Detailed Comparison : Renault Duster Vs. Ford EcoSport - Which Compact SUV is a better buy ??

Last year, a French revolution named Renault Duster hit the Indian auto industry like a storm & discovered an all new Compact SUV segment which is also now the fastest growing segment of Indian automotive industry. Being the pioneer of this segment, Renault Duster became a runaway success story from the day one & unavailability of a potential competitor added a plus+ to its rapid ascendancy.
But now its not going to be that much easier for the French hero as a well prepared American villain has arrived in the arena & too with a bang !!
After creating buzz for more than a year, the American major Ford finally launched the much-awaited EcoSport in India. Ford EcoSport is a sub-4 meter Compact SUV which is kept so to cash the excise benifits in the country. It may be called a compact SUV but after a glance, the EcoSport more-or-less looks like a Steroid overdosed hatchback. With a starting price of just INR 5.59 Lakhs, this offering from the Blue Oval makes it a great package & a tough competition for the Duster.

Although both the cars are quite different in terms of size as-well-as the pricing but nobody can deny this fact that these two are the global competitors which are now ready to heat up this emerging Asian market. The Ford EcoSport may be a cheaper option than the Renault's top seller Duster but is it better too ?? Lets Find out.  

Looks & Styling :
Both the vehicles have very distinctive designs when compared to each other. Where the EcoSport's design lies on a futuristic & innovative side, the Duster has a coventional SUV design which makes it a more subtle & mature looking vehicle. On the dimensional front, the height of both cars are almost same but in terms of length & width, the Duster keeps an edge over the EcoSport. High ground clearence, body cladding, big wheel arches & roof rails are some of the major contributors to the muscular look of the Duster & the modern design of the EcoSport is well complemented by the wide chrome front grill, sporty alloys, spare wheel on the rear & the sharp body lines.
In this encounter between the Modern & the Coventional, it totally depends on one's personal choice that which car suits him/her the best.

Interiors, Comfort & Space :
The same Modern vs. Coventional war continues in the interiors also. The dual toned interiors of the Duster leaves a feel rich effect while on the other hand, interiors of the EcoSport are modern but doesn't feel that much plush when compared. Even the build quality & fit-finish of the Duster is better over the EcoSport. The dashboard of the Duster has a classy appeal but in the EcoSport's case cost cutting can easily be sensed.
In terms of technology & gadgetry, both the vehicles are well equipped - SYNC system by Ford & MMI interface with a navigation system by Renault are the highlights of the advanced features installed in the two.

The only department of the cockpit where the Duster stays behind the urban baby is the seating comfort & positioning. Despite of having ample cabin space, the Duster still lacks that comfort factor in it. The legroom & the boot space of the Duster again remains way ahead of the sub-4 meter EcoSport.

Engine, Performance & Ride Quality :
Both the Renault Duster & the Ford EcoSport offers three engine options each.

Engine offerings from Renault Duster comprises of two diesel & one petrol option.
> 1.6 Ltrs. petrol engine (104 bhp & 145 nm)
> 1.5 Ltrs. diesel engine (84 bhp & 200 nm)
> 1.5 Ltrs. diesel engine (110 bhp & 148 nm)

Engine offerings from Ford EcoSport comprises of two petrol & one diesel option.
> 1.0 Ltrs. EcoBoost petrol engine (123 bhp & 170 nm)
> 1.5 Ltrs. petrol engine (110 bhp & 140 nm)
> 1.5 Ltrs. diesel engine (89 bhp & 204 nm)

