Spec Comparison: Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza vs Ford EcoSport

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Maruti Suzuki kicked off the 2016 Auto Expo in style by unveiling a range of all-new products including the Ignis small car and the Vitara Brezza. While the launch of the Ignis is still quite some time away, the Vitara Brezza is scheduled to hit the showrooms in a few weeks’ time. And unlike Maruti’s previous launches namely the S-Cross and the Baleno which are limited to the brand’s premium line of Nexa dealerships, the Vitara Brezza will be available across Maruti’s entire dealer network which will surely help this new model compete against its arch rival, the Ford EcoSport.

Dimensions

The Vitara Brezza has been designed and developed in India using Suzuki’s global platform and engine. This explains the bold new look which comprises of a high-riding stance, a chunky chrome grille and ‘bull horn’ shaped LED lights along with the projector headlamps with turn indicators in the front bumper. The overall length and width are rated at 3995mm and 1790mm respectively while the 1640mm of height is commanding enough for a crossover. What’s unique to the Vitara Brezza is the dual colour scheme with floating roof effect which imparts a distinct identity. At the sides, square wheel arches, short overhangs and a high ground clearance and upright hood gives the Vitara Brezza a purposeful look. The rear end, although a bit less striking compared to the rest of the vehicle, is highlighted with a big rear glass, silver accents to the bumper and some nice looking taillights. 

The Ford EcoSport, on the other hand, is 3999mm in length, 1765mm in width and stands tall at 1708mm. It still looks good despite being in the market for a few years now. Although updated last year, the styling pretty much remains the same and follows Ford’s impressive Kinetic design philosophy. Like the Vitara Brezza, the EcoSport has an aggressive, upright stance highlighted by a high bonnet line. In profile though, the EcoSport looks comparatively sportier and the rear-end looks pretty neat as well. 

Equipment

Those familiar with the interior design of Maruti’s new range of cars would feel at home when stepping into the Vitara Brezza. The steering wheel, gear shifter, instrumentation and some of the buttons are all familiar looking bits.  Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Vitara Brezza SUV with a multifunction display for the instrument console, touch-screen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, electric mirrors, alloy wheels and 328-litres worth of luggage space and going by the looks of it the latter should be more than adequate for your regular runabouts. 

As for the EcoSport, the vehicle gets typical Ford interior design with a flowing layout for the dashboard and an all-black treatment overall. It also features a usual assortment of features including climate control, electric mirrors and multifunction steering wheel. Additionally, it also gets a rain-sensing wiper, automatic headlights, push button start and up to six airbags. As for cabin space, the EcoSport isn’t the roomiest of cars in its class and accommodating three passengers at the rear is bit of a squeeze. In this regard, the Vitara Brezza is likely to fare well with a roomier cabin compared to the EcoSport. 

Engine  

The Vitara Brezza is powered by the 200 DDiS engine that makes 90bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox and reportedly benefits from lower NVH levels for a more refined drive. The car will initially be offered in diesel form, with a petrol-powered model planned for the future. Although Maruti hasn’t released efficiency figures yet, the Vitara Brezza is expected to return as much as 20kmpl under sane driving conditions.  The Ford EcoSport, on the other hand, is available with a variety of engine and gearbox combinations. The petrol models use either the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit developing 109bhp and 140Nm of torque or the 1-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost producing 123bhp and 170Nm. The 1.5-litre engine can be had with a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while a 5-speeder manual is standard across the range. The diesel variants, meanwhile, are powered by a 1.5-litre TDCi engine tuned to produce 89bhp and 204Nm of torque.

Price

Ex-showroom prices for the Ford EcoSport range between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 10.65 lakh, depending on the trim. Maruti Suzuki, however, is expected to announce the prices for the Vitara Brezza next month. Now although the latter isn’t expected to undercut the EcoSport by a big margin, one can expect Maruti Suzuki to keep prices competitive especially after what we have seen with the S-Cross which is being offered with massive discounts to clear up stocks.