Lately, the sub-4 metre segment of vehicles has been gaining a lot of importance in the Indian auto market. Different brands are coming up with different body styles with a length less than 4 metres and the same is being appreciated by the customers as well. If we talk about compact SUVs, Ford EcoSport is one of the most renowned name. However recently, some new names have been added to the list and all of them seem to have an equal potential to reign the hearts of SUV lovers.

NuvoSport-VS-EcoSport-VS-Vitara-Brezza-TUV300

Considering this, we have taken on the comparison of 4 SUVs here namely Mahindra NuvoSport vs Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza vs Ford EcoSport vs Mahindra TUV300. Except for the Ford model, all three are latest additions and hence an interesting fight for market share is being speculated to take place among these vehicles. So, without beating around the bush let’s just take a look at the comparison of all the 4 models.

Style & Design

Mahindra NuvoSport is a re-styled version of the Quanto model that has been tweaked significantly. Most of the cosmetic features, particularly at the side and rear, are identical to the outgoing version. The fascia carries some new elements like black appliques for the front bumper and a silver skid plate at the bottom. Further, the grille is all black and is flanked by sweptback headlamps, which are in turn guarded by a pair of LED DRLs in the shape of ‘eyebrows’. Interior flaunts a Black & Grey combinations and seems to be quite generous in terms of legroom, headroom and other storage spaces.

Maruti Vitara Brezza has been designed intelligently in a way that it offers the space of an SUV and yet reflects a compact structure of a hatchback. It also gets body cladding, prominent arches, big air dam, fog lamps, blackened A, B & C pillars as well as silver skid plate for the bumper. Its dual tone exterior body paint for top end variants is one of the major highlights about the car. Getting inside, the cabin dons piano black accents along with the use of chrome embellishments. It can accommodate 5 adults at a time and seats are upholstered in superior fabric upholstery.

NuvoSport-VS-EcoSport-VS-Vitara-Brezza-TUV300-Design-&-Style

 

Ford EcoSport is already an established name in the segment, but still the company keeps on updating it from time to time so as to stay ahead of the rivals. The exterior is marked by revamped headlights carrying LED DRLs, modified skid plates, new alloy wheels, honeycomb grille with chrome outlines and an aggressive bumper. The interior carries the same layout offering enough space to occupy 5 adults at a time. The dashboard reflects a blend of grey and black shades and there are 20 different stowage space throughout the cabin.

Mahindra TUV300 dons a boxy structure with minimal use of sporty fitments on the outside so as to keep the overall look simple and sober. Its grille takes the form of rectangular columns that will remind you of the signature grille of Jeep models. The square shaped fog lamps, rectangular wheel arches, dual tone ORVMs, and tailgate mounted spare wheel are some distinctive features of the model. As you enter the cabin, there is a 5+2 seat configuration done up in Black & Beige combination. Some portions also get dull silver accents and all the fitments are neatly arranged.

Handling & Performance

Starting with NuvoSport, it gets fitted with a diesel engine that displaces up to 1493 cc and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Apart from this an AMT is also available as an optional transmission facility. Talking about the suspension, it gets fitted with double wishbone at the front axle and 5-link at the rear axle. It has an improved dynamics since the body roll and noise filtering are now much better than that of the outgoing Quanto.

In the Vitara Brezza model, there is a single choice of a diesel powertrain with 1248 cc displacement. Transmission duties are taken care of by a 5-speed manual gearbox, while no automatic unit is present as of now. Its low turning radius of 5.2 m and an electric steering help in making the handling part smooth. For suspension, there is McPherson strut at front and a torsion beam mechanism at the rear axle.

NuvoSport-VS-EcoSport-VS-Vitara-Brezza-TUV300-interior

 

Ford EcoSport has been rolled out with 3 different engine options fitted with 1498 cc, 1499 cc petrol and 999 cc units. The output is transferred to the wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic facility. Front axle gets McPherson strut with coil spring & anti-roll bar, whereas the rear is equipped with a semi-independent twist beam with twin gas and oil filled shock absorbers. Further, it has ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes for the rear. Handling and riding are reasonably better than other SUVs in the range.

