Jun 29, 2011 05:53 PM
20713 Views
(Updated Jul 01, 2011 03:50 PM)
Dear Folks
I am reviewing this to help people narrow their choice of cars.
I am writing in to explain what to expect out of dealers.
I am reviewing the car too.
LOOKS: Solid FORD looks and extremely masculine. A tough machine this.!:)
Space: Excellent knee space in the front and rear. seats 5 people comfortably.
Boot space; Excellent. Cant ask for more.
Sound system: Excellent with AUX in facility.
Features; Best in class. No other manufacturer offers the features FORD offers at a price level of Rs.6.85L! ON ROAD.
Fuel efficiency: 12Kms city run!. Cant ask for more from a car which is 1600 cc with 101 BHP.
Driveability: Hmmmm. Too good. Not saying this cause I own the car but I tried the Volks Wagen Vento/Polo, Honda City /Jazz & Hyundai New verna . The change was immediately apparent.
Many a times it is difficult to judge if the engine is ON or not!. Excellent damping indeed.
You dont have to change gears often since the car runs without jerks even at 40Kms on 4th gear.!
Pick up: GO for a spin and try it out. Overtaking is a breeze. You have the power when you want it. 0-to 100Kms in 11.5 secs! Yet again a premium car feel. 1800cc at 125BHP would have been truly fantastic but it is understood that price wise it would not have been as attractive. .
Suspension: Not joking. It rivals the vento/polo and Honda city. Absorbs pot holes and reasonable bumps like a premium sedan. This version has a renewed suspension adjusted for Indian roads unlike the older FIesta. Over all it gives the feel of a premium sedan at a lower cost. This is a true VFM car.
Dealership experience: OMG FORD fails miserably in this area. Always wondered as to why they give such low priorities to addressing woes of customers complaining about the dealer. FORD manufactures wonderful cars and sells them through third rate dealer counters. Just imagine if they had a service and customer support such as the HONDA where would all the other manufacturers be!?. I am given to understand that they have improved but still have my doubts with the experience I had to face.
My final verdict:
There is no car at this price range that can even come close to the FIESTA CLASSIC CLXI and you should buy it if you are planning a long term ownership but make sure you have a contact to ensure that you have the right person attending to your problems. You get the feel of a premium sedan.
One cant sight examples of over charging to be the cause of a bad dealership since franchise models give them the ability to charge as they wish. Learn and be weary of faults and understand diagnosis and counter argue if it is required. Dont treat them soft. Be harsh and you will definitely have your way. If ford cant change them, then we need to.
FORD INDIA ARE YOU LISTENING
Cheers and have fun
RAJ
AHMEDABAD
