Bitten by the Ford bug-Ford Ikon 1.3 Flair

arnabchak · 24th March 2010, 16:05

The Uno served me well for the last few months but of late had developed a snag.

I had a faulty master cylinder kit and the replacement cost was pretty high.

I did a lot of survey online to source one original Bosch for the Uno but in vain.

Infact, was even open to a used one from Kurla.

But I guess, God had other and in fact better plans for me.

Finally, fed up of keeping the wonderful car in the garage for a while, I decided to load it on carwale.com.

And lo and behold, I get a good 37 enquiries but luckily, by the 12th enquiry, the deal is set and my good old machine is out.

Now, to the real part.

My better half was always keen for a Hyundai Accent.

My heart said the Ford Ikon irrespective of the comparatively higher cost of spares.

Infact, during our research, we also checked out a lot of new cars.

But honestly, did not want to block a decent part of the salary paying EMIs for a new car that too will not have a designated garage of its own.

And then, we saw this beauty at Shaman Motors.

A 2005-2006 Ford Ikon Flair 1.3 EXI in its all glory Paprika Red colour.

With only 33,000 kms on the odo, it was showcased a very compulsive case for it to be owned.

That was what we did.

After a bargain, we settled for Rs.1,65,000 of which Rs.80,000 was paid as the down payment and the balance as bank loan from HDFC.

The monthly EMI is a modest Rs. 2987/- per month.

The loan disbursement process was quick and hassle free.

Now about the car delivery:

We scheduled to take the car on 13th March, a Sat but since this was delayed, we finally got hold of the car on 20th March.

The Shaman executives made it sure that it feels that we are treated like kings.

They made the delivery like that of a new car complete with Ribbons and congratulations note.

Initial Driving Impressions

The dash board is ill designed. That is the first impression we could get.

But once the car ignition is on, the car runs like a dream.

Pros:

1) The engine is very smooth and silent.
2) The suspensions are nicely tuned and takes small bumps with ease.
3) The over all space is commendable.
4) The in built boot release button, missing in the later Ikons is a boon.
5) The AC is pretty chilling.
6) The drive is smooth with a good overall pick up and torque at lower RPM.

CONS

1) The dashboard is unimaginatively designed. No space for keeping small knick knacks.
2) The Bridgestone tyres makes some noise.
3) The single horn is weak.
4) The inbuilt Ford Speakers are not great for music lovers.

During the short drive, I would say that I have recorded a city average of about 10.5 kms/ ltr without the AC.

You see, my wifey dear is having a bad throat so big no no for the AC right now.

Overall, the car seems good.

Am attaching a pic for my fellow brother's to see.

Eddy · 24th March 2010, 16:09

Fellow brothers cannot see the pics

Congrats on the buy. I own an Ikon and think that though the dash lacks storage space for knick knacks, it is very practical when it comes to the front passenger leg room. Will make the wifey happy, I am sure

nairrk · 24th March 2010, 16:34

Good buy - Congratulations!
Try load more pictures?

Fordy · 24th March 2010, 16:53

Thats in deed a very good buy. Able to see only 1 picture. I have a Ford Ikon Flair and its a very good car. Regarding the front dash, I agree with Eddy, it is very practical for the front passenger and I agree with you there is no place to keep even a 500ml bottle anywhere. You should get more milage than 10.5. mine gives 10-11 with 100% AC in Cisty and Highways 14-15 Kmpl with 100% AC. Take some time to get adjusted to the high boot as it hinders the rear view while reversing. Good Luck

benbsb29 · 24th March 2010, 18:11

Arnab, congrats on your Ikon. Its always nice to see another ownership review.
The dash doesnt have much space for knick knacks, which is a grouse, but just look at the amount of leg space teh front passenger enjoys. My wife always appreciates the same.

For an idea about the average cost of service, as well as spares costs, you could check out some of the long term ownership threads on the forum.

Between, was there an EXi version in 2005? I believe it was only called the Flair then as well as in 2006.

recshenoy · 24th March 2010, 18:48

congras dude,

CONS

Quote:

1) The dashboard is unimaginatively designed. No space for keeping small knick knacks.
2) The Bridgestone tyres makes some noise.
3) The single horn is weak.
4) The inbuilt Ford Speakers are not great for music lovers.

except 1) you can mod other to make them as CONS

what is the HDFC interest rate for pre-worshipped car

arnabchak · 26th March 2010, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by nairrk

Good buy - Congratulations!
Try load more pictures?

