Handling
The Ecosport is one great machine to be behind the wheel of. The steering wheel, though lighter than the Fords of yore, is still very communicative. The machine is built solid, and feels very European in the way it drives – heavy and poised. Body roll is extremely well contained for a vehicle which has a high ground clearance and falls under the SUV category. The suspension is on the firmer side, but doesn’t translate into being overly stiff.
Around the bends the Ecosport is an absolute delight. Ford’s dynamic DNA is amply evident in the way the compact SUV negotiates turns. The car feels agile, and willing to be pushed to the limit. The balance and agility of the monocoque chassis inspires confidence and invites you to push harder.
The Duster is also a capable handler. Though slightly more softly sprung than the Ecosport, the Duster offers predictable handling and is very stable both in a straight line and around the bends. The real highlight of the Duster is its supreme ride quality, but it doesn’t disappoint when you push it hard around corners too.
The problem with the Duster, however, while pushing it spiritedly around bends is that the steering doesn’t feel very comfortable in the midst of action. It’s heavier than ideal, lacks feels, and has a tendency to resist being twirled hard around corners at speed. It wrangles back as you try to throw the car into a corner, as a result you don’t feel too nice pushing the car to the limit, and don’t enjoy the overall experience too much. There is also a bit of understeer to be experienced with the Duster.
The Duster is predictable, sure footed and well poised, but doesn’t quite have the fun-to-drive charm of the Ecosport. The latter is a better handler and a whole bunch more fun to drive.
Advantage: Ecosport
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