<p></p><p><b>Safety</b></p><ul><li><p>Nexon has ABS+EBD and dual airbags as standard equipment. Vital Features like height adjustable driver seat, front and rear fog lights, reverse parking camera, auto-dimming IRVM, rear defogger and wiper are reserved for the top trim only. </p></li><li><p>Vitara Brezza gets driver airbag as standard, but two lower variants miss out on the co-passenger airbag and ABS+EBD. However, they can be opted at an additional cost. Crucial to note that the lower variants miss out on fog lamps, rear wiper and demister. Recent launches from Maruti Suzuki have longer feature list in this domain.</p></li><li><p>Ecosport gets dual airbags as standard, ABS+EBD is standard on all trims but base. Furthermore, it’s the only car amongst all rivals here that offers 6 airbags. Rear wipe and wash, defogger are standard on all trims except base two.</p></li><li><p>WRV gets dual airbags, ABS+EBD, rear defogger as standard, but like other rivals here, top trim gets good amount of features. The fact that there are only two trims helps its cause here. We expect rear wash and wipe as standard equipment, but that’s available on top trim. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Of all the rivals, Ecosport gets brownie points for the safety features on offer and even the spread of features across the variants is better than rivals. Vitara Brezza could have been better equipped, WRV is helped by limited variants and Nexon has segment exclusive cornering lights. EcoSport’s another advantage is ISOFIX which is available on three trims out of six. Braking is at par on all but Honda’s brakes feel strongest. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>This round goes to EcoSport. &nbsp;</p></li></ul><p><b>Performance</b></p><ul><li><p>Vitara Brezza has only one engine and gearbox option. The 1.3 litre four cylinder turbo diesel puts out 89 BHP and 200 Nm torque. The 5-speed manual transmission is smooth shifting with light clutch, just what is expected out of Maruti product. Lag is present, but midrange is strong once the turbo spools up while revving up to redline with enthusiasm. &nbsp; </p></li><li><p>Nexon debuts Tata Motors’ 1.5 litre four cylinder turbodiesel engine which puts out 108 BHP and 260 Nm torque. Both the figures are best here, and it’s only helped by Nexon practical tuning and drive modes. While it doesn’t have frenzied top end, the lag free nature and strong midrange offers lot of power for normal motoring. Tata’s experience in building diesel engine shows up here. Kudos to Tata for developing its own diesel engine, something global giants like Suzuki couldn’t as yet. The diesel engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission which shall aid highway cruising efficiency.</p></li><li><p>WRV has its diesel carried forward from Jazz, and immediately the peppy low end torque is evident. The motor is rated at 98 BHP with torque figure at 200 Nm. That torque is available in generous quantity at lower down the powerband. However, straight line acceleration is not as eager as one expects. Diesel engine is mated with 6 speed manual transmission, engine and gearbox combination is in tune with what we expect from Honda. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Ecosport has a rather proven 1.5 litre four cylinder turbodiesel engine which develops 99 BHP and 205 Nm torque. Lack of turbo lag, even spread of power and fuel efficiency are highlight of this engine. Transmission duty is handled by 5-speed manual gearbox. Be it cruising or wandering in urban jungle, this motor can take it all.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Vitara berzza lacks petrol engine, Nexon has a 1.2 litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol (108 BHP/170 Nm torque) mated to 6-speed manual transmission, WRV’s petrol motor is 1.2 litre, 4 cylinder unit from Jazz (88 BHP/110 Nm torque) coupled with 5 speed manual transmission. &nbsp;Ecosport again trumps all here. The fantastic 1.0 litre 3 cylinder turbo petrol (124 BHP/170 Nm torque) with 5-speed manual transmission is an enthusiast’s pick. Also, Ecosport has 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (110 BHP/140 Nm torque) which can be had with 5-speed manual transmission or Ford’s excellent 6-speed DCT automatic gearbox &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>EcoSport again trumps all here with a wide range of engine and gearbox combinations. Diesel NVH is best in EcoSport and Nexon. Vitara Brezza noisy, but not as much as Honda which has noisiest diesel in the comparo. &nbsp;As far as petrols go, Honda bounces back as the most refined followed closely by Ford and Tata. Handling is best in Brezza, closely followed by EcoSport. It’s pretty close between the three, but Brezza is most eager to dart into corners, has high quotient of fun to drive parameter.