Ford's Ikon updated

Ford's entry-level sedan, the Ikon, has been given a severe spit-and-polish and bigger power thanks to a new 1.6-litre petrol engine.

Firstly, there are cosmetic changes that see Ikon get a new front end with a fresh headlamp design and bumper. Ikon dumps the 14-inch rollers in favour of 15-inch steel wheels for the Ambiente models and 15-inch alloys for the top spec Trend model.

Inside the cabin, the Camel fabric makes ways for more practical shades of Ebony and Jasper Blue and the audio system gets an upgrade, too, with a radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility, RDS and an auxiliary jack now standard across the range.

Features such as keyless remote central locking, remote tail-gate boot release, rake adjustable steering column, and power windows all round are common to the Ikon range.

All Ikons come with a collapsible steering column, ABS with EBD, and airbags for the driver and front passenger.

As before, power is sourced from a 50-kW 1.4-litre turbodiesel powerplant with 160 Nm on tap from 2 000 r/min. However, the 1.4-litre petrol engine makes way for a bigger 1.6-litre engine producing 73 kW at 6 500 r/min and 143 Nm at 4 000 r/min.

Prices:
1.6 Ambiente R 133 500
1.6 Trend R 148 990
1.4 TDCi Ambiente   R 152 990