Moving on, the TUV300 model gets fitted with the same diesel engine which offers 1493 cc displacement and much like the NuvoSport, it gets a 5-speed manual tranny as standard and an optional AMT. Its large ground clearance helps in tackling the undulations well, but it could also get bouncy for the rear occupants. The hydraulic steering works well. However, those who have already driven around in the EcoSport may find it heavy. This vehicle gets double wishbone at the front axle and multi link unit for the rear portion.

Engine & Power Specifications

Starting with NuvoSport, this vehicle gets powered by a 1.5 litre mHawk diesel engine borrowed from TUV300. This motor has the efficiency to make 100Bhp at 3750rpm of maximum output and a peak torque of 240Nm between 1600-2800rpm. As far as the fuel efficiency is concerned, it is rated at 17.45 km/l for highway roads.

Vitara Brezza has been introduced in the market with a single 1.3 litre diesel powertrain. This motor has the capability to pump out 88.5Bhp at 4000rpm and 200Nm at 1750rpm. As far as the fuel efficiency is concerned, like every other Maruti car, this one also gives out an impressive figure of 24.3 km/l.


NuvoSport-VS-EcoSport-VS-Vitara-Brezza-TUV300-Engine

Ford EcoSport is quite distinctive in this range because of the fact that it offers a wide variety of engine options in the lineup. The diesel variants are packed with a 1.5 litre TDCi motor that has the calibre to generate 98.59Bhp at 3750rpm and 205Nm of peak torque at 1750-3250rpm. The fuel efficiency is rated at 22.27 km/l.

Moving to the petrol category, first one is a 1.5 litre unit that pumps out 110.4Bhp at 6300rpm and 140Nm at 4400rpm. Mileage figure stands at 15.85 km/l. Then comes its 1 litre EcoBoost unit making 123.24Bhp at 6000rpm and 170Nm at 1400-4500rpm. This motor offers ARAI rated fuel efficiency of 18.88 km/l.

The TUV300 model is available in the market with just a 1.5 litre mHawk diesel motor and makes 4Bhp at 3750rpm along with 230Nm of peak torque at 1500-2250rpm. This mechanical setup is claimed to deliver 18.49 km/l of mileage.

Features

The top end variant of NuvoSport gets attached with power steering, front & rear power windows, rear seat centre armrest, rear seat headrest, seat lumbar support, multi-function steering, rear reading lamp, glove box cooling and height adjustable driving seat. For safety, there is keyless entry, ABS, EBD, dual front airbags and rear camera with parking sensors.

Talking about Vitara Brezza, apart from the power steering and power windows, its top end variant also gets air quality control, automatic climate control, cruise control, navigation and engine start/stop button, which are absent in the Mahindra cars. As far as the safety aspect is concerned, it includes ABS, EBD, central locking, anti-theft alarm, dual front airbags, power door locks, day/night rear view mirror, etc.

NuvoSport-VS-EcoSport-VS-Vitara-Brezza-TUV300-Safety

 

Ford EcoSport is adorned with a wide array of comfort fitments like power steering, front & rear power windows, rear reading lamp, rear seat headrest, engine start/stop button, smart card access entry, voice control and rear parking sensors. In terms of safety, it is equipped with power door locks, child safety locks, anti-theft device, engine immobilizer and dual front airbags. The most advantageous point is that it even gets side airbags at the front & rear portion that is not found in any other option in this segment.

For TUV300, the range of comfort features include remote fuel lid opener, rear seat headrest, front & rear cup holders, adjustable steering column, power windows, power steering and low fuel warning light. In order to ensure safety of the occupants, the car is fitted with anti-theft alarm, dual front airbags, power door locks, anti-theft device, crash sensor and follow me headlamps.