Have a good load of pics but the max I can load is 1 MB. Unfortunately, the pics are all exceeding that size.

arnabchak · 26th March 2010, 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by recshenoy

congras dude,

CONS

except 1) you can mod other to make them as CONS

what is the HDFC interest rate for pre-worshipped car

The HDFC rate is a high 18%.

Kotak turned out to be even higher at 19.5%.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordy

Thats in deed a very good buy. Able to see only 1 picture. I have a Ford Ikon Flair and its a very good car. Regarding the front dash, I agree with Eddy, it is very practical for the front passenger and I agree with you there is no place to keep even a 500ml bottle anywhere. You should get more milage than 10.5. mine gives 10-11 with 100% AC in Cisty and Highways 14-15 Kmpl with 100% AC. Take some time to get adjusted to the high boot as it hinders the rear view while reversing. Good Luck

I would probably agree with the milage you have suggested as I have not done a tank to tank average yet.

Will update once am done with that method.

The high boot line does get time used to.
In fact, am still getting used.

xingamazon · 26th March 2010, 11:09

Congrats on your new buy, the car looks nice, I am guessing its a petrol version.
I did not know that the Ford dealer also help in selling used cars, or is it specific only to Shaman Ford.
Anyway, enjoy your car well.

arnabchak · 26th March 2010, 11:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by benbsb29

Arnab, congrats on your Ikon. Its always nice to see another ownership review.
The dash doesnt have much space for knick knacks, which is a grouse, but just look at the amount of leg space teh front passenger enjoys. My wife always appreciates the same.

For an idea about the average cost of service, as well as spares costs, you could check out some of the long term ownership threads on the forum.

Between, was there an EXi version in 2005? I believe it was only called the Flair then as well as in 2006.

I too was under that impression that in 2005 there is no Exi version.

But the RC book has registered the vehicle as Ford Ikon 1.3 EXI Flair!!!

Fordmanchau · 27th March 2010, 11:52

Hi Arnab,
Congrats on the Flair. It's a damn good car for it's price. One of my friend is looking for a alto at around 1.5 to 2 lakhs budget. I am advising him to buy a IKON for the same price. Compare the value that he will get.
A 2007 Alto in hyderabad is for around 2.2 lakhs,, LXI model, while 2006 IKON was around 1.95 lakhs plus the additional, boot, inside space he will get.
I too own a Flair and have no complaints since last 1 and half year. Hope you have a wonderful ownership as well.
Is the boot release in your car is electronic or manual?

arnabchak · 27th March 2010, 13:43

@Fordmanchau

Thanks a ton!!!

The boot opener is electric.
This is a boon at the malls.

The Ikon certainly gives more value as compared to a hatch.

arnabchak · 5th April 2010, 12:50

Dear Mods...

Request you to please connect the snaps with the earlier post.
Sorry for the delay in posting.

arnabchak · 27th May 2010, 14:03

Its been some time that I had the red beauty at home but because of severe pressures at the office, could not manage a decent drive.

Plan to take out the beauty to Dapoli this weekend.

A travelogue will follow.

Fordmanchau · 27th May 2010, 14:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnabchak

Its been some time that I had the red beauty at home but because of severe pressures at the office, could not manage a decent drive.

Plan to take out the beauty to Dapoli this weekend.

Yeah , go on!!
you will pity yourself for not taking such a drive before with this machine.
You will enjoy every bit of your ride.
Click loads of snaps and have fun.

