Ford Ikon Flair - A Driver's car. Review on Ford Ikon

I was a owner of Indica V2(LSi- petrol) for 3 years and wanted to buy a mid-size car as I wanted a more comfortable, reliable, fuel efficient, powerful car more suitable for long journeys as I do long trips once a month. I was thinking about Maruti Esteem first. So, test drove it.

It was powerful but not very spacious and not that good option if we consider safety first (of course we should consider it seriously). Looks, styling of Esteem was not that impressive and it is very light and brakes were not that good. Also, Maruti dealer (actually 'True Value') was willing to take my Indica at a very cheap prize, which was not acceptable to me. So, decided against Maruti Esteem.

Finally my thoughts went on towards Ford Ikon Flair. So, I called a Ford dealer and booked a test drive and found Ikon Flair really a pleasure to drive. I was very much impressed with the brakes of Ikon when compared to Esteem.

The ride was smooth and power steering was a bit more soft when compared to Esteem. Also, the service of Ford dealer (Cauvery Ford - Bangalore) was very good. They were willing to take my Indica at a decent price (much higher than what True Value offered).

Also, I got good discount, and Free 1st year Insurance and Anniversary Accessories Pack (which was a great package - Leather Vinyl seat cover, Autocop, Music system, Fog lamps, LH Mirror for only Rs.22000). Teflon coating was also done free of cost. Basic accessories like foot mats, mud flops are free. I choose 'Vitro' colour which is a new colour and it looks pleasant.

FEATURES : 1.3 L ROCAM Engine, Power Windows, Power Steering

I have so far driven around 600Kms and here are my observations.

OBSERVATIONS

GETTING IN AND OUT: It was easy when compared to Esteem. Although not as comfortable it used to be with my Indica. Overall okay. GEAR SHIFT: Good and it clicks in easily. A bit of slower shift when compared to Indica and Esteem.

ENGINE PICK-UP, POWER: Ikon flair has 1.3L ROCAM engine. It is powerful, less noisy and pickup is very good and acceleration is pretty smooth. With AC in city conditions, I could feel a bit of power drop at lower gears. When compared to indica this power drop is not too high.

BRAKES : Very good and I took some time to get used to the sharp brakes as I come from Indica experience. Gives a bit of noise when we apply brakes while climbing steep roads. I checked with Cauvery Ford and they said it is normal. But I feel the noise should have been avoided.

REVERSING: A bit of a problem, because of highly mounted rear windshield. We need to get used to it a bit. AC: It is pretty good and gives good circulation within 10 minutes.

INTERIORS & SPACE: Good front space but a bit of lesser rear leg room. Overall comfortable. Interiors look plush. May be it could have been designed to keep some things easily.

FUEL EFFICIENCY : I get around 12 kms per litre with 50% AC (Premium Petrol) usage in city. Have not checked in highways yet. May be after 1st service it should improve.

RIDE QUALITY & HANDLING: Great and suspension is good. I could not feel bad roads much when compared to Indica.

BOOT SPACE : Big enough for long trips and can hold atleast 2 big suit cases.

OTHERS: I am impressed with the quality and information in the manual. Lot of good tips it has for AC maintenance and other operations of the car.

SUMMARY

To sum up, Ikon Flair is for who love driving and lots of fun and pleasure. I could feel lot of difference because I had an indica before which was a boring car. It offers good value for money. I will post more comments after some time as my car is only ONE month old. Please let me know if you need more information.