Mahindra TUV300 vs Ford Ecosport: Specifications comparison

Mahindra has just launched its new compact SUV, TUV300 (pronounced ‘three double oh’) at a starting price of Rs 6.90 lakh (ex showroom, Pune). With this launch, the carmaker has once again forayed into the compact SUV segment, after the Quanto failed to sell as per its expectations. The TUV300 has found a direct competitor in the sub-four metre Ford EcoSport, which has had a great run in the country. Since its launch in June 2013, the EcoSport has found more than 1,12,000 buyers in India. The TUV300 created quite a storm when Mahindra revealed sketches of the car some weeks prior to its launch. Mahindra says it has a winner on its hands in the compact SUV space this time around and is looking to expand its market share in the utility vehicle segment. The TUV300 has been made on a completely new platform and has an upright, rugged-looking stance. We compare the specifications of the TUV300 and the Ford EcoSport to see which one makes for the best value proposition.

Under the hood

Powering the TUV300 is Mahindra’s updated mHawk engine christened the mHawk80. The engine, which will only be offered in a diesel guise, displaces 1,493cc, which helps the TUV300 qualify as a small car and hence, a lower rate of excise duty. The mHawk80 engine churns out 82.85bhp at 3,750rpm and 23.45kgm at 1,500-2,250rpm. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre diesel unit in the Ford EcoSport, which also does duty in the Ford Fiesta, puts out a higher 90bhp at 3,750rpm and a torque figure of 20.8kgm at 2,000-2,750rpm. So while the TUV300 gains in the torque category, the EcoSport edges ahead in terms of power output.

Ford is also offering the EcoSport with two petrol engine options; a 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine making 123bhp at 6,000rpm and a 1.5-litre motor good for 110bhp at 6,300rpm. However, for the purpose of a fair comparison, we will consider the diesel unit here. The TUV300 will be available only in two-wheel drive for now. However, the carmaker said the new platform is capable of spawning a four-wheel-drive version as well.