On 4th July 2012, Renault Indian launched the much awaited Renault Duster compact SUV in the Indian market and with its killing pricing the car must have surprised other car manufacturers. Being the first car to enter the compact SUV market, the response from the media and experts has been overwhelming but we should not forget that the Ford EcoSport is coming to India in early 2013 and the real battle will begin only when the EcoSport actually gets introduced. There is still some time left before Ford launches the EcoSport, but we are with a comparison of the two for all our readers.
EcoSport is one of the most awaited global launch by Ford and will be launched across many countries first few being China, Brazil, India etc. The new 2012 EcoSport was officially unveiled in India in January 2012 where only the exteriors were shown. Interiors and features of the EcoSport’s production version have been unveiled in China in April 2012. In India the EcoSport has been spied testing on Indian roads without any camouflage many a times. Let us do a detailed car comparison of Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport.
Exterior Comparison
image – Renault Duster(left) and Ford EcoSport(right)
The Renault Duster is a chunky looking car. It is not very dynamic in looks but is surely modern and has a steady design. Duster does not have an aggressive character but rather a rugged and masculine appeal to it. Bland headlamps, sporty roof rails, pronounced wheel arches, elegantly designed rear and an outstanding 210 mm ground clearance impart the car the perfect SUV look.
Contrastingly, the EcoSport is a very sporty looking car and is way too modern in styling. The overall exterior package is very attractive with sleek headlamps, chromed grille, sporty roof fails, a unique rear design etc. It has a ground clearance of 200 mm which is quite good but not better than the Duster. Unlike the Duster, the EcoSport has a spare wheel at the rear giving it a typical SUV look.
The dimensions of the EcoSport have not been revealed yet, therefore we cannot compare both the cars in size. But considering the styling of the two, and if I get to choose one of them I will probably go with t duster as it is elegant enough.
Interior Comparison
image – Renault Duster Interior
The Duster’s interior seem to be heavily influenced by Logan sedan but with the contrasting seat colour it looks quite good. Fit and finish is undoubtedly satisfactory and there is a great feel to the cabin. Features list include Dual Airbags at front (RXZ Only), ABS and EBD (Diesel Only), Engine Immobilizer, Fog Lamps, Rear de-fogger, Seat Belt reminder , Central locking , Under guard for engine for off-road protection , Dual barrel headlamp design , Roof Rails , Rear Washer and Wiper , Alloy Wheels on RXZ, Chrome Exhaust top on RXZ, Beige Interiors for RXL and RXZ, Leather wrapped steering wheel on top end model, Keyless entry, All doors power windows, Manual Air conditioning, Rear AC Vents on top end model , Tilt adjust steering wheel, Electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors, Reverse Parking Sensors, Integrated 2 Din audio system with CD/ MP3/Radio, USB, AUX Input, Bluetooth and 4 Speakers, Steering mounted phone and audio controls etc..
image – Ford EcoSport Interior
Ford EcoSport borrows most of its features and interior from the 2011 Ford Fiesta. It looks fabulously modern and exotic. Build quality and finish is great and we expect some good features to be offered in the car. The features list could include child lock, ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, engine immobilizer, central locking, keyless entry, guide me home headlamp, fog lamps, electrically adjustable ORVMs, reverse parking sensors, alloy wheels, defogger, rear wiper etc.
Engine Comparison
The Duster petrol features a 1.6 litre MPFI petrol engine that puts out a healthy 101 BHP of max power at 5850 RPM and 145 Nm of max torque at 3750 RPM. The engine is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission and the car returns an appreciable mileage of 13.24 KMPL. The diesel Duster features a 1.5 litre CRDI diesel engine that is available in two power output choices: 84 BHP @ 3750 RPM & 200 NM @ 1900 RPM and 110 BHP @ 3900 RPM & 248 NM @ 2250 RPM. Both the diesel engine variants return a mileage of 20.46 KMPL and 19.01 KMPL respectively. The 84 BHP version is mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox while the 110 BHP versions comes with a 6 speed manual gearbox.
The EcoSport (petrol) sports the award winning 1.0 litre Ford EcoBoost Technology engine that delivers the performance of a 1.6 litre engine, with 120 BHP @ 6000 RPM of max power and peak torque of 170 NM @ 1300-4500 RPM. The same will be mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox or a powershift dual clutch automatic gearbox. Mileage figure for the petrol variant will fall between 16 to 20 KMPL. The diesel EcoSport will be powered by the same 1.5 litre CRDI diesel engine that comes in Fiesta 2011, so it will put out close to 90 BHP of max power and 210+ Nm of peak torque.
Price Comparison
We already know the price of Renault Duster that is between Rs. 7.19 lakhs and Rs. 11.29 lakhs. However, the EcoSports’s pricing is still unknown but we expect to be in competition with the Duster. Expected price band would start from Rs. 7.4 lakhs and end at Rs. 11.5 lakhs. If Ford does offer an automatic top end variant, its pricing could be even higher probably around 12 lakhs INR. The EcoSport will be a strong proposition provided the pricing is competitive enough.
Car Blog India Verdict– Renault Duster Vs Ford EcoSport
The competition will be extremely tough as the pricing of EcoSport will most probably be close to Duster’s pricing. Features wise the Duster is quite loaded but EcoSport is expected to come with better features at hopefully the same price. The handling and ride quality of the Duster is good enough and so will be EcoSport’s but the only difference would lie in the mileage and features offered. There won’t be any tie I believe as one of the cars will outsell the other, so as of not we must wait for the launch of EcoSport and get behind the wheels to give you a more detailed comparison.
Also check out – Renault Duster Vs Mahindra Scorpio–Which Is a Better SUV?
