In present terms, the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment has been drawing a lot of attention among Indian car consumers. Major car companies like Mahindra & Mahindra, Renault and Ford are competing with each other in order to squeeze out a sizeable market share. For home-gown major Mahindra & Mahindra, its XUV500 model in particular has contributed a lot in charting the course of the company in India. While for Ford, its EcoSport model is doing well with Indian consumers, owing to its aggressive pricing and stylish appearance. Both the cars of their respective companies are posing a serious challenge for each other and hence a detailed comparison is made between the two.
Coming to the engine specifications of both the cars, Mahindra XUV500 is only available in diesel fuel. The car derives power form its mHawk140 diesel engine, which has been equipped with Variable Geometry Turbo charger (VGT). It has a displacement of 2179 cc and can reach a peak power of 140 bhp alongside 330 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, which further transfers the power to rear wheels of the car. On the other hand, Ford EcoSport is available in both petrol and diesel options. In case of the petrol version, EcoSport has been offered in two engine options, namely 1.5-litre TiVCT and 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Both of these engine are differently tuned as to target different types of consumers.
The 1.5-litre engine generates 110 bhp of power and 140 Nm of torque, whereas for the fuel efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost one, the figures stand at 123 bhp for power and 170 Nm for torque. In case of the diesel variant of EcoSport, the car gets a 1.5-litre TDCi engine that gives way 89 bhp and 204 Nm of torque. On talking about the dimensions of both the vehicles, Mahindra XUV500 features 4585 mm in length, 1890 mm in width and 1785 mm in height. While Ford EcoSport is considerably smaller in all three departments having figures of 3999 mm, 1765 mm and 1708 mm giving due respect to length, width and height. The wheelbase of XUV500 is greater than Ford EcoSport by 180 mm. In terms of price, Ford EcoSport is priced aggressively at Rs. 5.82 lakh for the base variant that further increases to Rs. 9.37 lakh for the top-end trim (ex-showroom). For Mahindra XUV 500, it is offered in a price range of Rs. 11.85 lakh to Rs. 14.44 lakh (ex-showroom).
Comparing the features of both cars, Mahindra XUV 500 scores high over its Ford counter part as the vehicle has a lot of distinct features. The availability of All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Interactive Torque Management (ITM) system in XUV 500 clearly sets it apart from Ford EcoSport. Under this technology, the car automatically adjusts the amount of torque that is needed without any intervention of the driver. In addition, this technology also controls the Engine Management System, Steering Angle Sensor and Anti-lock Braking System.
Taking the exterior appearance into account, Ford EcoSport definitely maintains its lead over Mahindra XUV 500. The compact SUV of Ford is based on the Kinetic design platform that is developed by the company. The aerodynamic shape and contemporary looks of the car makes it an eye grabber. With black and grey dual tone interiors, EcoSport is provided with a sportier look and the cabin in particular is the highlight of the interiors. But on the other hand XUV 500 is not far, the car has a conventional masculine look as seen in most of the SUVs. A thing worth mentioning of Mahindra's car is its interiors, which gives a premium feel to the car inside the vehicle. However, the quality of plastics offered in the car are of inferior quality and the company needs to urgently change them.
So to conclude, Ford EcoSport happens to be a new car, which price sensitive Indian buyers are actively liking, owing to its overall appearance. However, in terms of engine and performance, it does not match with the standards the XUV500. Both the cars of their respective companies are faring pretty well but if comparison between both of them is concerned, it will be not right as the customer base which they addresses are entirely different.
