, both will be priced similarly, both will have almost alike features then what is that one should look for before taking a final decision. Though it is a matter of personal choice still Ford Ecosport will have an upper hand with respect to the brand and value for money factor. Moreover, Ecosport’s stunningly new looks will woo many customers as well.