Spec comparo: Maruti Vitara Brezza vs Mahindra TUV300 vs Ford EcoSport

2013 was when India was introduced to the concept of compact SUVs. Technically it is the Premier Rio which started this segment, however, the crude interiors and not so attractive sales network kept the buyers away. This paved the way for many other manufacturers to invest in sub-4m SUVs which could take benefit of the Indian taxation rules and be priced very competitively. Enter the Ford EcoSport and the Mahindra TUV300. Both the SUVs are doing extremely well in the Indian market. Both occupy less real estate, attract lower duties and provide the stance of an SUV. Enter the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. This compact SUV is expected to be launched in India in a couple of months. It will be powered only by a diesel motor, like the Mahindra TUV300. Let's see how these rivals stack up on paper.

Looks

The Mahindra TUV300 is the most box-like amongst all the cars here. It however has the most street presence too. The Ford EcoSport has always been a smart looker ever since it was launched and it still commands attention. Enter the Vitara Brezza. The car adopts a design language which is a mix of both the EcoSport and the TUV. While it does appear a bit boxy, it has some sharp design elements like towards the C-pillar. It also get a floating roof element.

Interior and features

Let's start with the Maruti Vitara Brezza. The Vitara Brezza has an upholstery similar to other Maruti models we have seen in India. There is a touchscreen infotainment system with audio controls on the steering wheel. There is also decent space in the second row. Driver airbag is standard across the range while passenger airbag, ABS and EBD is optional from the base trim. 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the top trims. The Ford EcoSport has an upmarket cabin with the facelift getting in more features and chrome. Unlike the Figo, Ford isn't offering any safety features as standard on the base trim. We believe that with the facelift, Ford should have provided ABS and twin airbags as standard. The EcoSport still doesn't have the most spacious cabin in its class especially at the rear. The Mahindra TUV300 has a very spacious and airy cabin compared to the other two here. Mahindra uses beige for the interior while others mentioned here use a black theme.

The TUV300 isn't low on features either but compared to the others here, it lacks. The seating position is way higher than the Brezza and the EcoSport. However, the base trim doesn't offer ABS or airbags.

Engines and transmission

The Ford EcoSport is the only car here to offer a petrol and diesel motor. In fact it offers customers a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine, with a choice of an automatic as well as manual gearbox. The Mahindra TUV300 and the Vitara Brezza in the meanwhile come with only a diesel motor. The EcoSport in both petrol and diesel guise makes the most power while the Mahindra TUV300 on paper makes the least. Expect the Vitara Brezza though to be the most fuel efficient on the road.

While we wait for the actual road test and comparison of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, here is how it stacks up against its competition on paper.