Ford India is very close to launching a thoroughly updated version of its popular compact SUV, the EcoSport. The New 2017 Ford EcoSport Facelift carries many changes, both to its exterior and the interior. The compact SUV also gets a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that is more modern than the current four-banger. But will all of this help the model overtake the rather invincible Vitara Brezza on the sales charts? We decided to compare the upcoming EcoSport facelift with the popular compact SUV from Maruti Vitara Brezza to find our answer. Read on for our new 2017 Ford EcoSport vs Maruti Vitara Brezza comparison.
Also See- New vs Old Ford EcoSport | Upcoming SUVs Under 15 lakh
New 2017 Ford EcoSport vs Maruti Vitara Brezza comparison – Exterior Design
Well, the Vitara Brezza seems to have managed to impress many with its clean lines and rather conventional looks. While there’s really nothing wrong with that, some more flair would have been welcome. Maruti does offer a pair of stylish alloy wheels and dual-tone paint jobs to spice up things a fair bit. However, even pre-facelift EcoSport looks bolder and more aggressive than the Maruti offering. The latest facelift makes the American offering look far bolder and more modern. If you compare the refresh with the Breeze, it’s fairly easy to figure out that the former looks a lot more aggressive and stylish. This is mainly due to the recent set of updates that the Ford model receives.
Most of the cosmetic updates have gone to the SUV’s front-end. The front facade is characterised by a bold new grille that is complimented by an updated front bumper and new fog lamps. Together, the new components give this SUV a much more flamboyant look. When seen in profile, the EcoSport remains largely unchanged. There’s a set of new design alloy wheels that do look better, but overall, there’s not much newness on offer here. Things stay pretty much the same even at the rear-end. The India-spec model continues to boast a tailgate-mounted spare wheel and the only change it gets are the refreshed taillights. Overall, however, the updates help the American SUV look far more attractive than its Indian rival.
Also See- Maruti Vitara Brezza Review | 2016 Ford EcoSport Review
New 2017 Ford EcoSport vs Maruti Vitara Brezza Interior Comparison
The EcoSport 2017 gets many changes to its interior too. While the basic design of the panes remain largely the same. the centre-console sees many changes. A part of these is the introduction of the SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system that replaces the original SYNC system. Even the steering wheel and the instrument binnacle are new and make the interior fresher. The facelift gets body-coloured interior trims instead the silver one on the current model.
The Vitara Brezza, on the other hand, offers an interior that is a reflection of its exterior. The cabin looks modern and offers a high practicality, but the Brezza lacks flair even on the inside. That said, it continues to enjoy an upper hand over the EcoSport in terms of rear cabin space. In terms of visual appeal alone, the Breeze simply can’t match the EcoSport.
New 2017 Ford EcoSport vs Maruti Vitara Brezza Specifications Comparison
The EcoSport facelift will come with Ford’s all-new Dragon series of petrol engines. A new 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that outputs a maximum power of 120 BHP will replace the current 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit. There will another new engine in the form of a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder unit. This engine will go on to not only power the Aspire and Figo, but also the entry-level trims of the 2017 EcoSport petrol. The Diesel engine on offer will continue to be the 1.5-litre oil-burner that powers the pre-facelift model. It’s not for sure if the 1.0-litre Boosterjet would be carried over.
On the other hand, the Brezza offers just one engine option – 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo Diesel. This is the same Fiat-sourced motor that powers at least half the cars in this price bracket. The motor is known to offer a good mix of grunt, fuel mileage, and refinement. However, it outputs much lesser power than the 1.5-litre TDCi engine by Ford. Also, there’s not even a single petrol engine option. This is one area Maruti should look into.
New 2017 Ford EcoSport vs Maruti Vitara Brezza Mileage Comparison
The 1.3-litre Diesel engine of the Brezza is definitely more fuel efficient than the 1.5-litre Diesel engine of the EcoSport. The Brezza delivers an ARAI-tested average mileage of 24 KMPL. In comparison, the EcoSport’s Diesel engine offers only 20 KMPL. However, let’s not forget that the latter offers much more power and hence, is a stronger performer. Also, there’s no petrol engine on offer on the Vitara Brezza, which means the EcoSport has a clear advantage here. Sales of petrol–powered cars are on a rise and the Maruti compact SUV is at a clear disadvantage.
New 2017 Ford EcoSport vs Maruti Vitara Brezza Dimensions Comparison
| New Ford EcoSport 2017 | Maruti Vitara Brezza | |
| Length | 3999 mm | 3995 mm |
| Width | 1765 mm | 1790 mm |
| Height | 1708 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2520 mm | 2500 mm |
Both the offerings measure less than four-metres in length. The EcoSport offers a long wheelbase and is even taller. The Brezza is wider in comparison and that alone makes the interior feel a lot airier. Also, it’s the Maruti SUV that offers a better packaging inside. Hence, it ends up offering more space, particularly at the rear.
New 2017 Ford EcoSport vs Maruti Vitara Brezza Comparison Verdict
Exterior Design – The EcoSport facelift looks a lot bolder than the Brezza. If you compare the two side-by-side, it’s pretty evident that Maruti has gone for conventional looks in order to have a mass appeal. But in terms of styling alone, the refreshed Ford SUV definitely attracts more.
Interior Design – The interior setups of these SUVs are a reflection of their respective exterior. Even here, the interior of the EcoSport offers more flamboyance and looks more stylish. The Maruti’s interior looks a lot more conventional and cleaner in terms of design.
Specifications – The American Compact SUV has a clear upper hand here. Its Diesel engine is not only more powerful, but there are a couple of petrol engine options as well. The Brezza gets only one engine option – 1.3-litre Turbo Diesel.
Mileage – The Brezza offers a higher mileage than the Diesel-powered EcoSport.
Dimensions- There is no clear winner in this aspect as both of these are sub-4m offerings, but the Maruti offering does benefit from a slightly more spacious cabin.
Overall, it can be seen that the EcoSport facelift has a lot going for it. It holds a slight advantage over the current segment-leader in most of the aspects. However, the Brezza enjoys some traditional Maruti strengths such a strong service network and cheap spares. It’ll be interesting to see if the upcoming facelift would be able to leave a dent in the sales of the Brezza. What do you think of our Maruti Vitara Brezza vs new 2017 Ford EcoSport facelift comparison?
