Ford EcoSport, Vitara Brezza
Vitara Brezza outsold EcoSport by 1,107 units in March 2016. Pictured: Ford EcoSport, Maruti Suzuki Vitara BrezzaPR handout

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the new compact SUV launched March 8, outsold its prime rival Ford EcoSport in the launch month itself. The new compact SUV found 5,563 takers in March, and Ford India sold 4,456 units EcoSport. Vitara Brezza outsold EcoSport by 1,107 units, Rushlane reported.  This is despite the fact that Vitara Brezza's delivery commenced only March 23.

Vitra Brezza also achieved higher sales with diesel-only powertrain. The 200 DDis 1248cc diesel engine that develops 88.5bhp at 4,000rpm and 200Nm of torque at 1,750rpm and comes mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. On the other hand, the EcoSport is available in one diesel and two petrol engine options.

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza's dominance over sales is expected to continue in the coming months. The compact SUV already racked up over 40,000 bookings and is one of the most talked about vehicle at the moment. It also features segment leading fuel efficiency of 24.3kmpl.

Anticipating threat from Vitara Brezza, Ford slashed prices of EcoSport by up to Rs. 1.12 lakh March 11. This seems to have positively impacted the sales and EcoSport registered its highest monthly sales in the past 16 months for March 2016. Ford EcoSport found 4,456 takers last month, while the previous best clocked in October 2014 with 4,528 units.