Let me first announce that I have only driven two sedans extensively till date . Maruti esteem and the Ford Ikon. I mostly drive on highways and not much in city as parking in mumbai city is a major problem.I am using Ikon since last 4 years. Then there were mainly very few choices , hyundai accent , maruti esteem, fiat Sienna , opel corsa and the ford Ikon.
As I had already used the esteem for 7 years it was not considered again, fiat was not doing well hence was out , corsa being very small on space was out too and then I zeroed down on accent and the ikon. I tested both and bought the Ikon CLXI due to the cheaper cost and solid built. Initially as I was used to the quick engine of esteem I found the ikon Rocam engine little sluggish. Soon after driving ikon for few thousand kms I realised that this thing was different and I was very impressed with very strong and solid feel on highways. Mumbai - Pune expressway was enjoyable and for the first time in my life I did 150 Kms / hour without any fear in mind. It was very stable even at high speed. The steering was very stable and did not shake.Unlike the esteem even the 5th gear has enough power. I must say the braking and gear check is 100 times better than the esteem.I have driven it on worst roads with full of potholes , craters on highways and let me tell you that you can beat any Indian SUV on this front.
The suspension is just superb. I have seen boleros struggling on bad roads and ikon was just gliding with confidence. I am getting around 11 km /lit. in city and 15 km / lit. on highways with ac on which should be ok. I never drive with heavy foot.The space inside is good enogh for 4 adults. The codriver seat has great sapce due to cut like shape in the dash. The pastics should be much better.The view for driver is very good. The wind sheild is comparatively smaller hence it does not allow harsh sunlight inside which gives you very cozy feel in summer.
I had experienced that problem with the esteem as it has big windshield. the AC is quite goon in front. I have serviced it just once and it’s still giving great cooling. The only problem area is the humming noise that gets inside the cabin when on highway ( I think it’s due to the suspension) and the costly spares. The silencer assembly which I had to replace due to corrosion afetr 3 yeasrwas for some Rs.11, 000 with labour. My experience with my dealer Shaman ford has been decent.Overall it’s a great car for those who just need the basics right without the frills.