The compact crossover segment is a fast-growing niche that is appealing to more and more customers as it presents all the comfort and ease-of-use as a small hatchback, but with a big car look and feel. The raised driving position and increased ground clearance make drivers feel more confident on the road, helping them navigate uneven roads and seeing through traffic clearer.
While you're behind the wheel though, you want to know that your information and entertainment desires are met, in a way that is comfortable and easy to use. Having the features you need makes life that much easier and indeed, safer.
We look at the Ford EcoSport and compare it against two rivals, one direct and one not-so-direct> the Renault Captur and the Suzuki Jimny. While the Jimny offers a true 4x4 experience, its size and pricing place it in the firing line of the Ford Ecosport.
Here's how their infotainment systems stack up.
Ford EcoSport 1.0T Titanium - R342 600
Our Rating: 3/5
The Ford EcoSport saw an update in 2019 that saw it receive the latest SYNC system, SYNC3 with a full-colour, 8-inch touchscreen, giving it the largest screen in this comparison. The colours are simple and rather monochromatic, making for easier reading and less distraction. That said, the overall display is bright with its white background illuminating the cabin. We prefer to run it in the darker night mode for this reason.
The SYNC3 system accepts input for Bluetooth, two USBs, and has voice control as standard but is devoid of a CD player. Smartphone tethering via a USB cable will bring up Android Auto or Apple CarPlay for seamless connection of apps, messaging and third-party navigation.
The tactile interface below the screen is flanked by two rotary dials, one for volume and power control while the other handles tuning. Shortcut buttons reside between the two dials for quick access to track skipping, audio control and switching the screen off. Other controls reside in the multifunction steering wheel.
The menu hierarchy is relatively simple and doesn't take long to get used to although we would have like a faster response time. A simple, tiled home screen makes accessing the desired functions quite easy.
Renault Captur 88kW turbo Dynamique - R320 900
Our Rating: 3/5
The Renault Captur is the oldest of our three vehicles compared here but the MediaNav system still holds up well to this day. It uses a 7-inch full-colour touchscreen as the primary interface with bold colours on a dark background helping you locate the desired functions. It too uses a tiled home screen with colour coded screen thereafter for specific functions.
The Renault MediaNav system accepts Bluetooth, USB and AUX input but the unit is devoid of a CD player and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto is not supported.
The Captur follows the rest of the Renault stable with the omission of steering wheel controls for audio, opting to rather include a steering column-mounted controller that takes some getting used to as the script on the buttons is obscured when driving, meaning that one has to familiarize themselves with the controller beforehand. Once achieved, the controller is simple and intuitive to use. Simple buttons for volume rest above the screen for convenient use.
Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip - R311 900
Our Rating: 2.5/5
The Suzuki Jimny is one of the first vehicles in the Suzuki lineup to receive their 7-inch SLDA (Smartphone Linkage Display Audio) infotainment system with a full-colour touchscreen and smartphone integration. As with the Renault Captur, the system sets coloured tiles on a black background, colour-coded to the function represented.
The system accepts input for Bluetooth, SD Card, USB and has smartphone integration in the form of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. While it does allow for voice control, it is devoid of a CD player though.
While the Jimny is equipped with steering wheel controls for the audio, the touchscreen is the only other form of interface that the driver can use with no tactile buttons or dials for commonly accessed features. This can cause some distraction when trying to locate the correct touch area for track skipping or volume control. Best to use the steering wheel then.
The menu system is relatively straight forward with a moderate response time and settings in mostly logical places in the hierarchy. This is the best thing to happen to the Suzuki brand as their infotainment was sorely lacking in earlier years.
Recommended Reading:
Watch: 2019 Suzuki Jimny – Bigger, bolder, but is it better?
Renault Captur vs Hyundai Kona vs Opel Crossland X: which one has the best infotainment system?
Infotainment Comparison – Toyota C-HR vs. Mazda CX-3 vs. Hyundai Kona
