After owning Ford Ikon for 1 year, I thought it’s the time I should share my experience. I purchased Ikon Flair after evaluating Esteem, Indigo and Accent. Other vehicles in the segment Honda City and Fiesta were out of budget.(Verna was about to be launched).
I choose Ikon for the driving comfort, overall viewing from driver’s seat and comfort for rear seat passengers. Reviews in magazine and review on mouthshut made me aware that the Ikon is great car to drive but high on maintenance cost. To address the concern of maintenance cost, I negotiated for Total Maintenance Plan(TMP) for 2 years and 3rd year extended warranty in ‘Blaster pack’.
I had read reliability of the vehicle is low and had first hand experience of it. In the first month there was problem with hydraulic pump for powered steering, the pump was replaced. Few months later crank oil seal got damaged, again repair done free of cost as covered under warranty. After these two problems it’s a routine service under TMP(at zero cost as all consumables are covered).
I always felt that apart from the performance of engine mileage is dependant on driving habits and the city you drive. The figures I would like to report are 13 KmpL in Pune City with AC, 14.8 KmpL on Mumbai – Pune Express Highway with AC, 10 KmpL in Mumbai with AC(6 months figures)
Ikon Flair is a good ‘value for money’ car in the segment, with new interiors, current pricing - a sensible buy. But, opt for Total Maintenance Plan to mitigate the bad experience of poor service, vehicle reliability and spare cost mentioned in by other owners.