Today I test drove the diesel topend variant of the Ecosport and here is my impression.
Cars roughly compared : Dzire DDiS, Figo TDCi, Duster 110 DCi (from my personal experience)
Exterior :
- The car looks neat and at the same time quite aggressive from the front. The high ground clearance with 16 inch tyres and massive bumper (for its pseudo suv like construction) creates an fake impression of it being a big car. But it is not ! Its about the length of Dzire with slightly taller stance and about the same width. When parked in isolation it actually creates an deceiving stance of being big. This is something opposite to what it is with Figo which feels smaller than it actually is !
Duster is a lengthier car no doubt with decent clothes but Ecosport decidedly looks more futuristic. Duster's outdated and build to price side profile doesnt do any favor to the car either.
Build Quality :
- SOLID. Ford in general makes its car tough and Ecosport actually feels even better. The doors are unusually heavy for the segment of car it is (not that I am complaining.) Car feels well cocooned inside. Not Linea like shield but not too far behind either. Duster feels relatively light weight , especially the way doors operate and the overall quality of metal used.
- Fit and finish inside out is satisfactory. Nothing much to complain about in this regard. I hope the car remains rattlefree in long run.
Interiors :
- Compared to Figo and older Fords, Ecosport has got a space age dashboard which looks quite sophisticated. Somewhat similar to new Fiesta, the dashboard compliments the character of the car well. The color combination though could have been total black instead of grey shade for the bottom end of the dash. It would have made it look classier. Quality itself is something relatively good. Dzire grade plastic (albeit tougher and more abuse friendly). Definite step up from Ford Figo's. Duster in comparison looks primitive in terms of design and overall quality. Having said that, some might still prefer Duster's clean design over Ecosport's dramatic setup.
- Interior space to honest is nothing to crib about. Headroom is pretty good as expected but width and overall space of the cabin is no better that what you get in a i20 or Fabia ! Talk space management and 4 meter Jazz still is a superbly engineered product. A Figo owner wont find Ecosport to be an upgrade in terms of space. So will be a Dzire owner. Duster has more space, especially at back.
- For my wide stance I found the front seats of ES little narrower than it should be for overall lateral support. Driving position is spot on. Backseat felt bit flat and support level is limited. Again its a not big step ahead of Figo if you discount the extra headroom.
- Visibility is good thanks to high stance. Left side blind spot as mentioned in the review is there. It can be tricky in city traffic. You feel like sitting a step lower in Figo and dzire for obvious reasons.
- Loads of gadgets. Most of them useful. Will take little getting used. Best loaded car below 10 lakhs !
- Bootspace is acceptable. Flexibility of hatch aids practicality. Duster's boot is much bigger though. Side opening hatchdoor with sparewheel attached is easier unless you are stuck in some congested area.
Engine,Gearbox and Performance :
- I drove the diesel variant and came up with mixed impression. Somehow the engine doesnt feel as punchy. Its power delivery is quite linear, smooth with no judder whatsoever. Still it wont give you sleepless nights with its performance. DDiS feels more punchy surprisingly (call it turbo boost or whatever) and more free revving. Refinement is good,similar to Dzire and slightly better than Figo's. The engine interestingly sounds like gruff petrol engine than a clattery diesel !
Duster's 110 bhp variant though has got some lag below 2000 rpm is a very strong performer in turbo zone. The highway drive is more satisfying. Its slightly more refined as well.
- Gearbox is typical Ford. Slightly long and some effort is required. But its far from rubbery and slots perfectly.
- Clutch action felt little more aggressive than it should be. (Compared to Figo and Dzire). Duster too has got similar action or its even more prominent.
Dynamics :
- The ride quality = Progressive. Improves with speed. Its not plush but not harsh either. Ford cars in general have similar setup where ride is always adequtely supportive. Figo is similar, infact very similar unless you bring on the GC equation into picture. Dzire's setup is softer at lower speeds but ES will provide better ride with rising speed. Duster is distinctly better here. Be it any speed, Renault is closest one will get to magic carpet.
- Handling is quite good. There is a sense of security and control that helps you to push the limit. Ford DNA. Figo owners can relate, Dzire owners can aspire. Duster is no bad handler either. But if pushed, ES should hold its ground better.
- Braking is fantastic. Control is excellent. No further arguments.
- Steering is bit of a let down if you love HPS. Its lighter than Figo and even Dzire's. Feedback isnt bad but that 'feel of the road' is not that well transmitted. Its feature light for city use. Not Hyundai like lifeless for sure (for those who are worried). Duster's steering is quite alright too.
Overall : The car that will change the fortune of Ford