Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both EcoSport and i30 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
EcoSport
+9 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
EcoSport
+2 pts
Ownership
i30
+4 pts
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
EcoSport
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
16/20
i30
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
20/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
EcoSport
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Cons
Shorter warranty coverage
Best For:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
i30
Pros
Better long-term ownership value
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:General Use
Who Should Buy Which?
EcoSport
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
i30
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Ground Clearance
200
135
Wheelbase
2519
2650
Length
4325
4340
Width
1765
1795
Height
1653
1455
Kerb Weight
1290
1285
Gross Vehicle Weight
1740
-
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
352
395
Towing Capacity
950
-
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Engine
1.0L EcoBoost Turbo Petrol
1.0 T-GDI Turbo
Engine Type
Inline 3 Turbocharged
Petrol
Displacement
998
998
Cylinders
3
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
-
Power
92
88
Torque
170
172
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Top Speed
185
190
0-100 km/h
10.5
10.8
Turbocharger
-
Yes
Power @ RPM
-
@ 5500 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
@ 1500 rpm
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
Drive Type
Front Wheel Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
FWD
LSD Available
None
-
Transfer Case
None
-
Paddle Shifters
-
Yes
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Claimed Mileage
17.2
16.9
City Mileage
12
13.5
Highway Mileage
17
20.0
Fuel Tank Capacity
52
50
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Airbags
6
6 (Front, Side, Curtain)
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
None
-
Child Safety Lock
Standard
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Start Assist
-
Yes
Central Locking
-
Yes
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
None
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
None
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
None
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
None
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
None
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
None
-
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Seat Material
Premium Leatherette
Leather-Look
Seat Adjustment
Manual Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Power Driver
Heated Seats
None
Front
Ventilated Seats
None
-
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
MDPS Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Ambient Footwell Lighting
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
Front and Rear
All
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
None
Yes
Sunroof
None
Electric Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
None
-
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Infotainment Screen
8-inch SYNC Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wired
Yes
Android Auto
Wired
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
8 Bose Premium
Navigation System
Integrated
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
-
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Specification
EcoSport
i30
LED Headlamps
Projector Halogen
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Front
LED
Roof Rails
Silver
-
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Approach Angle
23
-
Departure Angle
32
-
Wading Depth
550
-
Terrain Modes
None
-
Locking Differential
None
-
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Tyre Size
205/50 R17
225/45 R17
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
-
Full Size
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
-
Battery Warranty
24 Months
-
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Specification
EcoSport
i30
Warranty Years
4
5
Warranty Kilometers
120000
150000
Roadside Assistance
4 Years
5 Years
Specification
EcoSport
i30
CO2 Emissions
150
117
Start Stop System
Standard
-
Hybrid System Type
None
-
Final Verdict
🏆Ford EcoSport
wins with 63 pts
vs 56 pts for i30
In structured scoring, EcoSport emerges as the stronger overall package. However, i30 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.