Ikon... truly the Josh machine.
Ford has always been a well respected and reliable name in the automobile industry. The very name signifies quality. Ford entered the market with a rather unsuccessful Ford Escort which bombed primarily because of the it’s heavy body. Therefore the mileage was real bad and pick up was poor. The AC would always spoil pick up and so while overtaking on a highway one would have to turn it off or find some other alternative...all because of the heavy frame. The Ford people learnt their lesson and came out with Ford Ikon.
The Ford Ikon has a much superior engine, but where is scores over it’s elder sister, the Escort, is it’s light body frame. The Ikon is zippy. That’s the best way one can describe the driving experience. Excellent pick up and great manoeurverability is what sets this baby apart from the crowd. The mileage depends on the model, of course.
It has three basic models:
1.3 petrol
1.6 petrol
1.8 diesel
(they have a newer Ikon Nxt model too, but with rather superficial cosmetic changes only)
The 1.3 petrol model is best suited for city driving conditions. It was popular but now people prefer the 1.6. The problem with the 1.3 model is the pick up and the acceleration. Going uphill with the AC on, you’ll find the acceleration to be not quite a piece of cake. However for regular city conditions it’s a beauty and the AC works fine without much hitch in the pick up.
The 1.6 petrol model is of course the best in the petrol category. It’s simply amazing in it’s pick up. The beauty of it is the gentle purr of the engine as it races ahead of competition on the road. The suspension is worth mentioning. Trust me, you won’t feel any potholes. You might actually think the Indian roads have improved, but it’s all thanks to the Ikon’s flying-in-the-clouds effect. The car gives you 16+ on highways and about 13+ in the city. Drive this baby in the middle of July across stony and hot Madhya Pradesh in the oppressive heat, put on the AC full blast and you’ll see that the mileage doesn’t dip and neither does the pick up and acceleration. This is a dream machine.
The 1.8 diesel is pretty popular too considering that it’s diesel and is thus lighter on your pocket with the mileage and fuel price. However like any other diesel car this one is priced above the petrol versions too. The diesel car has a 1.8 engine ensuring that you take off like a rocket. The car is good for city conditions. However to exploit the full potential of a 1.8 diesel, one mustn’t confine it to the city. This is a car for the highway, a car for all those uphill trips. Running around city for groceries won’t really challenge this car, so if you are a frequent traveller then this baby is for you.
The Josh Machine has lived up to it’s name.