paul
12-22-2008, 08:56 AM
American car companies in India are usually the last to give in to the latest markettr'ends but at least now they are taking the Indian buyers seriously by expanding their portfolio and offering diesel engine options, With fuel prices increasing and people ready to shell out extra money to own a diesel car, Ford India sees wisdom in joining the diesel revolution by re-launching the Ikon as a diesel-powered car.
The Ikon TDCi has got a facelift that may not be too pleasing in everyone's eyes, From the front, the car looks all muscled up as if it had been working out in a gym for three years after the Ikon diesel was phased out.The variant gets a new hood design which gives it a shapelier image and the nose grill and the big front bumper try their best to give the car a sporty, even an aggressive, look. But then who are they kidding? With minimal changes in the side panels and the rear, the Ikon looks almost the same as its previous model.
Step inside the Ikon and the interiors look all the same, The dual tone black-beige interiors do brighten the cabin but the material used is very plasticky
that renders the overall effort fairly declasse. The seats and the space in the cabin cramp you a bit. A warning here the front passenger and the driver should not try to buckle their seatbelt at the same time for fear of banging their heads, such is the space constraint in the car. The major change is the electronic instrument cluster. The meters are easy to read and the Ikon now also gets an LCD odometer display.
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Ford has now placed the bonŽnet open button under steering wheel adjustment malting it more convenient.
Open the bonnet and we are greeted with the 1.4 DuraŽTorq diesel engine. The 68bhp powered car provides a smooth and effortless drive. Step on the throttle and roar of the heavy drinking fuel engine is audible but it does not labour to cruise. It is responsive and has enough spunk to beat the traffic. The Ikon retains the same gear ratio as the Fiesta diesel so expect it to be one economical sedan. The new sedan handles well like its petrol variant and will bring a smile to motorheads.
By launching the Ikon diesel, the American carmal,er has made sure that its presence will be felt in the premium hatchback segŽment which Ford will be targeting at. Also with Indians having a soft corner for sedans, this car will definitely give buyers more options. The Ikon will no doubt be one the most affordable and reliable diesel three-box car.
The Ikon TDCi has got a facelift that may not be too pleasing in everyone's eyes, From the front, the car looks all muscled up as if it had been working out in a gym for three years after the Ikon diesel was phased out.The variant gets a new hood design which gives it a shapelier image and the nose grill and the big front bumper try their best to give the car a sporty, even an aggressive, look. But then who are they kidding? With minimal changes in the side panels and the rear, the Ikon looks almost the same as its previous model.
Step inside the Ikon and the interiors look all the same, The dual tone black-beige interiors do brighten the cabin but the material used is very plasticky
that renders the overall effort fairly declasse. The seats and the space in the cabin cramp you a bit. A warning here the front passenger and the driver should not try to buckle their seatbelt at the same time for fear of banging their heads, such is the space constraint in the car. The major change is the electronic instrument cluster. The meters are easy to read and the Ikon now also gets an LCD odometer display.
98
Ford has now placed the bonŽnet open button under steering wheel adjustment malting it more convenient.
Open the bonnet and we are greeted with the 1.4 DuraŽTorq diesel engine. The 68bhp powered car provides a smooth and effortless drive. Step on the throttle and roar of the heavy drinking fuel engine is audible but it does not labour to cruise. It is responsive and has enough spunk to beat the traffic. The Ikon retains the same gear ratio as the Fiesta diesel so expect it to be one economical sedan. The new sedan handles well like its petrol variant and will bring a smile to motorheads.
By launching the Ikon diesel, the American carmal,er has made sure that its presence will be felt in the premium hatchback segŽment which Ford will be targeting at. Also with Indians having a soft corner for sedans, this car will definitely give buyers more options. The Ikon will no doubt be one the most affordable and reliable diesel three-box car.