Does Ford EcoSport after price cut offer more value than Maruti Vitara Brezza?

Ford has responded to the launch of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, with a massive price drop for the EcoSport in the range of 7 to 10.5 per cent. The compact SUV, which till today afternoon cost over Rs 1 lakh more than the Vitara Brezza (in the top-spec trim), now suddenly costs just Rs 21,000 more. Here is a variant to variant comparison of the two cars, taking the new prices in perspective.

While the price cut is applicable across both the petrol and diesel trims, we are concentrating only on the diesel versions, since the Brezza only has a diesel engine option. Check this story, for more details on price cut across all variants of the Ford EcoSport.

Performance:

Both EcoSport and Vitara Brezza have one diesel engine option each. Ford uses the 1.5-litre engine producing 99bhp and 205Nm of torque, while Maruti uses the 1.3-litre multijet producing 89bhp and  200Nm of torque. For a better comparison on paper - with the kerb weight of 1,248kg, the EcoSport has power-to-weight ratio of 79bhp per tonne. The Vitara Brezza, on the other hand, weighs 1170kg and then has power-to-weight ratio of 76bhp. There is hardly any difference in the torque figures and in both cases, peak torque comes in at 1,750rpm. The similarities between the two continue, with the fact that these have front-wheel drive setup powered by five-speed manual transmissions.

EcoSport Ambiente vs Vitara Brezza LDi / LDi(O):

These are the base level versions in the respective Ford and Maruti compact SUV range. Maruti offers the LDi variant for a sticker price of Rs 6.99 lakh (ex-Delhi), the Ford EcoSport Ambiente is almost Rs 30,000 more at Rs 7,28,800. Neither have any features to boast about, but Maruti still offers a little more. It has headrests for the rear seats and a driver-side airbag. Additionally, by paying just Rs 13,000, one can get ABS-EBD and airbags in the Vitara Brezza LDi (O). Ford, on the other hand, offers tilt and telescopic steering, along with driver-side armrest.

EcoSport Trend vs Vitara Brezza VDi / VDi (O):

There is still a big price difference between the two cars in the second to base variant. While the Vitara VDi and VDI (O) are priced at Rs 7.62 lakh and Rs 7.75 lakh respectively, the Ford EcoSport Trend will now cost Rs 8 lakh. The Trend trim gets ABS-EBD, but still misses out on the airbags.

The Vitara in this trim offers rear parking sensors, one-touch up/down driver side power window and LED tail lamps, which aren’t available in the EcoSport. On the other hand, Ford offers features like the driver height adjustment, split seats, turn indicator on ORVMS, follow me home and remote key boot opening.

EcoSport Trend + vs Vitara Brezza ZDi:

Priced at Rs 8.48 lakh, the EcoSport in terms of pricing is more competitive than the Vitara that has a price tag of Rs 8.55 lakh. Both the cars in this trim have safety features as standard. With the additional price, Maruti also offers more features – there are projector headlamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, rear armrest with cup holders and two 12V outlets.

Apart from these, both have equipment like a decent music system, automatic climate control, electrically adjustable ORVMs, fog lamps and a detailed instrument cluster.

EcoSport Titanium vs Vitara Brezza ZDi+:

The ZDi+ costs Rs 9.54 lakh while the Titanium is Rs 38,000 cheaper at Rs 9.16 lakh. With the Titanium, the Ford offers its SYNC system with voice commands that actually work, a small 3.5-inch screen, lumbar support for the driver. The features like start/stop button, cooled glove box and rear wipers are standard on both the cars. Additionally, the Vitara Brezza gets touch-screen music system with navigation and rear camera and automatic headlamps on the ZDI+ trim.

EcoSport Titanium+

Maruti doesn’t have a direct competition for this trim, priced at Rs 9.75 lakh, this version offers additional safety features. The EcoSport has six airbags in this trim, offering lot more safety to the passengers. Costing just Rs 21,000 more than the top-spec Brezza, the EcoSport in this version definitely adds lot more value.

With the price cut, the EcoSport is back in the game. For budget buyers, the Vitara probably offers more value, but towards the top-end with the additional safety features and with more variant options the EcoSport is lucrative.