Ford EcoSport vs Mahindra TUV300: A Gentleman and a Brute (2024)

New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 19, 2015 15:33 IST

The TUV 300 boasts of a brand new design. Big and boxy is how I would like to refer to it as. But at the same time it does have a brutish charm to it. The front end gets a large five slat grille flanked by large headlamps. The headlamps also offer 'static cornering lamps' which light up at corners and are a truly handy feature. In profile though the TUV looks a bit flat. There aren't many flares or bulges to flare up emotions. The profile also clearly shows the minimal overhangs which the TUV boasts of proudly. At the back, the centre of attraction is the tailgate mounted spare wheel, The design too looks appealing. But what can really transform the look of the TUV is the accessory package offered by Mahindra. Rooflights, flared wheelarches, bull bar, Mahindra has something for everyone.

The EcoSport on the other hand looks far more compact in comparision even though it is longer than the TUV even if by just a few millimetres. However, it's neither as tall nor as wide as the TUV. The EcoSport also looks sportier in profile thanks to the curves which Ford designers have added to it.

There is also another major difference in these two vehicles. While the EcoSport sports a monocoque chassis, the TUV relies on the old school ladder on frame design. Adding to the accolades of the EcoSport is the fact that it offers slightly more ground clearance at 200mm as compared to the TUV 300 which offers 190mm.

Getting into the cabin of the TUV requires one to utilise the side step. Once in the seat feels large and comfortable. The arm rest on the front seats just adds to the comfort levels. Up ahead there is a smart looking dash in two-tone. The piano black centre console looks good too and houses the audio device. The instrument panel is a twin pod affair with a digital read out for fuel, temperature and trip in the middle. The quality of plastics used has improved as well. The only oddity in the TUV's cabin are the 12v charging socket, USB and aux input locations. It just rests in the middle of nowhere instead of being tucked in somewhere. The view around is also clear and the edges of the bonnet are visible too. The back seat is a bit flat but there is ample room all around. The boot of the TUV comes with two foldable jump seats. The lower floor helps in aiding to space and two adult can be 'shoved' in for short rides. However, we must add here that the two seats at the back do not offer seat belts and hence Mahindra calls it a 5+2 arrangement.

Getting into the EcoSport is a much easier affair thanks to the clever design. The seats are more compact units and offer a lot more support and this is especially the case in context of the front buckets. The EcoSport thereafter gets a snazier dash design. A cut here and a cut there. It looks more stylish and appealing.

What does get some time to used to are the array of buttons placed on the centre console. In the EcoSport one also gets a central display screen which beams various functions including the unique Ford Sync feature. The instrument panel also looks more futuristic and comes with analogue gauges for fuel, speed and engine revs. At the back, the EcoSport is not as spacious as the TUV. There is lesser kneeroom and headroom as well. But the seats themselves are more comfortable. The boot in the EcoSport is a flat unit and offers 346 litres of space.The EcoSport also gets a 60:40 split which adds to the versatality. However, what it does not get are additional jumpseats.

The TUV comes with a 1.5-litre three pot oil burner. Now most will refer to it as being the same engine as seen in the Quanto. But that is not the case. This engine is heavily reworked and now gets a dual stage turbocharger and a dual mass flywheel as well. The engine is also lighter than before. On the downside, the power has come down marginally to 84bhp. The EcoSport also gets a 1.5-litre motor. It does however, get the benefit of having an extra cylinder. Power figure is also slightly higher than the TUV at 91bhp. The EcoSport though is a FWD SUV.

The TUV does emit a standard diesel crackle at startup. But it does setle down quick. The gearbox feels a bit sticky though it slots in easy. Take off from stand still is not best referred to as quick, but it does get to high speeds with relative ease. The other thing which impressed us was the seamless power delivery. It does not come as a lump and is very linear. Therefore the prominent 'turbo lag' is not felt. There is also loads of torque which kicks in at lower revs and that eliminates the need to downshift on a regular basis. Even when on top gear just a dab on the throttle ensures a quick speed up. The TUV also comes with an 'Eco' mode. In this mode, the SUV completely changes its colours and becomes more sedate to aid fuel economy. Adding to it is a start/stop system which can be activated via a switch placed next to the steering column. Speaking of efficiency, the TUV did offer a respectable 19.11kmpl on the highway and 13.08kmpl in the city. Quite a good figure we must say.

The TUV also boasts of a rather good NVH package. At 100kmph, the engine is barely audible inside the cabin. At around 120kmph, is when you can hear it clearly. When it comes to handling, the TUV does feel a bit soft. There is prominent bodyroll as well and therefore corners are not as fun. However, on the upside it does absorbs bumps and ruts with ease. Be it a mild off the road patch or a broken down road, the TUV takes it in its stride with ease displaying its inherent tough DNA. Let me put it this way. You wont be worried about breaking anything on the SUV itself.The steering on the TUV is quick too. Feedback is also good, but it does feel heavy just like the overall feel of the vehicle.

The EcoSport feels lively from the word go. It is more powerful and lighter as well, by 300kg to be precise. Therefore, in the sprint to 100kmph, the Ford outpaces the TUV. It is also more car like to drive. The engine feels slightly more refined and the gearbox is slicker too. Fuel economy is higher as well. According to our tests, the EcoSport will deliver 15.68kmpl in the city and 21.40kmpl on the highway. Quite simply then, the EcoSport does prove to be better as a 'driver's' car. When we come to handling, the EcoSport feels more sure-footed. There is lesser body roll and it feels more in control thanks to the stiffer setup. The steering is more responsive, offers decent feedback and is lighter too. The only thing which the EcoSport lacks is that feeling of 'toughness'. The though of ploughing through rough patches without any fear. Sure it can do most of what the TUV would, but it needs to be treated with a bit more care.

The Verdict

The EcoSport is a monocoque, is lighter and at the same time easier to drive. It is more suited to the city and this is where most vehicle dwell. On the downside, the EcoSport is considerably more expensive than the TUV300.

The Mahindra TUV300 is a brillinat step ahead for Mahindra. We loved the way the company has executed the cabin and it looks well built and smart too. Not to forget the plenty of space the TUV cabin offers. There is also little to doubt the overall 'tough' DNA of a ladder frame chassis. However, it does feel a bit heavy moreso because of the massive weight the little 1.5 motor has to tug. However it is cheaper and in the final leap makes it to the podium thus beating the EcoSport.