automotive pros
• Looks
contemporary again
• 8-inch touchscreen
CoNs
• Steering is a bit
vague now
• Cabin quality
X-faCtor
Powerful engine that offers some serious punch .
Ford EcoSport 1.5 diesel Engine : 1,498cc 4-Cylinders 16 Valves Turbocharged Fuel : Diesel Transmission : 5-Speed Manual Front-Wheel Drive Power : 99bhp @ 3,750rpm Torque : 205Nm @ 1,7500-3,250rpm Price : `11.04 lakh ( Ex-showroom , Delhi )
89bhp , 1.4-litre diesel engine is extremely linear and offers decent poke in the midrange . In terms of refinement levels , it ’ s still best in its class – the engine is barely audible . The 2014 edition ’ s Achilles heel was the vague steering feel , which has now been addressed and feels more direct . Even though it continues to be light , it does have its own advantages – like the ability to easily negotiate traffic or park in tight areas without any stress . The 2018 i20 received an updated nose , with aerodynamic slats in the front bumper , to further improve airflow , a busier looking rear with a new tailgate , which now houses the number plate , and newly designed alloy wheels . It also has a larger touchscreen infotainment system . What makes the i20 stand apart from the competition is its uber-premium feel in terms of quality and refinement , as well as its features and plastic quality . Also , it has comfortable seats that are very supportive , have ample space and offer a brilliant driving experience . Let ’ s just say that the i20 continues to give you that big-car feel .
Alter ego The pioneer of the compact SUV segment , the EcoSport , has recently received a much-needed facelift , and it continues to be Ford ’ s steady performer in the sales charts . But , before we get into the new upgrades , let ’ s for a moment focus on the 99bhp , 1.5-litre diesel engine , which is one my favourite motors . It has linear power delivery , provides a decent punch at low revs and maintains the momentum as it hits the mid-range . Earlier , the 5-speed manual transmission was slightly vague , but that ’ s changed now – it feels precise and accurate . Also , the previous model had a more direct steering , which provided a lot more feedback , but the current-gen model has replaced that with a lighter steering that ’ s more suited to city use . In terms of comfort and its ride quality , the EcoSport offers decent performance – as it manages to soak up the bumps with ease . The biggest addition to the newgen model is the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system – the biggest display in its segment . It is very intuitive and responds like a smartphone . The screen ’ s resolution is impressive and makes the colours stand out bright and crisp . It ’ s only issue is the voice command system , which didn ’ t do a great job of recognising my voice at least . We ’ d like to highlight the fact that EcoSport ’ s seats – both front and rear – are amongst the most comfortable seats in the segment , especially the seat squab , which provides decent under-thigh support . However , the legroom for rear passengers is fairly limited and so is the headroom .
‘ Cometh the hour , cometh the SUV .’ It ’ s certainly true for the way Maruti Suzuki has managed to hit the sweet spot with regards to the Vitara Brezza ’ s handling . The Brezza is an apex killer , no two ways about it – it brushes aside corners without breaking a sweat . However , this makes its ride quite firm , not something that rear passengers enjoy – as the experience can be quite bumpy . What ’ s commendable though is the way Maruti has tuned their bread-and-butter 1.3-litre , common-rail diesel engine to become a fairly highrevving machine – you can push it to the 4,500-5,000rpm mark with ease . Honestly , it ’ s very hard to believe that it ’ s the same engine as the one in the Swift and Dzire , but then the Brezza does get 89 horses to play with . The engine can get a bit loud when it crosses the 2,000rpm mark , but , trust me , this only adds to its character . Maruti has left no stone unturned with regard to features either – as it gets automatic projector headlamps , automatic wipers , and even little things like a shopping bag hook behind the driver ’ s seat . The infotainment system continues to be the best in the business . All-in-all , this seems like a very versatile machine that ’ s also great value-for-money .
We called the Nexon ‘ the joker ’ of the pack for the simple reason that it ’ s quite different from a typical Tata vehicle , which have a tendency to excel in one field
52 OutlOOk 18 June 2018