Ford Ikon Car Review in India

Ford made its entry in India with the launch of Model A in 1907. In 1954, it discontinued its operation and again re-established itself as Mahindra Ford India. Eventually, Ford grew to be 92.18% stakeholder and rechristened itself as Ford India Ltd. It started manufacturing Ford Ikon from its Chennai facility in 1999.

This handsome car offers style reliability, good handling, and affordable price. The 'New Edge' style gives this sedan a sporty yet elegant look. Spacious and luxurious interior is enhanced with dual beige tone and little cookies like rear reading lamps. The engine is predominantly inspiring which is quiet and smooth. Ikon assures a joyful drive with a ride worthy of sovereigns and the safety features make this car more trustworthy to the buyers.

The Ford Ikon comes in four variants namely 1.3L ROCAM, 1.4 DuraTorq TDCi, iKool Petrol and iKool Diesel. The Ikon petrol version uses the 1.3L ROCAM (Roller Finger Camshaft) engine that is a spirited performer, generating 69 bhp@5,500 rpm and torque of 105 Nm@2,500 rpm, and is ideal mate for urban usage. The diesel version comes with a 1.4 DuraTorq TDCi In-line 4 engine churning out 67 bhp of power. In both the version, the engine is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. Gear shifting is simply superb and leaves no room for complaints.

The ride quality of the Ikon has not changed dramatically; it has independent McPherson Struts mounted on separate sub-frame and a heavy-duty twist-beam with strut-type coil spring/damper units on the rear. The suspension dynamics are quite excellent and the handling is predictable and safe.

Even beyond 4,000 rpm, the car is firm on highways. The engine growls and is fun for adventurous young drivers. The car is completely ready to invite trouble to its competitors like Renault Logan and the Maruti Suzuki Dzire.

The Ikon has a perfect three-box profile, which has revolutionized the sedan styling in India. It is youthful, appealing and has a perfect aerodynamic profile. The Ikon iKool comes loaded with the new iKool badging, chrome deck lid applique, Black BSPM and spoiler that define the exterior with crisp, sculpted lines and an extremely stylish body. The build quality is strong with the elegant headlights and grill-less kinetic design gives the sedan a look bold.

The Ford Ikon is designed with great flair that captivates everyone. The cabin is noiseless with enough legroom in both the rows. The iKool variant also flaunts matching seat covers that enhance the comfort. The dash is neatly designed and the controls are handy. To top it all, the steering wheel plus the gear shifter is placed so well that driving for a long journey is fun. Moreover, the new iKool comes with iPod compatible Mp3 audio system to make the ride musical. The Ikon iKool brings together Ford's sweeping 'New Edge' style cues with some appealing accents in a pleasant manner.

The new car gets sufficient boot space (400 litre) without compromising on the cabin space. The thick C-pillar, which is slightly pushed on the boot, makes it contemporary. The seven-spoke wheel cover gives the Ikon a sporty look.

Some of the standard safety features include Ford Dynamic Safety Engineering, laminated glazed windscreen, childproof rear locks, front and rear side impact door beams, front and rear seat belts, centre high mount stop lamp, central locking electric fuel cap release and remote keyless entry anti-theft system.