Most of us are unaware of this fact that the Duster do have a petrol offering or can be said that nobody is even interested in a petrol run SUV beacuse of the uncertainity of petrol prices in India. The renowned 1.5 Ltrs. K9K diesel engine is the main offering under the hood of French & has been tweaked in two output modes - 84 bhp & 110 bhp.
The outperformer in all these engine options is Ford's 1.0 Ltr. EcoBoost petrol mill. This revolutionary 3-cylinder 999cc engine has won "Engine of the Year" award for two consecutive years & is way better than any of the offerings listed above. The other two offerings under the hood of the urban baby are same as the 1.5 Ltrs. petrol & diesel same as of their successful sedan, Fiesta.
Now, when we compare the performances of the bulk sellers of the two i.e 1.5 Ltrs.(84 bhp) of the Duster & 1.5 Ltrs.(89 bhp) of the EcoSport, both the motors show very contrasting characters on road. On one side, Duster is a bit slow in the beginning & takes time to accelerate but the story on the EcoSport side is quite pole apart as it feels peppy & responsive. But for the long runs & higher speeds, this urban baby doesn't give much of the confidence but Duster simply glides on the roads. Even in the handling department, the Duster just outshines the new EcoSport. From all this one can conclude, the Duster is a better vehicle for long jouneys & EcoSport is more suitable for city driving.        


Pricing(ex. showroom,Delhi) :

Renault Duster 
# 1.6 Ltrs. Petrol -
> RXE - INR 7.99 Lakhs 
> RXL - INR 8.93 Lakhs

# 1.5 Ltrs.(84 bhp) Diesel -
> RXE - INR 8.73 Lakhs
> RXL - INR 9.73 Lakhs
> RXL+ - INR 10.93 Lakhs

# 1.5 Ltrs.(110 bhp) Diesel -
> RXL - INR 10.75 Lakhs
> RXZ - INR 11.65 Lakhs
 > RXZ(with navigation system) - INR 12.18 Lakhs


Ford EcoSport 
# 1.0 Ltr EcoBoost Petrol -
> Titanium - INR 7.90 Lakhs
> Titaniun Optional -INR 8.28 Lakhs

# 1.5 Ltrs. Petrol -
> Ambiente - INR 5.59 Lakhs
> Trend - INR 6.49 Lakhs
> Titanium - INR 7.51 Lakhs
> Titanium Automatic - INR 8.45 Lakhs

# 1.5 Ltrs. Diesel -
> Ambiente - INR 6.69 Lakhs
> Trend - INR 7.61 Lakhs
> Titanium - INR 8.62 Lakhs
> Titanium Optional - INR 8.99 Lakhs



Verdict -
Both the cars are equally good in their own prospects. Renault Duster is a simple, conventional & a sophisticated SUV where as the Ford EcoSport is young, fresh, dynamic & vibrant package. For all those who want a perfect performance packed package then don't get distracted, EcoSport 1.0 Ltr. EcoBoost is the right product for you. 110 bhp Duster is roaring lion which has a premium & powerful feel to it, so if you can spend that much then buy a one for sure. Now time for the answer of biggest dillema , 84 bhp Duster or 89 bhp EcoSport - which one is a better buy ?? After analysing all the aspects, it can be concluded that both the cars remain head-to-head as if Duster has a more conventional SUV stance then EcoSport is modern & has a more car-like feel to it. So the deciding factor for all this rivalry comes to the pricing, in which the EcoSport just white-washes the Duster & stand out like a clear winner here !!  



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Mahindra Centuro launched in India @ INR 45,000 !!

Mahindra two-wheelers launched their 110cc commuter bike Centuro at a competitive pricing of INR 45,000. The two-wheeler division of the country's SUV kings didn't really done well in this arena, started the journey with gearless players Duro & Rodeo then came the Pantero that replaced Stalio & now the Centuro.

Centuro is a feature loaded package which offers some of the very innovative & first of its kind features which are never seen or even expected from this segment of motorcycles.
Built on the same chasis & design pattern as Pantero, The Centuro still able to leave an indviduality mark significantly through the Twin-moulded bar below the petrol tank of the commuter. The headlight unit of the Centuro is a lot Bold & Aggressive than the predecessor though the LED Tail lamps & handle bar has remained the same. Behind the visor, the bike has a three section digital instrument cluster showing a bundle of details such as analogue tachometer, digital speedometer, Service reminder, a clock, odometer, two-trip meter & the list continues. Last but not the least, a fip-to-open 96 bit encrypted key with a LED flash-light & an engine immobilizer which doesn't allow the bike to start with a false key.

