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| FORD IKON - Breaking the 5 lakh price barrier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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By
Lalit Manaktala One interesting
advertised feature is the high low end torque - 130 Nm at 2500 RPM.
However this claim is somewhat diluted by the company's conflicting
spec of a peak torque of 125Nm at 4000 RPM. Some clarification is certainly
called for. |
 
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The
launch of the Ford Ikon was not the usual high tech, overdone affair
one has come to expect. There were no lasers piercing darkened rooms.
Just the car itself on the stage. A smoke machine and the now familiar
screen projection presentation the only visible affectations of technology.
The
content of the information given out was surprisingly thorough. The
history of the production of the Ikon goes back to 1997. The engine
is purported to be new, though this has not resulted in any significant
improvement in the fuel consumption average as compared to other competitors
in the same segment. Engine reliability and low maintenance seem to
be the only gainers of the new EEC module incorporated in the system.
This stands for Electronic Engine Control - the benefits of which are
efficient engine operation and low emissions. 
The
first impression one gets after looking at the Ford Ikon is that of
a smarter, larger Esteem with slightly edgier lines. The door protection
moulding on the sides is reminiscent of the Astra. The smaller windows
have been ostensibly designed to "increase privacy" and voila! A potential
shortcoming is transformed into an advantageous design feature.
This
young at heart, spirited performer with contemporary styling has been
targeted at the young 25-40 year old male in India. It should therefore
appeal strongly to the modern urban female in the same age segment.
The edgy lines are certainly an improvement on the slick, smooth and
therefore slightly oily lines of the Escort.
Know all about Ford IKON - visit cybersteering
