Renault Duster vs Ford EcoSport

[dorian]

Since the refreshed Renault Duster was introduced to the Indian market it has been steadily battling with the Ford EcoSport for compact CUV supremacy. In the last two months the EcoSport and the Duster have been going head to head with EcoSport moving upwards of 4,700 units, compared to the Renault Duster at 3,000 units.

Style:





The EcoSport styling initially comes off as a hatchback on steroids with its rising belt line and swept back face. The Duster competes on more traditional, shrunken SUV proportions, gobs of chrome and a muscular profile. Styling is extremely subjective so it is all dependent on you particular tastes, but the Duster does appeal to many because of its conventional presence.

Inside:




Its quite foolish to compare interiors, considering the lack of one on the Duster. One cursory glance will transmit all you need to see between the two. Not only does the EcoSport top the Duster in the interior aesthetics but also in available technology. The EcoSport comes to play loaded with SYNC, keyless entry, steering mounted controls and climate control. While the Duster counters with dual trip meters....LOL




In terms of interior space the Duster beats the Ecosport hands down. The Ford has significantly lesser boot volume (362 L) than the Renault Duster (475 L). Additionally seating in the Duster is far superior, hauling a full seat load in the EcoSport is downright uncomfortable compared to the bank vault of room in the Duster.

Under the Hood:



Both, EcoSport and Duster have three variants of engines on offer:
Duster offers one petrol and one diesel engine (which comes in two tunes), EcoSport has 3 different engines – two petrol and one diesel option. The Duster is powered by a 1.5 L K9K Diesel engine which is offered in 85PS and 110PS, and there’s the option of a 1.6 L Petrol mill as well. On the other hand Ford EcoSport gets you the choices of a 1.0 L EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine along with a 1.5L petrol and a 1.5L diesel motor.

Fuel Efficiency:

Here is a list of the ARAI certified fuel efficiency for all derivitives of Duster and EcoSport:

Petrol:

Ford EcoSport 1.5L Ti-VCT: 15.8 km/L
Ford EcoSport 1.0L EcoBoost: 18.9 km/L
Renault Duster 1.6: 13.24 km/L
Diesel:

Ford EcoSport 1.5 TDCI: 22.7 km/L
Renault Duster 85PS: 20.45 km/L
Renault Duster 110PS: 19.01 km/L

Verdict:

You tell me.... Keep in mind all observations apply to the Dacia Duster as much as they apply to the Renault.

[dusted]

Ford has had a ton of issues with the Ford Escape/Kuga, i wouldn't want to get an EcoSport with the worry it might end up being as bad as an Escape

[reeeno]

EcoSport looks noticeably longer than the Duster.

The EcoSport is selling pretty well in India.
Great news for Ford.

The Duster is falling behind but still selling well.

We will see what Dacia does in the years to come to improve the car more.

[dorian]

Originally Posted by dusted

Ford has had a ton of issues with the Ford Escape/Kuga, i wouldn't want to get an EcoSport with the worry it might end up being as bad as an Escape

what issues? Don't say SYNC... If you mean mechanical issues nothing massively significant I've heard except for the initial recall on Escapes in America last year...

@reeno Dimensions:

EcoSport:

Wheelbase 2,521 mm (99.3 in)
Length 4,241 mm (167.0 in)
Width 2,057 mm (81.0 in)
Height 1,696 mm (66.8 in)

Duster:

Wheelbase 2,673 mm (105.2 in)
Length 4,315 mm (169.9 in)
Width 1,822 mm (71.7 in)
Height 1,630–1,690 mm (64.2–66.5 in)

Actually the Duster is longer than the EcoSport...

[Esrever]

Do you think that it comes down to the styling why India is buying more EcoSports than Dusters? Maybe Indians are wanting something less conventional. The interior of the Duster is dreadful. But I like the more traditional styling of the Duster's exterior personally. The two seem very equal in many ways. it will be an exciting segment to look at.

[reeeno]

interesting. in the video it seems like the EcoSport is larger.

Good to know. There are few videos online of the EcoSport vs the Duster

You Tube

You Tube

[dusted]

The EcoSport is bigger, seems like it's the ideal SUV for a growing family that will need the extra space it has over the Duster. Buying either one comes down to what you need.

[dorian]

Originally Posted by dusted

The EcoSport is bigger, seems like it's the ideal SUV for a growing family that will need the extra space it has over the Duster. Buying either one comes down to what you need.

no the ecosport is not bigger, its wider. Otherwise the duster is longer end to end, longer wheel base and similar height...

[reeeno]

the biggest improvement on the Ecosport is definitely the interior.

[dorian]

cost is interesting. MSRP Starting

EcoSport £15,995
Dacia Duster £8,995.00