Powered by the same single-cylinder, 2 valves, horizontally mounted 106.7cc Pantero engine meshed with a 4-speed transmission box producing 8.5 bhp @ 7500 rpm & 8.5 nm @ 5500 rpm of peak power & torque respectively. The engine of the Centuro is all the same as the Pantero but it has been re-tuned & modified for better performance. It has an all new CDI(Capacitor Discharge Ignition) with revised intake-exhaust timing & Mahindra's patent Jet-Flow lubrication system which certifies good lubrication in engine at all RPM's. According to ARAI, the Centuro delivers 85.4 kmpl of mileage under the test conditions. Mahindra also offers a five-year warranty with the two-wheeler.

Talking about the ride quality & suspension, Centuro has a five step adjustable rear suspension & a telescopic suspension in the front. With a kerb weight of 110 kgs., smooth engine & great NVH levels, this commuter does top whack of 90 km/hr. Customer do get alloy wheels with the motorcycle but lack of front disc brake even the optional one can be felt but one can't really expect everything from the product which is  priced so competitively.

The first 10,000 customers in the country will get the Centuro at an introductry price of  INR 44,000. This Mahindra 2-wheeler Centuro is surely a feature loaded value for money product but competing with opponents such as Hero Splendour(leader of the segment from more than a decade) & various others - Bajaj Discover 100T, Honda Dream Yuga-Neo, TVS Star Series won't be that much easy for the new comer.

Specifications -

Fuel  - Petrol

Engine - 106.7cc, single cylinder, air-cooled, four stroke, 2 valves

Power  - 8.5 bhp at 7500 rpm

Torque - 8.5 nm at 5500 rpm
Gearbox - 4-speed

Length - 2031 mm

Width - 735 mm

Height - 1111 mm

Wheelbase - 1265 mm

Ground clearance - 173 mm

Weight  - 110 kg

Wheels  - 5-spoke alloys

Tyres  - 2.75 x 18 - 3.00 x 18 inches

Front Suspension - Telescopic 

Rear Suspension - five step adjustable

Front Brakes  - 130mm drum

Rear Brakes  - 130mm drum

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Maruti Swift DZire DDiS Vs Honda Amaze i-DTEC - Which Diesel Sedan is a Better Value for Money ??

Japanese auto giant Honda finally launched their first ever Diesel car in India. Amaze is a sub-4 meter sedan which primarily competes with the stand alone champion of the segment, MS Swift DZire & other competitors like Tata Vista, eCS & Mahindra Verito.
So, here is a basic comparison between the wana-be-leader(Amaze) & the leader(DZire) of this sub-4 meter arena.

Exteriors & Over All Styling -

As we all know both the cars are the boot treated derivatives of their respective hatches but in terms of looks & body  propotionality, Amaze keeps an upper hand over the DZire. Where the Honda is well propotioned & looks like an individual product, the DZire gives a feel of Swift with a nonessential quirky boot due to its uneven dimensions. Talking about the dimensional numbers, Amaze measures 3990 mm X 1680 mm X 1505 mm & DZire measures 3995 mm X 1695 mm X 1550 mm. 
So in terms of styling & body dimensions, Thumbs up for the Honda Amaze.

Interiors & Cabin Space -

Interiors of both the opponents possess contrasting characters as the Dzire's interior gives a more plush feel & the interiors of Amaze lands a bit on the descent side. Sound of engine & road in the cabin of Amaze is way more than the DZire which means Dzire has a better cabin sound insulation.
In comparison to hatch-alike 316 ltrs. of DZire's boot, Amaze has a great 400 ltrs. boot space & in terms of cabin space & leg room, Amaze leads the table here again.