</p></li></ul><p><b>Comfort</b></p><ul><li><p>Vitara Brezza has comfortable seats all round, but to those having heavy frames the front seat might be a bit narrow. Seat height is good even at rear giving good underthigh support despite a bit smaller seat base. Cabin is spacious for the compact footprint highlighting Maruti’s packaging strength. The bonnet is visible from driver’s seat that radiates SUV feel and helps in judgement too when the urban crawl and tight parking spaces matter. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Nexon is new kid of the block which sets many things right. Seats are generous up front, rear seats are good too, but sloping roofline does indicate form over function. Not exactly a deal breaker though. Space again is a highlight, Tata showcased its capacity to carve out space since Indica days. Sitting three abreast is best in Nexon. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>EcoSport has good frontal visibility and high seating position, but rear seat feels a bit claustrophobic relative to airy cabin of Brezza and others. Also, cabin feels wee bit narrower. On the flip side, seats are comfortable at front and rear. Space and interiors show some age when the rivals are newer but comfort isn’t compromised and is at par for the segment.</p></li><li><p>WRV has a very spacious cabin, it’s based on Jazz which was already spacious to start with. Front seats are generous here too, but its rear where the car disappoints. We feel the fixed headrests on WRV are not in tune with the segment and it’s a surprise because Jazz does have adjustable rear headrests on top trim. Cabin is airy and frontal visibility while good, isn’t as SUV-ish as one expects. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Ride is best in Nexon, followed closely by Brezza, EcoSport and WRV in that order. Feature list on all include touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. Maruti offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford has SYNC, Honda has MirrorLink but the best audio system is present in Nexon, thanks to the 8 speaker system sourced from Harman. The top trims are especially well equipped increasing the value offered for the price. Ford and Maruti have auto headlamps and rain sensing wipers while Honda has cruise control and sunroof. &nbsp; </p></li></ul><p>Interior</p><ul><li><p>Vitara Brezza has some plastic bits which can do with improvement. Switches shared with other maruti aren’t fit in this segment while stalks are durable and won’t scream budget. Overall design is simple with relatively straight lines. &nbsp;Storage space is plenty in cabin while airiness and visibility are highlights of this car. Does the job, isn’t exciting.</p></li><li><p>EcoSport has started to shows its age with interior design. The swooping dashboard with angular vents look funky but interiors are showing their age in a very graceful way. Instrument cluster is eye catchy and youthful. Stalks are high quality and on the whole, there is little to find fault relative to this comparo. When it comes to greenhouse, the car shows its hatchback roots. &nbsp;Not a deal breaker, but it wont turn heads as it did at time of launch.</p></li><li><p>Nexon has a very modern design and actually it makes the most prominent rivals i.e. Brezza and Ecosport interiors looks less charming than they are. The central air vents look from a segment above, chunky steering wheel, drive mode selector, central compartment storage, all look modern and more pleasing than rivals. A true, huge step forward from Tata. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>WR-V has its interior based on Jazz, which isn’t a wrong base to start with. However, the asymmetrical design is way too common across majority of Honda range. Quality is good and stalks have a nice feel to use. Instrument cluster is the best, but the dummy cover in lower variant, where there is engine start stop button in higher trim, looks awful. </p></li><li><p>Nexon takes the crown here thanks to design, Honda has fit and finish to its side, Ford’s built quality is good too while Brezza sticks on the simple straight lines. A distinct philosophy followed by each one here. Nexon has an edge here, thanks to modern touches sprinkled all over.