New Ford Ikon TDCi sets sales chart on fire in India

Posted on 12/16/2008 under: News, Ford

Just when everybody was thinking that the Ford Ikon would fade out in India, many spy shots have surfaced on the Internet and so did many renderings. So Ford officially set afloat the refreshed Ford Ikon in India a few weeks back. The face is shared with the Ford Bantam pickup, which is a pickup version of the Ikon sold in South Africa. The car has surpassed Ford's expectation in India as it continues to sell like hotcakes.

The pure drivers car still lives albeit with a 1.3 ROCAM (70bhp) and not the rev-happy 1.6. In addition, on offer is the brilliant 1.4 TDCi (68bhp) from the Fiesta which has sufficient torque and power for a car that weighs as much as a Maruti Suzuki Swift. The driving dynamics stay undiluted and this car can handle remarkably well even though it still lacks anti-rollbars. Ford's site cites that the Ikon sports the same suspension as their European Fiesta and the KA and these claims are warranted. Ford also claims that Ikon sports the best ride and handling in its segment and this has been proven over time. Ford's cars have constantly been great drivers cars and this is no different.

The styling is slightly revamped and taking a stand is hard, although we think its not inferior. The family resemblance to the Fiesta is apparent and Ford has tried to achieve its trademark Kinetic design in the Ikon but hasn't got it perfect. The rear remains the same except for transparent bilnkers. Also in are new alloy wheel designs which along with the face are the only redeeming features on an otherwise common car.

The interiors get the beige remedy but the design remains the same. The brand new, modern instrument cluster on the diesel variant includes new graphics, tachometer, LED needles and LCD odometer display. It's almost a decade old design and this is the final iteration before Ford's hatchback succeeds this old warrior.

"The new Ford Ikon continues to be a leader in its segment and caters to customers with a combination of superior fuel efficiency and improved engine performance," Ford India President Michael Boneham said at the launch.

Source: Indianautosblog