Engine Specifications, Performance & Mileage -

DZire is powered by the so called 'National engine of the country' i.e 1.3 ltrs. 4 cylinder Fiat Multijet diesel mill that pumps out 74 bhp @ 4000 rpm & 190 nm @ 2000 rpm of peak power & torque respectively mated with smooth 5-speed manual transmission .
Amaze is powered by an Honda Earth Dreams 1.5 ltrs. 16-valve 4-cylinder CRDi diesel engine that pushes 100 bhp @ 4000 rpm of max. power & 200 nm @ 1750 rpm of max. torque mated with 5-speed manual transmission .
The biggest Plus+ Amaze carries over the champion is its ARAI tested mileage which is 25.8 kmpl(best in India till date) as compared to DZire's 23.4 kmpl .



Prices(ex. showroom, Delhi) -

Swift DZire Diesel Variants -
Swift DZire LDi - INR 5.99 Lakhs
Swift DZire VDi - INR 6.67 Lakhs

Swift DZire ZDi - INR  7.51 Lakhs

Amaze Diesel Variants -
Amaze E - INR 5.99 Lakhs
Amaze EX - INR 6.24 Lakhs
Amaze S - INR 6.67 Lakhs
Amaze VX - INR 7.60 Lakhs


Verdict -
As the name justifies, Amaze is surely an Amazing product that comes with a quality assurance of trusted brand Honda, 100 bhp of force, 25.8 kmpl of best in the country fuel efficiency & much more. With these kind of specifications & competitive prices, this Japanese product is a great value for money.
But still DZire has one trump card that can just over-shadow any of his opponents offerings i.e Maruti Suzuki badge. So, now the journey to success is not going to be that much easy, neither for the Amaze & nor for the DZire.


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Honda Amaze has finally arrived that too at a starting price of just 4.99 Lakhs !!

Honda Cars India Ltd.(HCIL) finally launched their much anticipated sub-4 meter Sedan 'Amaze' on the 11th of April. Amaze is the Sedan avtaar of the company's successful hatch Brio & the first ever Diesel vehicle from the camp of Japanese Automobile Giant Honda in the country.

Amaze offers both petrol & diesel engine options, the trusted 1.2 ltrs. 4 cylindered SOHC i-VTEC petrol mill that pushes 88 ps @ 6,000 rpm peak power & 109 nm @ 4,500 rpm of peak torque & the other is the revolutionary 1.5 ltrs. 4 cylindered DOHC i-DTEC diesel mill that produces the best in class 100 ps @ 3,600 of peak power & 200 nm @ 1,750 rpm of peak torque. As per company claimings, the sedan delivers 18 kmpl of fuel efficiency for the petrol & 25.7 kmpl for the diesel. An automatic transmission option is also available but only with the top-end petrol variant.

Honda may have priced Amaze competitively but in terms of features the car is loaded with bundle of premium features. Starting from all four power windows, electrical power steering, rear defogger, key less entry, cup holders, 2 DIN integrated music system with AUX- USB & many more utility features which makes it a great package. Talking about the safety features, seat belt reminder, WAVE key, high mount stop central locking & fog lamps are standard across all variants & the ABS-EBD will only be available with the upper models.

Launched at a starting price of  INR 4.99 Lakhs for petrol & INR 5.99 Lakhs for the diesel, Amaze offers four basic manual variants & two automatic ones. Available in six colors - Urban Titanium Metallic, Carnelian Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver Metallic & the fresh Majestic Blue Metallic.  

Prices(ex. showroom, Delhi) -

Petrol Variants -
Amaze E - INR 4.99 Lakhs
Amaze EX - INR 5.24 Lakhs
Amaze S -  INR 5.62 Lakhs
Amaze VX - INR 6.66 Lakhs
Amaze S(AT) - INR 6.62 Lakhs
Amaze VX(AT) - INR 7.50 Lakhs

Diesel Variants-
Amaze E - INR 5.99 Lakhs
Amaze EX - INR 6.24 Lakhs
Amaze S - INR 6.67 Lakhs
Amaze VX - INR 7.60 Lakhs



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Kawasaki Ninja 300 launched in India @ INR 3.5 Lakhs !!

