Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both EcoSport and Starlet are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
EcoSport
+2 pts
Efficiency
Starlet
+1 pts
Safety
Starlet
+2 pts
Practicality
EcoSport
+2 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
Starlet
Performance
6/20
Efficiency
10/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
EcoSport
Pros
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Best For:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Starlet
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best For:Fuel Efficiency
Who Should Buy Which?
EcoSport
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Starlet
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Ground Clearance
200
162
Wheelbase
2519
2520
Length
4325
3995
Width
1765
1695
Height
1653
1520
Kerb Weight
1290
1005
Gross Vehicle Weight
1740
1420
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
352
265
Towing Capacity
950
Not Rated
Front Track Width
-
1470
Rear Track Width
-
1455
Turning Radius
-
4.9
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Engine
1.0L EcoBoost Turbo Petrol
1.0L Turbocharged 3-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 3 Turbocharged
Inline 3 Cylinder Turbocharged
Displacement
998
996
Cylinders
3
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
92
72
Torque
170
140
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Top Speed
185
175
0-100 km/h
10.5
12.0
Power @ RPM
-
5500 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
1500-3000 rpm
Turbocharger
-
Single Turbo
Compression Ratio
-
10.0:1
Engine Position
-
Front Transverse
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
CVT Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
None
Not Available
Transfer Case
None
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
-
Not Available
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Claimed Mileage
17.2
16.7
City Mileage
12
13
Highway Mileage
17
18
Fuel Tank Capacity
52
40
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Airbags
6
7
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
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
None
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
None
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
None
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
None
Standard
Parking Sensors
Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
None
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
None
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
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
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Height Adjustable
Ambient Lighting
Ambient Footwell Lighting
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Not Available
Rear Armrest
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Automatic AC
Power Windows
Front and Rear
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
None
Optional
Sunroof
None
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
None
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Infotainment Screen
8-inch SYNC Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wired
Standard
Android Auto
Wired
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
4
Navigation System
Integrated
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
Full Digital
USB Ports
-
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
LED Headlamps
Projector Halogen
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Front
Standard
Roof Rails
Silver
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Approach Angle
23
-
Departure Angle
32
-
Wading Depth
550
-
Terrain Modes
None
-
Locking Differential
None
-
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Tyre Size
205/50 R17
195/55 R16
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
-
Full Size Steel
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt Adjustable
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Approx R3,200
Battery Warranty
24 Months
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Optional
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
Warranty Years
4
3
Warranty Kilometers
120000
100000
Roadside Assistance
4 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Specification
EcoSport
Starlet
CO2 Emissions
150
107
Start Stop System
Standard
Standard
Hybrid System Type
None
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
67
Final Verdict
🏆Ford EcoSport
wins with 63 pts
vs 58 pts for Starlet
In structured scoring, EcoSport emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Starlet may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
