We’ve had a Paprika Red FF for the past 5 months now, instead of going into a long winding description I’ll just do some bullet points so that it’s simpler to read:
PROS
Spacious nooks and a very usable boot
14-15kmpl on city roads in bad traffic. Around 17 on the highway
Reasonably good pickup which coupled with the form factor ensures you’re first out of a traffic signal almost always balance between power and efficiency is just right for city driving and those weekend getaways
Ride quality is very good even with the slightly higher CG. Roll is not as pronounced as you would expect which is probably because of the larger wheels. Drive is actually pretty smooth high seating
ensures you have a better driving stance and getting in and out of the
car for aged passengers, pregnant ladies and taller people is easier as
it doesn’t involve crouching.
small thoughtfull knick-knacks all over the car make it a very comfortable ride in terms of "carry your world with you".
CONS*
2nd
gear is sluggish so you usually end up shifting gears more frequently.
Infact the gear ratios are quite different from other cars so you need
to recalibrate your driving style
the car is a little
noisy with tyre roll noise and a bit of engine rumble trickling in.
Then again it’s a diesel so thats expected.
plastic quality is
poor and there are typical Ford problems like wheel well noise, power
window switch/winder motor which occur. The fact that these are known
problems makes it simpler for the service people to fix them, if only
ford could fix them for good :)
Parts are always not available
at the dealerships. so a one week wait is always expected. Once you get
used to the "process" it’s ok but personally speaking it’s irritating
to be told that "the part will need to be flown in from Chennai"
fuel
economy could’ve been increased a little bit at the cost of power as
city roads rarely if ever need a whole lot of power while the slow burn
traffic could seriously use a lot more in terms of efficiency....
specially now when prices are again slated to rise.
*Conclusion:
*it’s a good family car get it if you want something thats powerful and
sporty but at the same time sensible and reliable.