Ford EcoSport vs Renault Duster: which one is the best value for money?

By Farzana Chaumoo

The Ford EcoSport effectively kick-started the compact SUV segment but has since lost market share to rivals. The Duster offers some off-road ability and high levels of space, and it commands a price that easily trumps rivals. 

 

Styling

The EcoSport has a more quirky look about it, especially with the spare wheel mounted on the rear that looks like a 70s Jeep.

The Duster has softer features and an understated look and while it doesn’t have the ruggedness of say, a Defender, but it still appears capable and ready to get dirty.

 

Interior

When critics complained of the “flimsy” plastics in the interior, Ford tried rectifying it through revised materials around the centre console and instrument panel. Additionally, more sound deadening materials were added to alleviate the wind noise from the windscreen at higher speeds. On another note, the large A-pillars were said to create a substantial blind spot.

The dash in the Duster has a no-frills design that minimalistic and trimmed in hard plastics. It offers great head and legroom and there’s plenty of storage pockets all around. The Duster is well specced and offers keyless entry and stop/start technology whereas only Titanium EcoSport models offer keyless entry.

 

Practicality

Both cars deliver in the practicality department.

The Duster boasts a record boot loading capacity of up to 478 litres and up to 1,635 litres with the rear seats folded down.

In the EcoSport, space is considerably smaller offering 330 litres in the boot, which extends to 1,238 litres with the rear seats folded down.

With regards to the boot mechanism, a conventional tailgate on the Duster means it opens upwards, whereas, and much like passenger doors, the EcoSport opens to the side. Which means that you need extra space to open the doors and you cannot reverse fully into parking bays whether straight or parallel which can cause a great deal of inconvenience at times.

 

Driving

Since the EcoSport is based on the Fiesta it was expected that the SUV would be as fun to drive as the Fiesta despite the chunkier body and raised ride height. However, road testers have said that the steering is not as sharp, the suspension is much firmer, and there’s a sufficient amount of body roll.

As for the Duster, it has a compliant suspension, steering isn’t the sharpest in the segment but it drives pretty well. There’s also a little body roll but for isn’t unsurprising for these SUVs. Thanks to its selectable four-wheel drive it also handles great when taking off-road whereas the EcoSport is only available with two-wheel drive.

 

Read Renault Duster Reviews here.

 

Warranty

New EcoSport models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a 4-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, 3-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A 4-year/60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.

Standard across Renault’s entire product range, the all-new Renault Duster comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000km intervals, and a standard 3-year/45 000km service plan applies.

 

Verdict

The Duster is the one to have if you’re looking for an affordable SUV that’s great off-road and doesn’t compromise on its on-road abilities. It also commands a price that easily trumps rivals.

But if you’re not too concerned about off-road capabilities and are after something with an image and a little more style, combined with space and versatility, then the Ford EcoSport is the one to have.

The Duster starts from R249,900 while the Ford starts from R264,500. That’s a price gap of almost R15,000 but keeping in mind that the Duster doesn’t have a too luxurious cabin or the brand image that Ford brings forth, but it does offer exceptional value. The cost of ownership is cheap as well as repairs. It’s practical and will do all that you need for not very much money. 

 

Recommended: Running costs: Renault Duster vs. Ford EcoSport vs. Mazda CX-3