Best Compact SUV: Nuvosport vs Vitara Brezza vs Ford EcoSport vs TUV300

The compact SUV segment is getting hotter every day. Mahindra Nuvosport is the newest entrant to this game of SUVs. How does the Nuvosport's compare in terms of specifications to other established compact SUVs? Let us take a detailed tour to find out.

Design

Mahindra is relaunching its compact SUV Quanto and re-naming it as Nuvosport, the compact SUV is a lot sharper and muscular. The new headlamp with the split DRL (Daytime Running Lights) looks more imposing and SUVish. Body cladding which was missing in the Quanto is seen in the Nuvosport. The new grille justifies the Nuvosport in the SUV bracket, also, the new front bumper with dual tone makes up the front fascia of the Mahindra Nuvosport.

The Maruti Vitara Brezza is a good looking compact SUV, it has been tastefully designed by the Maruti engineers and is well thought out. There isn't too much of hype around the design by Maruti, however, it makes you feel elegant, straight lined and the entire body lines are the right place. The Brezza is well proportionate from all angles and you can feel it in place, either elegance or if you want to go off-road.

Also Read: Comparison Of Mahindra Nuvosport vs Old Mahindra Quanto

Ford's EcoSport is a driver delight and has captured many people's hearts with SUV's driving abilities. The EcoSport is comparatively taller and bigger in dimension, however, it fits the bill of a sub-four compact SUV. The design of DRLs and the small headlamp are designed with a deep look which makes the EcoSport an imposing looking SUV. The EcoSport might not look muscular, but its dimensions are much bigger compared to its rivals.

As for the Mahindra TUV300, the battle tank design sure does evoke a strong character. The TUV300 is more butch and angular and there aren't many curvy lines to it, Mahindra has designed the SUV keeping in mind what a war tank would look like, but handles on soft roads as well. Every aspect of the design are straight or square or rectangular and has a higher stance. The TUV300 does look like an SUV and not compromised with angular design in the recent past.

Features

Mahindra's Nuvosport will be launched on April 4, 2016, and we will have complete information on the features. Going by what the industry has been offering in the compact SUVs, the Nuvosport will see change on the upholstery compared to the Quanto, new dashboard, audio controls on the steering wheel, touch-screen infotainment system and a lot more, which could be borrowed from the TUV300. This SUV will have the 7-seater layout, which could be the first-in-segment.

The Maruti Vitara Brezza boasts of projector headlamps, standard airbags for the driver across variants, and ABS with EBD. The infotainment system will feature SmartPlay and Apple CarPlay with navigation, keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control and cooled glove box. It also packed with sliding armrest for the front seat, and a reverse camera for your parking assistance.

Features of the Ford EcoSport is much similar to the Maruti Vitara Brezza, which includes the infotainment system with navigation, BlueTooth connectivity, automatic climate control, keyless entry, steering mounted audio controls, and push start-stop button. The EcoSport boasts of 6-airbags which is not seen in its competitors, and ABS and rear parking sensors.

Engine Specifications & Gearbox

The Mahindra Nuvosport will be powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder diesel engine, which mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, which pushes out 100bhp at 3750rpm and 240Nm of torque at 1600-2800rpm (Power mode). And 72bhp at 3250rpm and 180Nm of torque at 1600-2100rpm (Economy mode). Mahindra is offering the Nuvosport with four variants (N4, N4+, N6 and N8). There is no confirmation of a petrol engine and the details of the AMT will be updated accordingly.

The Maruti Vitara Brezza is powered by 1.3-litre diesel engine, which is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, punching out 89bhp at 4000rpm and torque of 200Nm at 1750rpm. Maruti has not yet confirmed if there will a petrol or even an AMT option, however, we have seen that the Maruti Swift Dzire comes with AGS (Auto Gear Shift) and the probability of the Brezza getting the gearbox is a possibility.

As for Ford's EcoSport, the compact SUV will be powered by 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines, also, is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine variant as well. The 1.5litre engine is mated to 5-speed manual transmission box, the petrol engine pushes out 110bhp at 6300rpm and 140Nm of torque at 4400rpm, the diesel variant pushes out 99bhp at 3750rpm and torque of 205Nm at 1750-3250rpm. The 1.0-litre petrol engine punches out 123bhp at 6000rpm and torque of 170Nm at 1400-4500rpm.

Mahindra's TUV300 is powered by 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is mated to a 5-speed manual and AMT (Automatic Manual Transmission) box, which punches out 84bhp at 3750rpm and torque of 230Nm at 1500-2250rpm. The AMT variant pushes out 81bhp at 3750rpm and 230Nm of torque at 1500-2250rpm. The TUV300 does not have a petrol variant and it could be offered through the Nuvosport.

Pricing