Holden Trax Vs Ford Ecosport Comparison

Holden Trax

VS

Ford Ecosport

Here is the new Holden Trax vs 2014 Ford EcoSport comparison. Like the 2013 Ford Ecosport these to small SUVs are due to be released later in 2013 we gathered the specifications for you to compare before the actual release. At the time of this post though the Holden Trax has been announced and available for purchase from September 2013. Now that we’ve sampled both the conclusion will surprise you!

First of all the Holden Trax is not a small SUV! It is small but it has a bulk that is more in common with say the bigger Holden Capitva rather than the Ford Ecosport. We think the Trax is too large to be considered as a true competitor to the Ford and really should be considered against the larger small SUVs like VW Tiguan or even the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Besides the Holden Trax is TOO expensive in this comparison if it wants to compete. We truly believe a $20,990 is the best place to start since it is only front wheel drive. If the Ford Ecosport can retail from a base of around $20,000 it will be the small SUV to buy.

In terms of looks the Trax on the road is modern but ungainly and a little cheap to look at. The pictures look great but in real life is not quite a pleasing. The proportions in some parts a great! but others no so. The interior is definitely class standard meaning looks great in pictures but merely Ok in real life. The Trax interior is a Ok place to be but a 5 year Golf has better materials and build that it does make you wonder…

The engine choice is also a let down as is the claimed fuel economy. The engine is a relatively low tech and certainly low power unit compared to other small SUVs. Thankfully the safety equipment is comprehensive but like any other new small car these days but in-car entertainment is class leading although still sounds on the average side and a faulty screen didn’t help.

The Ford Ecosport is better looking on the outside and based on what we know is the right size and hopefully the right price for this market segment. The interior design is modern and supposed to be based on the Ford Fiesta which will make it class average in terms of quality. The base engine should be good since the Ecosport is the lighter car but if it comes with the 0.9 turbo should be quite a fast small SUV. However the biggest problem the Ford Ecosport will need to overcome is build quality! The quality of materials are just as good as the Trax but it is the build quality or the way the Ecosport was put together will definitely raise an eyebrow or two. straight cut rubbers and wobbly window trim to start with is frankly it’s not good enough!

To conclude so far we think that the new Holden Trax is overpriced in this comparison based on the assumption that the base Ford Ecosport will retail for around $20,000 AUD, however it’s safety tech is great, engines are poor, in car entertainment is very good, looks ok. The end result is just another average small SUV without a 4WD system. The Ford Ecosport is smaller and cheaper, looks better. Ford will need to overcome the not so good build quality before the Ecosport will succeed. Until then it you want one perhaps the Trax will do but you will have to pay more. Then again the Nissan Juke is easily better than either!

Holden Trax Ford Ecosport
Engines
4 Cylinder Petrol
1.8 Litre (1796cc) 91 Octane
DOHC EFI
Claimed 103Kw @ 6300RPM
Claimed 175Nm @ 3800RPM
3 Cylinder Ecoboost
0.9 Litre (999cc) petrol
Turbo DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 92Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 170Nm @ 1400RPM
4 Cylinder
1.5 Litre (1498cc) petrol
DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 82Kw @ 6300RPM
Claimed 140Nm @ 4400RPM
Weight
Kerb weight Approx 1371Kg
Towing capacity up to xxxxkg
Kerb weight FROM 1242 kg
Towing capacity up to 700kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 53 litres
IL4 1.8 7.6 litres per 100km (petrol)
Up to 52 litres
IL4 0.9 Petrol Turbo 5.7 litres per 100km
IL4 1.5 Petrol 6.5 litres per 100km
Other specifications
5 speed manual or 6 speed Auto
Overall height/width 1674/1776
Overall length/wheelbase 4278/2555
4WD system: None
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Tyre size: 205-70-16 215-55-18
5 speed manual or 6 speed Auto
Overall height/width 1708/1765
Overall length/wheelbase 3999/2520
4WD system: None
ANCAP Safety: ?/5
Tyre size: xxx-xx-xx
Capability 
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) 180mm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach 25 Departure 35 Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) 200mm
Water Fording depth 550mm Max
Performance
1.6 Petrol 0-100kph 12 secs  0-100kph 10.9 Secs
Pricing
2013 FROM $23,490 – 27,990 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!
2014 $20,790 – 27,790 AUD
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