</p></li></ul><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;<b>Exterior</b></p><ul><li><p>Vitara Brezza looks the most SUVish in the given footprint. Straight lines used at correct places and it oozes SUV. Something Indians love. Even from side or rear or three quarters, the car looks SUV, even in the compact format it sticks too. Very proportionate design that is destined to age very slowly. Dual tone color option further enhances its aesthetics. How a simple design can be so impressive is something Maruti has achieved. Alloys look quite good, while the steel rims too offer a rugged feel. </p></li><li><p>Ford is the pioneer of modern compact SUV segment. The tall front end along with large grille give it a presence that belies its segment. Move ahead though and it shows hatchback lineage especially with cues like A-pillar integration and rising window line but it bounces back with tailgate mounted spare wheel that is so SUV. Still has its charm and following. A facelift can be expected soon. Alloy design screams excitement in the Platinum Edition.</p></li><li><p>Nexon takes a leap here. Modern look rear end while an impressive, strong and confident looking SUV-ish front end. C-pillar integration may not be like by all, but it’s still an impressive design. It doesn’t look compact from the word go, helps it cause. Alloy design a nice feat from Tata. In over decade and half, Tata has made strong designs. The typical SUV stance mixed with modern touch in a compact real estate. </p></li><li><p>WRV has highest correlation with hatchback, and certainly lacks presence oozed out by other three. Still the raised hood gives it somewhat different identity than Jazz. From side, it cannot be mistaken for anything other than Jazz. Alloys are the best looking here. Honda did the best they could have done from a small car. Front end design is subtle and looks narrow on the whole due to raised stance. </p></li><li><p>There is no denying that EcoSport looks closest to a proper Compact SUV, and has that DNA loved by Indians, followed by Vitara Brezza but Nexon rivals both and once again Tata’s experience is handy here. WR-V feels outclassed here and expect an update on Ford to keep it fresh. Again, EcoSport takes this round. &nbsp;</p></li></ul><p><b>Practicality</b></p><ul><li><p>There are a few features missed by all, like telescopic adjustment in Vitara Brezza and Nexon, adjustable rear headrests in WRV, height adjustable seatbelts in Vitara Brezza, WRV and EcoSport. Magic seats of Jazz would have done wonders in WRV. On the other side, EcoSport has reclining seats but misses out on electrically foldable ORVMs. </p></li><li><p>In cabin storage is at par, but WRV and Nexon have an edge here. Nexon’s umbrella holder in front doors is an extremely practical touch. Cooled glovebox an additional plus in Nexon and Vitara Brezza. WRV has smallest fuel tank at 40 litres, while Ecosport has largest at 52 litres. Nexon at 44 litres and Brezza at 48 litres are practical. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Ground clearance for Vitara Brezza is 198 mm while turning radius is 5.2 meters, EcoSport boasts of 200 mm ground clearance with a 5.3 meter turning radius. Nexon has smallest turning radius at 5.1 meters and best ground clearance here at 209 mm. WRV has a turning radius of 5.3 meters while ground clearance is a practical 188 mm. Boot space stand at 363 litres for WRV, 346 litres for Ecosport, 350 litres for Nexon and 328 litres for Vitara Brezza. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>For diesel powered cars, Vitara brezza has fuel efficiency at 24.3 kmpl, WRV is even more efficient at 25.5 kml and Ecosport stands at 22.7 kmpl. Crash test results for sold in India cars of all four rivals here are not yet available. Nexon’s fuel efficiency is also not available yet. &nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Vitara Brezza price range is Rs. 7.23 lakh to Rs. 9.91 lakh; Ecosport is Rs. 7.91 lakh to Rs. 10.82 lakh; WRV Rs. 8.71 lakh to Rs. 9.91 lakh and Nexon is at Rs. 6.85 lakh to Rs. 9.44 lakh. All prices are for diesel powered cars and ex-showroom, New Delhi. Nexon offers a fresh design and attractive price tag. &nbsp;It can do a Tiago in compact SUV segment.</p></li></ul><p></p>