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

Engine & performance

Petrol

Powering the Duster is a 1598cc K4M petrol engine with peak output rated at 102 bhp @ 5850 RPM, and maximum torque rated at 145 Nm @ 3750 RPM. On the other hand, the Ecosport comes with two petrol engine options. There is the naturally aspirated 1.5L Ti-VCT (Petrol) with maximum power rated at 109bhp @ 6300 RPM and maximum torque 140 Nm @ 4400 RPM. Another option is the turbocharged 1.0 liter Ecoboost engine with an amazing Max Power 123 bhp of peak power at 6000 RPM and peak torque of 170 Nm at 1400 RPM. The Ecosport comes across as advantageous over the Duster in both its petrol engine variants. Especially the Ecoboost offers a massive advantage as regards power as well as torque.

Diesel

The Duster is powered by a 1.5 dCi diesel engine in two states of tune. The lower spec version produces peak power of 84 bhp @ 3750 rpm and peak torque rated at 200 Nm @ 1900 rpm. The higher spec variant produces 108bhp @ 3900rpm and 248 Nm @ 2250 rpm. Comparing the lower spec engine with Ford Ecosport’s 1.5 TDCi engine with 89bhp and 204Nm may look like a fair content, but the latter has better outright acceleration, better in gear acceleration, top speed and refinement. It’s actually the higher spec 1.5 liter dCi engine which is an apt comparison with the Ecosport’s TDCi unit.

The Duster decidedly has more power in the top of the line diesel variant and resultantly has a quicker 0-100 sprint time. It has a better top speed too and offers more shove when you bury the pedal.  The Ecosport’s diesel engine has the advantage of a more linear power delivery and lesser turbo lag, making it a better car to drive within the city. Effectively, that makes the Duster a better car for the highway and the Ecosport a better car for the city. Having said that the Ecosport has enough power and torque take the highway in its stride with confidence too.

Overall, the Duster has a bit more outright grunt when we compare the diesels. However, even with its slight disadvantage, the Ecosport is sufficiently powered and is actually better to drive within the city with a more linear power delivery.

Talking of petrol engine, the Ecosport has a clear advantage over the bigger Duster, both, in terms of options and performance.

Fuel efficiency

Duster	Fuel efficiency	Ecosport	Fuel efficiency
1.5 petrol	13.24 kpl	1.5 Ti-VCT MT	15.8 kpl
1.5 Diesel (85PS)	20.45 kpl	1.5 diesel	22.7 kpl
1.5 Diesel (110PS)	19.01 kpl	1.0 Ecoboost	18.9 kpl
		1.5 Ti-VCT AT	15.6 kpl

Advantage: Ecosport

Next Page for Handling >>>