EcoSport has a slight advantage, but NP300 Hardbody remains highly competitive.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
NP300 Hardbody
+2 pts
Efficiency
EcoSport
+2 pts
Safety
EcoSport
+6 pts
Practicality
EcoSport
+4 pts
Ownership
EcoSport
+4 pts
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
EcoSport
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
16/20
NP300 Hardbody
Performance
10/20
Efficiency
7/20
Safety
12/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
EcoSport
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Best For:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
NP300 Hardbody
Pros
More powerful engine output
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best For:Highway Driving
Who Should Buy Which?
EcoSport
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
NP300 Hardbody
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Ground Clearance
200
215
Wheelbase
2519
2500
Length
4325
4875
Width
1765
1760
Height
1653
1655
Kerb Weight
1290
1395
Gross Vehicle Weight
1740
2400
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
352
Not Applicable
Towing Capacity
950
2500
Front Track Width
-
1495
Rear Track Width
-
1490
Turning Radius
-
5.8
Load Bed Length
-
1907
Load Bed Width
-
1454
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Engine
1.0L EcoBoost Turbo Petrol
2.5L Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 3 Turbocharged
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged
Displacement
998
2488
Cylinders
3
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
92
98
Torque
170
304
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed
185
168
0-100 km/h
10.5
12.5
Power @ RPM
-
3600 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
1750-2500 rpm
Turbocharger
-
Single Turbo
Compression Ratio
-
17.5:1
Engine Position
-
Front Longitudinal
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
7-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel Drive
4WD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Part-Time 4WD
LSD Available
None
Not Available
Transfer Case
None
Standard
Paddle Shifters
-
Not Available
Differential Lock
-
Rear Lock
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Claimed Mileage
17.2
11.4
City Mileage
12
9
Highway Mileage
17
12
Fuel Tank Capacity
52
75
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Airbags
6
4
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
None
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
None
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
None
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
None
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
None
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Rear
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
None
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
None
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Seat Material
Premium Leatherette
Fabric
Seat Adjustment
Manual Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Heated Seats
None
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
None
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Hydraulic Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Adjustable
Ambient Lighting
Ambient Footwell Lighting
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Rear Armrest
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Manual AC
Power Windows
Front and Rear
Front
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
None
Not Available
Sunroof
None
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
None
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Infotainment Screen
8-inch SYNC Touchscreen
7-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wired
Standard
Android Auto
Wired
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
4
Navigation System
Integrated
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
Not Available
USB Ports
-
1
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
LED Headlamps
Projector Halogen
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Front
Standard
Roof Rails
Silver
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
Steel Wheels
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Approach Angle
23
29
Departure Angle
32
23
Wading Depth
550
600
Terrain Modes
None
Not Available
Locking Differential
None
Rear
Underbody Protection
-
Partial
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Tyre Size
205/50 R17
235/75 R15
Wheel Type
Alloy
Steel
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
-
Full Size Steel Under-bed
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Leaf Spring
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Ladder Frame
Power Steering
-
Hydraulic
Steering Column
-
Tilt Adjustable
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
10,000 km or 6 Months
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Approx R3,500
Battery Warranty
24 Months
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
Warranty Years
4
3
Warranty Kilometers
120000
100000
Roadside Assistance
4 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Specification
EcoSport
NP300 Hardbody
CO2 Emissions
150
228
Start Stop System
Standard
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
None
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
74
Final Verdict
🏆Ford EcoSport
wins with 63 pts
vs 49 pts for NP300 Hardbody
In structured scoring, EcoSport emerges as the stronger overall package. However, NP300 Hardbody may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest EcoSport may hold stronger long-term value.
Off-road suitability depends on drivetrain and ground clearance. Refer to the full specification comparison for detailed technical differences.
Efficiency and ownership categories influence running costs. EcoSport performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.
Value depends on feature set, performance and ownership coverage. Structured comparison gives EcoSport the overall advantage.
Detailed Comparison Analysis
The comparison between EcoSport and NP300 Hardbody in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: EcoSport scores 8 vs 10.
Efficiency: EcoSport scores 9 vs 7.
Safety: EcoSport scores 18 vs 12.
Practicality: EcoSport scores 12 vs 8.
Ownership: EcoSport scores 16 vs 12.
Final structured scoring gives EcoSport
the advantage in this comparison.