 

Bajaj Auto Ltd. launched the much awaited 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 in India at a price tag of INR 3.5 Lakhs which will replace its sibling Ninja 250 r in the country. Inspired from their big dady superbike ZX-10 R, the Indian Ninja 300 looks quite similar to the on-going model of 2013 Ninja 250 r in the international markets.

Factors that differentiate the Ninja 300 from its predecessor are the refreshed front facia incorporating dual headlamps, well equipped digital instrument panel, 50 k increment in pricing, 6 bhp of more power & above everything an all new re-positioned radiator which helps in redirecting the hot air away from the rider.

Powered by a 296cc parallel twin liquid cooled engine which pumps out a great 39 bhp @ 11,000 rpm of peak power & 27 nm @ 10,000 rpm of max. torque mated to a 6 speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. This mini monster does 0-100 in less than just 8 sec. & claims to hit a top speed of 170 km/hr. Its chasis are made up of the high tensile steel tubes that are 150 % more tougher than the 250 r.

The bike doesn't offers an option of ABS but sports disc brakes in both the wheels, 290 mm of disc in the front & a 220 mm disc in the rear. The superbike has a kerb weight of 172 kgs. & a fuel tank capacity of 17 ltrs. Offers a total of two color options - pearl white & lime green & is available at the Bajaj Probiking Showrooms across the country.

With so much to offer & no real competitor in the segment, Kawasaki Ninja 300 can surely create some magic for the Japanese in the country.

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2013 Maruti Suzuki SX4 facelift is out with no price hike !!

Maruti Suzuki India launched the 2013 facelift of their C-segment sedan SX4 with some minor changes at the same on-going prices. Two new colors & a more aggressive front facia with all new bold chrome grill are the biggest refreshments given to the vehicle.

With no changes in the engine options, the sedan sports the same 103 bhp 1.6 ltrs. petrol & 90 bhp 1.3 ltrs. diesel mills under its hood. Like all the Maruti facelifts launched recently, the engine options remain the same but the mileages are improved. Now the 1.6 petrol motor delivers 16.51 kmpl fuel which is a good 6% increased fuel efficiency. The diesel unit continues to deliver the same 21.7 kmpl mileage & the CNG variant delivers 22.1 km/kg .

Inside, the new SX4 opts rich dual-tone Black & Beige interiors which gives it a premium feel. Marble finish on some parts & Chrome treatment to door handles & AC vents adds elegance to all round feel of the cabin. It also offers an optional touch screen infortainment system with navigation & bluetooth.

Electrically foldable side mirrors with embedded turn indicators & chrome lining on the fog lamp boundry are the few other trims added to the facelift.

Prices (ex. showroom, Delhi) -

> SX4 Vxi -  INR 7,38,115
> SX4 Vxi CNG - INR 7,99,974
> SX4 ZXi -  INR 8,24,765
> SX4 VDi -  INR 8,27,458
> SX4 ZDi -  INR 9,21,669


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Top Six 200-250cc Bikes in India !!

Do you have an addiction of speed & a dream to own a high-speed superbike but doesn't realy have that much lakhs of currency to spend over it. Then here are some more practical & economical options which will let you to live your speed fantasies upto certain extent.

#1. Kawasaki Ninja 250 R -

> Body Type - Sports
> Engine Capacity - 229 cc DOHC
> No. of Engine Cylinders - Double
> Max. Power - 32.5 bhp @ 11,000 rpm
> Max. Torque - 22 nm @ 8200 rpm
> Gearbox - 6 speed
> 0-60 - 3 sec.
> Top Speed - 150 km/hr.
> Mileage - 25 kmpl
> Colors Available - Lime Green & Ebony Black
> Price(ex. showroom,Delhi) - INR 3,03,000 
> Available at - Bajaj Probiking Showrooms 
> Pros - Best in class performance & Stunning Looks
> Cons - High Pricing, Costly Maintenance & Analogue Instrument Cluster.



