The all-new Ford Ikon has made its way from India to our shores and hopes to make its mark in the B-segment with a combination of dependability, affordability and low running costs. The new model has had to survive in a market that requires vehicles that Succeeding the previous generation, a car that was popular with rental companies and fleet owners, shouldn’t be that much of a task, because the previous Ikon was widely regarded as cheap and cheerful. However, the market trend has shifted toward smaller cars that offer the same features previously reserved for luxury vehicles.

Styling is similar to that of the current generation Fiesta, especially at the front. The four-door Ikon’s stance is purposeful and the exterior styling incorporates some “muscular” shapes, such as the pronounced wheel arches. Further inspection of the car’s profile shows that the overall design optimises headroom, visibility and load capacity, all of which should add to the Ikon’s overall versatilty.

The new Ikon comes with three engine options that are all-aluminium: a 1,4-litre petrol, 1,6-litre petrol and 1,4-litre turbodiesel. The entry-level 1,4-litre “Ambiente” develops 61 kW at 6 000 r/min and 125 N.m of torque at 4 000 r/min, the 1,6-litre “Trend” offers 74 kW at 6 500 r/min and 143 N.m at 4 000 r/min and the1,4-litre Duratorq TDCi produces 50 kW at 4 000 r/min and 160 N.m at 2 000 r/min.

Ford’s IB5 five-speed manual transmission does service in the new Ikon. Shift quality has become an area of concern, thus the system is said to allow easier gear selection, reduced gear noise during engine idle and reduced NVH levels.

Ford claim the Ikon’s handling, ride quality and cabin quietness have been vastly improved. As for the Indian saloon’s suspension, MacPherson struts, offset coilset springs, twin tube damper units and lower L-arms do duty at the front, while semi-independent, twist-beam suspension offers stability at the rear.

In terms of interior appointments, the Ikon’s air conditioning system is claimed to easily meet the requirements of warm climates such as South Africa’s and the fan speeds are lower at “normal” operational levels than had been the case with the previous Ikon. Among the host of interior comforts available with the new range are electric windows, intermittent window wipers, electric fuel filler cap lock, remote boot release, central locking, CD player and door-pocket bottle holders.

Safety features include driver and front passenger airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and ABS brakes and in terms of security systems, the Ikon comes standard with Ford’s Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) and immobiliser.


Prices:

Ikon 1,4 Ambiente R125 990

Ikon 1,6 Trend R138 990

Ikon 1,4 TDCi Trend R144 990


Optional Metallic Paint R 710


All models feature a 3year/100 000km warranty as well as a 3year/ unlimited km roadside assistance plan. Service intervals are every 15 000kms with a standard service plan of 4 years / 60 000 km's across the range.

Original article from Car