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>>Ford EcoSport or Renault Duster. A question going through every compact SUV buyers mind
right now. The thing is comparing these two compact SUVs is almost an apples to oranges
comparison. The Ford EcoSport is less than 4 metres in
length, not including the spare wheel on the rear door -- and that helps it qualify as
a small car, getting excise duty benefits on the diesel and EcoBoost petrol variants.
The size is what makes in more of a muscular hatchback.
The Renault Duster is much larger at over 4.3 metres in length, although this too is
based on the Renault Logan sedan platform. The Duster looks more muscular than the EcoSport,
but somehow the styling is a little old-school compared to this flamboyant Ford.
As far as interior space goes, the Renault Duster is better. It has more room inside
as it is wider and longer. The Duster has a 475 litre boot that can swallow more luggage
compared to the EcoSport's 364 litre boot. Rear seat shoulder-room is better in the Duster,
although the EcoSport has better legroom. If you compare features offered on these two
top-end variants -- the Ford EcoSport wins hands down. It's got six airbags, Bluetooth
infotainment system featuring SYNC and emergency assist, automatic climate control and push-button
ignition. The Duster is more rustic in that sense with two airbags and a simple Bluetooth
system. ABS, fog-lamps, defogger, roof-rails etc are common to both.
When it comes to engine choices and power-to-weight ratio, the Ford EcoSport's 1-litre EcoBoost
petrol has an edge over both the Renault Duster 1.6 petrol and 1.5diesel in terms of power
delivery and drivability. But if you compare the diesel engine of the EcoSport then the
Duster has an advantage. In terms of ground clearance, tyre size and
height, the Duster has slightly better ground clearance and bigger wheels, while the EcoSport
is slightly taller. Overall, if you were looking for a refined
compact SUV for the city, with the occasional weekend trip, the Ford EcoSport would be an
ideal vehicle. But if you must have that extra luggage space and deal with extra-large potholes
on a regular basis, the Renault Duster should be your choice.