#2. Bajaj Pulsar 220 F -

> Body Type - Sports
> Engine Capacity - 220 cc DTS-i
> No. Of Cylinders - Single
> Max. Power - 20.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm
> Max. Torque - 19.12 nm @ 7000 rpm
> Gearbox - 5 speed 
> 0-60 - 4.10 sec.
> Top Speed - 144 km/hr.
> Mileage - 35 kmpl
> Colors Available - Cocktail Wine Red, Midnight Black, Plasma Blue.
> Price(ex. showroom,Delhi) - INR 82,000
> Available at - Bajaj Probiking Showrooms
> Pros - Attractive Pricing, Great Acceleartion & Top Speed
> Cons - Lacks Fuel Injection




#3. Honda CBR 250R -

> Body Type - Sports
> Engine Capacity - 249.6 cc
> No. Of Cylinders - Single
> Max. Power - 25 bhp @ 8500 rpm
> Max. Torque - 23 bhp @ 7500 rpm
> Gearbox - 6 Speed
> 0-60 - 3.5 sec.
> Top Speed - 145 km/hr.
> Mileage - 30 kmpl
> Colors Available - Candy Rudy Red, Sword Silver, Asteroid Black Metallic, Red White Blue Tricolor
> Price(ex. showroom,Delhi) - INR 1,49,000 (Base) / INR 1,75,000 (ABS)
> Available at - Honda Delaerships
> Pros - Best in class looks, Refined Engine & Advanced Technology
> Cons - City Riding is not that comfortable




#4. KTM Duke 200 -

> Body Type - Naked Street Racer
> Engine Capacity - 199.5 cc
> No. Of Cylinders - Single
> Max. Power - 25 bhp @ 10,000 rpm
> Max. Torque - 19.2 nm @ 8000 rpm
> Gearbox - 6 Speed
> 0-60 - 3.30 sec.
> Top Speed - 136 km/hr.
> Mileage - 28 kmpl
> Colors Available - Orange, White, Black
> Price(ex. showroom,Delhi) - INR 1,33,000
> Available at - Bajaj Probiking Showrooms & KTM Exclusive Stores
> Pros - Stunning Looks & Great Performance
> Cons - Newer Brand & Lacks Fuel Efficiency



#5. Hyosung GT250 R -

> Body Type - Sports
> Engine Capacity - 249 cc V-Twin
> No. Of Cylinders - Double
> Max. Power - 27.61 bhp @ 10,000 rpm
> Max. Torque - 22.07 nm @ 8000 rpm
> Gearbox - 5 Speed
> 0-60 - 3.96 sec.
> Top Speed - 140 km/hr.
> Mileage - 28 kmpl
> Colors Available - White-Red, Red-Black, Silver-Red
> Price(ex. showroom,Delhi) - INR 2,75,000
> Available at - Hyosung DSK Dealerships
> Pros - Amazing Power, Sporty Looks & V-Twin Engine.
> Cons - Newer Brand, Lesser Dealerships & Overpriced



#6. Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS -

> Body Type - Naked Street Racer
> Engine Capacity - 199.5 cc Triple Spark SOHC
> No. Of Cylinders - Single
> Max. Power - 23.17 bhp @ 9500 rpm
> Max. Torque - 18.3 nm @ 8000 rpm
> Gearbox - 6 Speed
> 0-60 - 3.61 sec.
> Top Speed - 136 km/hr.
> Mileage - 30 kmpl
> Colors Available - Black, Red, Blue, Blue
> Price(ex. showroom,Delhi) - INR 92,000
> Available at - Bajaj Probiking Showrooms
> Pros - Great Performance & Attractive Pricing
> Cons - Lacks Fuel Efficiency

So, which of these superbike suits you the best ??

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