New Ford Ikon Duratorq launched: Price and photo gallery

Ford has launched a new version of its successful small sedan, the Ford Ikon, with new diesel engine and different looks in India.

New Ford Ikon - front looks much, much better, we think.

The new diesel version of the Ikon would feature Ford’s famous 1400 cc diesel Duratorq engine which already does duty in the Ford Fiesta and Fusion. There is new 1.3 liter ROCAM petrol engine too - but we guess the big news is the launch of a diesel.

New Ford Ikon

Apart from the engne, what has changed, and for the better, are the looks. The old Ford Ikon we had was seriously geeting long in the tooth, looking like something from the 1980s, what with all the new dramatic designs coming to Indian roads. The new design puts the new Ford corporate grille on the front, making it look much more modern and contemporary.

Photo: New Ford Ikon rear with optional spoiler.

Side on, the new Ford Ikon does not look very different from the old version. Butget that optional rear spoiler, and skirts, and the car can look quite different and modern. Rear tail lamps are a bit different, and the front lights are totally new and go well with the new front grille.

What does it not have? Airbags, ABS, EBD, etc etc. Now we are against every car that does not offer airbags, and the Ikon does not seem to offer it even as an option. That said, there are many small cars in India without airbags, and we suspect the lack of an airbag is not going to stop those who fall in love with the new looks and fuel economy of the new diesel Ford Ikon. Photo: New revised lights of the Ford Ikon

Price

The 1.3 liter petrol version of the new Ford Ikon is priced at Rs 4.59 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi, while the diesel is priced at Rs 5.19 lakhs. At this price, the new diesel Ikon can provide good competition to the Suzuki Dzire, as well as the Tata Indigo - after all, the Ikon has been around a long time, and a diesel version may be just what Ford needs to lift up its fortunes in India.

1.4 Duratorq diesel engine

The new diesel Fusion Dura Torq engine is an inline 4 clyunder common rail diesel engine that produces 68 bhp at 4000 RPM. The 68 bhp may not seem really much, but remmeber that the Ikon was always a light car. Add to that, great torque from the diesel engine, and fuel economy, and you may have a winner here in the new Ford Ikon. Maximum torque from the Dura Torq diesel is 160 Nm at 2000 rpm. The new Ford Ikon gets a 5-speed manual transmission.

Suspension

There are independent McPherson struts with separate sub-frame at the front of the car, while the rear has heavy duty twist-beam with strut-type coil spring / damper units. The steering is power-assisted rack and pinion. Ford claims that the suspension of the new Ikon is a new system developed for the European Ford Fiesta and Ford Ka.

Brakes

The new Ford Ikon has ventillated disc brakes at the front, and drums at the rear. Reasonable enough for a small sedan. Tyres are radials, 175/70 R13 front and rear.

Comforts

Front and rear power windows, cup-holders, air conditioning and heater are provided.

Colours

Brush steel, Morello, Diamond White, Panther Black, Paprika Red, Platinum and Moondust Silver are the colours on offer for the new Ford Ikon.

Source: dancewithshadows.com