The josh machine comes home! It is a wonderful piece of machinery... or should I say true value for money (So far). Just bought one about 25 days back..so this review will have that imperative element of experience!!
Ford’s Ikon 1.3 has been targeted at those for whom price is the sole priority in their purchase decision. It’s a budget car that comes without any of the thrills and frills of its bigger brother, the Ikon 1.6, although it has the same external appearance.
ABOUT THE INSIDE (Insider’s view)
The fabric used on seat and door pads is more tasteful than the what is there in the 1.6. The instrument panel is finished in a conventional black-and-grey combination though the plastics look and feel cheap. The front seats are very comfortable (still the BIG GUYS need to be more accomodating) but back seats are royal (for two people though)with lots of head- and legroom. The third passenger makes it a tight squeeze.
Airconditioner performance is good and the rear passengers are well cooled by a fixed vent that continuously directs a blast of cold air in their direction.
ABOUT DESIGN AND CONTOURS
There is a lot of ..what shoudl I say.. Oomph in this babe’s design. The boot section or third box is all-new in the Ikon. The design keeping in line with Ford conventions is- angular, sharp looks, cat-eye headlamps, and slightly flared. Sharp-cut tail lights are another striking design feature (Frankly this is what flattened me)....
The only problem is for shorties.... u know the boot can really hamper the rear view and it can be penalising at times!!!
LET’S TALK ABOUT ENGINE BABY
OK ... I am not a pro at the technicalities but overall feel of it is pretty decent. The suspension systems are strong and reliable (as it seems)taking care of those EXTRA powerful jerks that one would experience on the Indian roads.
This 1299cc engine comes with a multi-point fuel injection and Ford’s famous EEC-V module, the brain that looks after the engine management system. In traffic, the Ikon is pretty driveable and shows no signs of sluggishness.
Now, the greatest worry point in this car is its inability to screech beyond the capabilities of small cars such as Santro or even Wagon R... the damn thing does not go beyond 135 odd kph.(might go upto 145 if u get stubborn..but thaz it) There is no problem with the manoeuverability of this chic however, one feels the pressure of AC on the engine during town side driving.
The only thing that I need to test further and be comfortable about is its efficiency on the Highways...that would be the litmus test in deciding whether it is really a Josh machine of I have been Konned!!!
SALT AND PEPPER STUFF
The brakes have superb stopping power but and power steering makes those curves a cake walk.
The only part I do not like discussing here is the Fuel efficiency. In the city it is giving me a sorry10 kpl, which is dissapointing by any stretch of wisdom...especially when u compare it to a Santro.
TO SUM IT UP
The Ikon (1.3)is best suited for those who commute within urban areas. The driving experience is very comfortable and if u r used to a chauffeur-driven set up....then it is simply KOOL
All in all it fuels a josh in you the moment you sit on the driving seat!!!