Renault Captur vs Ford Ecosport vs Ssangyong Korando
Is the improved Ecosport good enough to steal sales from the Renault Captur and Ssangyong Korando?...
Our verdict
The Renault Captur wins because it suits the purposes of anyone wanting a compact car with an SUV flavour so well. It’s decent to drive, especially around town, and it has big-car interior flexibility while remaining easy to get into tight parking spaces. On top of that, it’s well-equipped, competitively priced and the cheapest of our trio to run as a company car.
If you can stretch your budget up to Dynamique Nav trim, we’d recommend you do because it adds a user-friendly colour touchscreen, sat-nav and climate control for an extra cost of £1100. However, this entry-level Expression+ model makes plenty of sense if you’re content with its more basic equipment provisions.
It’s a close call between the Ford Ecosport and the Ssangyong Korando but the Ssangyong takes second place due to the clear benefits of its added roominess and stronger performance. Some people may consider its chunkier proportions a disadvantage for urban use, but it’s still easy enough to manoeuvre and is also fairly comfy, although its noisy engine and disappointing real-world fuel economy certainly count against it.
The Ecosport is no longer the lemon it once was. The recent revisions mean it now handles with some finesse. Its low Target Price is tempting if you’re buying outright and you can add sat-nav for a sensible price. However, its performance and firm ride still disappoint, and it isn’t very practical, either. While now adequate on many levels, it remains on the reserve bench in this class.
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Renault Captur 1.5 dCi 90 Expression+
Rated 4 out of 5
For Decent enough to drive; versatile interior; quiet and frugal engine
Against Cheap-feeling interior; no DAB radio or sat-nav available on this trim level; grabby brakes
Verdict There are better diesel SUVs, but not at this price
2nd – Ssangyong Korando 2.2 SE
Rated 3 out of 5
For Most spacious inside; gutsy engine; supple ride
Against Noisy engine; stodgy handling; basic stereo
Verdict Big and cheap; the simple Korando has appeal
3rd - Ford Ecosport 1.5 TDCi 95 Zetec
Rated 3 out of 5
For Tidy handling; slick gearshift; big discounts
Against Firm ride; practicality; feeble performance
VerdictBetter than it was, but still hard to recommend
Specifications: Ford Ecosport 1.5 TDCi 95 Zetec
Engine size 1.5-litre, diesel
List price £16,295
Target Price £14,430
Power 94bhp
Torque 159lb ft
0-62mph 13.2sec
Top speed 99mph
Fuel economy 52.4mpg (True MPG)
CO2 115g/km
Renault Captur 1.5 dCi 90 Expression+
Engine size 1.5-litre, diesel
List price £16,275
Target Price £14,713
Power 89bhp
Torque 162lb ft
0-62mph 12.5sec
Top speed 106mph
Fuel economy 58.3mpg (True MPG)
CO2 95g/km
Ssangyong Korando 2.2 SE
Engine size 2.2-litre, diesel
List price £15,995
Target Price £14,651
Power 176bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-62mph 9.5sec
Top speed 115mph
Fuel economy 44.1mpg (True MPG)
