Comparison: How TUV300 will Stand Against Ford EcoSport?

Update: 10 September, 2015, Mahindra has launched its compact SUV, the Mahindra TUV 300 in the Indian auto market today at a price tag of Rs 6.9 lac, ex-showroom, Mumbai. Check out more on the TUV 300 Launch

The compact SUV space is now abundant with five options available to choose from. Cars like EcoSport, Hyundai Creta, S-Cross, Duster and Terrano have added their values and benchmarks over the time. We now have another option and as known through recent teasers, Mahindra is ready to join this segment with their latest car, the TUV300. TUV 300’s price is expected to fall in the 7-8 lac price bracket. As no official word has been released by the company, any estimation of TUV 300’s price is speculative. And as it is going to be a sub-4 meter car, let’s see what it offers to compete against another formidable one in the same league, the EcoSport.

Exteriors: True Blue SUV?

Taking the EcoSport first, we all are well acquainted with its stylish exteriors and to be honest, it looks good. Adding to its SUV sort of appearance is a high rise bonnet, sturdy headlights and a wide hexagonal grille. The sides are accentuated by massive wheel arches and subtle shoulder lines while the wrap-around rear windscreen adds a subtle kink towards the end of the side. The rear also compliments the rest of its looks with angular tail lamp cluster and that tailgate mounted spare wheel. Other than this, the ground clearance of EcoSport is 200mm, one of the highest in the segment that adds to its overall tallboy stance. Does it look like a true blue SUV? Yes, it does, but the sub-4 meter constraints still make it look small when compared to Creta and Duster.

As far as the TUV is concerned, Mahindra hasn’t revealed any solid real world pictures, but the teaser images do hint towards it boxy looks something that is considered as a chief ingredient for an SUV. The squared-off cues remind of the elder sister Bolero, while short front and rear overhangs make it look sporty. The car will carry Mahindra’s family grille, rectangular headlamps at the flanks and similar styled rear taillamps. Like the EcosSort, it will also get a ground clearance of 200mm or more and tailgate mounted spare wheel. Other exterior highlights are large windows, something found in the manufacturer’s every vehicle. Moreover, the beefy tyres that the teaser image reveal reflect its true SUV stance.

Interiors: EcoSport gets heck lot of features!

Mahindra is not known for making top-notch interiors, though they are functional but are clinged with few ergonomic and quality issues. Ford, on the other hand, is well acknowledged for their ergonomically and solidly built cars and EcoSport is no exception. Also, EcoSport gets a fair share of gadgetry that let's you play with them on the go. The seats are supportive and 5 people can settle down comfortably. On the downside, there is no touchscreen infotainment system like in the Creta, S-Cross or Duster and for people looking for it, this could be a let down.

Well, this could be sorted easily by TUV300 as it might get the touchscreen infotainment unit from Scorpio or XUV500, also the spy images and the currently teased image of the steering wheel and the central console suggests that Mahindra is really picking up with the competition. We expect that the TUV get better interiors loaded with adequate creature comfort.

Underpinnings

EcoSport underpins the usual compact SUV segment’s follow-up, the forward wheel drive arrangement, with everything bolted to the monocoque chassis. But that works for this car and Ford’s bang on suspension and chassis tune adds to EcoSport's great handling traits. The car is available in three engine alternatives to choose from, the 1.5 Ti-VCT petrol with DCT automatic, the most popular 1.5 TDCi diesel and the-state-of-art 1.0 liter Ecoboost.

Mahindra is still tight-lipped on the TUV300’s drivetrain or the chassis, but it is speculated that it will be getting a body on ladder frame construction. The frame is probably developed taking the hydroformed chassis of Scorpio, which will certainly add to its off-road ability. Also, the vehicle could be a rear wheel driven, one like the Quanto giving it a little edge over the FWD EcoSport on rough terrains. It will get power from a 1.5 litre mHawk 80 motor, the engine is the one used by Quanto, but is expected to produce 80bhp.

Price?

The homegrown manufacturer is known for pricing its vehicles in a very pocket-friendly manner. Like the Scorpio’s price falls in the vicinity of the compact SUV segment, TUV’s base model is most likely to undercut Ecosport’s diesel base variant price.

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