Tested: Ford Ikon 1.4 TDCi
2008-03-27 08:02
Ford Ikon 1.4 TDCi
Vehicle Specs
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Manufacturer
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Ford
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Model
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Ikon 1.4 TDCi
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Engine
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4-cylinder SOHC 8V
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Power
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50 kW @ 4 000 r/min
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Torque
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160 Nm @ 2 000 r/min
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Transmission
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5 speed manual
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Top Speed
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165 km/h
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Fuel Consumption
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5.5l per 100km
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Steering
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power steering
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ABS
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yes
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Airbags
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Dual airbags
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Price
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R144 990
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Author: Sergio Davids
What's it about?
The ever-popular Ford Fiesta range won't be around for too much longer, but the practicality of a four-door sedan was overlooked for most of its model life - until now, at least. In the hopes of tapping into this market, Ford has released its latest generation budget sedan, the Ford Ikon.
So it's not the most flashy car out there, but with good pricing, low fuel consumption and a pleasurable ride the Ford Ikon 1.4 TDCi is definitely worth a second look.
Features
The Ikon's interior is typically Ford: bland yet organised. The controls are well-placed and easily identifiable. The soft touch leather finish on the dashboard is a definite plus adding an upmarket feel to the little sedan. The 460-litre boot area impressed with its ability to swallow up luggage.
Convenience items include sun visors with vanity mirrors, bottle holders in the door panels and a map pocket behind the passenger seat. The Ikon also features air conditioning, power steering and electric windows.
The upholstered seats are plush to the touch, but you have to wonder why manufacturers would specify cream cloth upholstery for a family car.
Under the bonnet
The new Duratorq unit uses an all-aluminium construction with common rail technology. Despite it producing a menacing rumble at lower revs, it proved to be a very capable performer.
The turbodiesel unit produces 50 kW at 4 000 r/min and 160 Nm of torque at 2 000 r/min.
The Ikon manages to sip a frugal amount of fuel at a claimed 5.5 l/100 km at average city speeds.
A five-speed manual gearbox, with firm, decisive shifts and a smooth action, drives the front wheels.
Driving it
Sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Fiesta, the Ikon was always going to deliver a decent ride experience.
And it does not disappoint. Steering is direct and responds well to inputs made to its slightly-oversized steering wheel.
Driving the Ikon becomes a simple matter of getting from point A to B each time you slide behind the steering wheel. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; there just isn't much oomph or emotion involved.
The Ikon wasn't made to be driven hard so you can't really push it, thus you're soon relegated to "Sunday afternoon cruising" even when you're in a real rush at times.
Some colleagues noted the ride could be classified as "bumpy at times", but the booted Fiesta remained largely comfortable for most occupants throughout its Wheels24 journeys.
Verdict
With its closest competitors the Yaris sedan and the Chevrolet Aveo not having a diesel model available, the Ikon has already one upped the competition.
Overall the Ford Ikon is a definite improvement on the previous edition, and offers good value for money.
It might be not as aesthetically pleasing with its boxy design, but as far as robust, no-frills cars go, the Ford Ikon is a welcome addition to the Ford family.