Ford Ecosport VS Renault Duster: Quick Comparo of features, performance, handling and price

Witnessing the amount of interest that the Renault Duster and the Ford Ecosport have generated in the market, we felt compelled to do a comparison feature on the two SUVs. Having driven both the machines for long enough we could not help but put down our thoughts on the new heroes of the volumes segment. We had to quickly sample the Ecosport 1.5 petrol and diesel variants (we had driven the Ecoboost exhaustively earlier) to be able to put things fairly in perspective. A quick trip to the nearest dealer armed us with some sense on how the other two engines behaved. The good thing was that we had sampled these engines in detail on the Fiesta, and the behavior wasn’t too different.

So here’s a quick comparo of the Renault Duster and the Ford Ecosport. We’ll bring you another, more exhaustive comparo with a photo shoot when we have both the cars available. But in the meantime, this quick comparo covers most areas which matter to help you make an informed choice between the two machines.

Design

Looks can be subjective, but in this case there is more to compare than just the shape. There is size too. Parked side by side, the Duster will most definitely look bigger and more imposing than the compact Ecosport. Taking into account us Indians’ obsession with equating size with value, the only thing that can properly negate the advantages of more real estate for a car is a smaller price for the competition (more on that later). Talking absolutely in terms of size, the Duster has a clear advantage.

Styling is another facet of the coin, and the Duster doesn’t score too badly there too. It’s wide stance, low roofline and pronounced, angular wheel arches make it look beefier than its size allows. The design is simplistic, and as the sales have shown, works well for the Indian market. It’s well sorted and doesn’t have too many lines making the exterior look busy.

The Ecosport on the other hand is quite unorthodox. It’s imposing grille, high bonnet, and chiseled surfaces across its body make it look like a rebel on the loose. That tail-gate mounted spare wheel works towards negating the disadvantage of a smaller size to make this vehicle look like a proper SUV. It’s sportier in essence than the Duster and has racier lines, as opposed to the assertive girth of the Duster.

Coming from manufacturers of international repute, the fit-finish of the exterior on both machines is top-notch. Both look good in their own different ways, and both aren’t too gorgeous either to be loved by one and all. The Ecosport looks the more flamboyant and eye-catching of the two for sure though, but that advantage is somewhat negated by the bigger size and brawnier appeal of the Duster.

Overall, we would technically rate the Ecosport higher in terms of design. However, looking at the two vehicles from a common Indian man’s perspective, the Duster looks bigger and has more presence. In the end, it’s even Stevens from a practical standpoint, the Ecosport has the flair, but the Duster has the size.

Funny as it might sound, the Ecosport has an advantage technically, but the Duster has a minor lead in terms of perception. It’s difficult to place one before another.
Advantage: Neutral

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