Pricing & Color

Mahindra NuvoSport is available in 6 variants whereby the base variant is priced at INR 7.65 Lacs (ex-showroom), while the top end trim carries the price of INR 10.15 Lacs (ex-showroom). The color options that are available for the prospective buyers are:

  • Regal Blue
  • Mist Silver
  • Molten Red
  • Rust Orange
  • Fiery Black
  • Diamond White

Discussing the Maruti Vitara Brezza, it has been rolled out with 7 variants carrying the price tag of INR 7.1 Lacs (ex-showroom) for the entry level and INR 9.9 Lacs (ex-showroom) for the top end model. A unique thing about Vitara is that its top ranging models are being offered in a dual tone combination, which is quite an uncommon thing. The different color options are enlisted below:

  • Blazing Red/Midnight Black
  • Pearl Arctic White
  • Fiery Yellow/Pearl Arctic White
  • Blazing Red
  • Cerulean Blue/Pearl Arctic White
  • Cerulean Blue
  • Fiery Yellow
  • Premium Silver
  • Granite Grey

NuvoSport-VS-EcoSport-VS-Vitara-Brezza-TUV300-Price

Coming to Ford EcoSport, this compact SUV is available for sale with 11 variants. The price range starts from INR 6.8 Lacs (Ex-showroom) and goes up to INR 10 Lacs (ex-showroom). Regarding the exterior paint shades, the range includes the following:

  • Golden Bronze
  • Moondust Silver
  • Kinetic Blue
  • Smoke Grey
  • Chill Metallic
  • Panther Black
  • Diamond White
  • Mars Red

Finally, there is Mahindra TUV300 that has been made available for sale in 6 different variants. The base model carries the price tag of INR 7.5 Lacs (ex-showroom), while the top ranging one is priced at INR 9.8 Lacs (ex-showroom). The customers have a choice among the following exterior shades:

  • Molten Orange
  • Majestic Silver
  • Dynamo Red
  • Verve Blue
  • Glacier White
  • Bold Black

Verdict

After taking on the Mahindra NuvoSport vs Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza vs Ford EcoSport vs Mahindra TUV300 comparison, we would like to draw our final conclusion.

Starting with NuvoSport, this all new vehicle can prove to be a potential threat to other players in the segment. The most advantageous factor is that it carries the brand name of Mahindra, which is famous for its SUVs in India. Moreover, it has been priced within a reasonable range and the available features are perfectly suitable to the price range. The engine is good, AMT is optional and almost all essential features are there in the package.

Then we have another model from the same brand i.e. Mahindra TUV300, which is available with similar mechanical setup and falls in almost the same price bracket. If we compare both these Mahindra products, the only thing that makes a huge difference is its design and looks. In terms of appearance, many may prefer NuvoSport. Though TUV300 is also appealing, but its box-like structure is kind of weird to look at.

Up next is the all new Vitara Brezza which is quite a charmer in terms of design and appearance. The range of features on offer are just apt considering the price range. Mechanically, there is just a diesel option in the range, which may disappoint the petrol car lovers. Also, there isn’t any automatic transmission, unlike all the three models mentioned in this comparison. However, the mileage figure is surely a plus point here which is maximum as compared to all the 4 models. It is surely going to do a great job in the market owing to the brand name it carries. Another interesting thing about this compact SUV is that it dons a dual tone combination which can’t be opted in other models.

Last, but definitely not the least is Ford EcoSport that has attained an unbeatable position in India for quite a while now. Not only it comes with the widest range of powertrain, but the riding, handling and suspension are also very impressive. Further, comfort and safety fitments are also upto the mark. The only reason why anyone would not go for EcoSport is when the buyer is interested in buying a fresh arrival with fresh looks.

So, basically all the four compact SUVs are competent enough to reign the hearts of audience, but it totally depends on the personal choice of the buyer as to which one he/she would prefer. Even though all these cars are nice, but we think the major fight is going to take place between Vitara Brezza and EcoSport. No matter how great Mahindra is doing in the SUV segment, but still after taking a look on all the aspects, it seems like Ford and Maruti are going to have an interesting battle for market share.