24th March 2010, 16:05	#1
arnabchak Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MH-04 Posts: 1,346 Thanked: 1,165 Times	Bitten by the Ford bug-Ford Ikon 1.3 Flair The Uno served me well for the last few months but of late had developed a snag. I had a faulty master cylinder kit and the replacement cost was pretty high. I did a lot of survey online to source one original Bosch for the Uno but in vain. Infact, was even open to a used one from Kurla. But I guess, God had other and in fact better plans for me. Finally, fed up of keeping the wonderful car in the garage for a while, I decided to load it on carwale.com. And lo and behold, I get a good 37 enquiries but luckily, by the 12th enquiry, the deal is set and my good old machine is out. Now, to the real part. My better half was always keen for a Hyundai Accent. My heart said the Ford Ikon irrespective of the comparatively higher cost of spares. Infact, during our research, we also checked out a lot of new cars. But honestly, did not want to block a decent part of the salary paying EMIs for a new car that too will not have a designated garage of its own. And then, we saw this beauty at Shaman Motors. A 2005-2006 Ford Ikon Flair 1.3 EXI in its all glory Paprika Red colour. With only 33,000 kms on the odo, it was showcased a very compulsive case for it to be owned. That was what we did. After a bargain, we settled for Rs.1,65,000 of which Rs.80,000 was paid as the down payment and the balance as bank loan from HDFC. The monthly EMI is a modest Rs. 2987/- per month. The loan disbursement process was quick and hassle free. Now about the car delivery: We scheduled to take the car on 13th March, a Sat but since this was delayed, we finally got hold of the car on 20th March. The Shaman executives made it sure that it feels that we are treated like kings. They made the delivery like that of a new car complete with Ribbons and congratulations note. Initial Driving Impressions The dash board is ill designed. That is the first impression we could get. But once the car ignition is on, the car runs like a dream. Pros: 1) The engine is very smooth and silent. 2) The suspensions are nicely tuned and takes small bumps with ease. 3) The over all space is commendable. 4) The in built boot release button, missing in the later Ikons is a boon. 5) The AC is pretty chilling. 6) The drive is smooth with a good overall pick up and torque at lower RPM. CONS 1) The dashboard is unimaginatively designed. No space for keeping small knick knacks. 2) The Bridgestone tyres makes some noise. 3) The single horn is weak. 4) The inbuilt Ford Speakers are not great for music lovers. During the short drive, I would say that I have recorded a city average of about 10.5 kms/ ltr without the AC. You see, my wifey dear is having a bad throat so big no no for the AC right now. Overall, the car seems good. Am attaching a pic for my fellow brother's to see. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by arnabchak : 24th March 2010 at 16:09. Reason: Pics not attached
	() Thanks

24th March 2010, 16:09	#2
Eddy Team-BHP Support Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Singapore Posts: 9,566 Thanked: 14,559 Times	Fellow brothers cannot see the pics Congrats on the buy. I own an Ikon and think that though the dash lacks storage space for knick knacks, it is very practical when it comes to the front passenger leg room. Will make the wifey happy, I am sure
	() Thanks

24th March 2010, 16:34	#3
nairrk Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kannur Posts: 2,446 Thanked: 687 Times View My Garage	Good buy - Congratulations! Try load more pictures?
	() Thanks

24th March 2010, 16:53	#4
Fordy BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 100 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	Thats in deed a very good buy. Able to see only 1 picture. I have a Ford Ikon Flair and its a very good car. Regarding the front dash, I agree with Eddy, it is very practical for the front passenger and I agree with you there is no place to keep even a 500ml bottle anywhere. You should get more milage than 10.5. mine gives 10-11 with 100% AC in Cisty and Highways 14-15 Kmpl with 100% AC. Take some time to get adjusted to the high boot as it hinders the rear view while reversing. Good Luck
	() Thanks

24th March 2010, 18:11	#5
benbsb29 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Brisbane Posts: 10,103 Thanked: 14,200 Times View My Garage	Arnab, congrats on your Ikon. Its always nice to see another ownership review. The dash doesnt have much space for knick knacks, which is a grouse, but just look at the amount of leg space teh front passenger enjoys. My wife always appreciates the same. For an idea about the average cost of service, as well as spares costs, you could check out some of the long term ownership threads on the forum. Between, was there an EXi version in 2005? I believe it was only called the Flair then as well as in 2006.
	() Thanks

26th March 2010, 11:09	#9
xingamazon Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 1,400 Thanked: 122 Times	Congrats on your new buy, the car looks nice, I am guessing its a petrol version. I did not know that the Ford dealer also help in selling used cars, or is it specific only to Shaman Ford. Anyway, enjoy your car well.
	() Thanks

27th March 2010, 11:52	#11
Fordmanchau Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,666 Thanked: 341 Times	Hi Arnab, Congrats on the Flair. It's a damn good car for it's price. One of my friend is looking for a alto at around 1.5 to 2 lakhs budget. I am advising him to buy a IKON for the same price. Compare the value that he will get. A 2007 Alto in hyderabad is for around 2.2 lakhs,, LXI model, while 2006 IKON was around 1.95 lakhs plus the additional, boot, inside space he will get. I too own a Flair and have no complaints since last 1 and half year. Hope you have a wonderful ownership as well. Is the boot release in your car is electronic or manual?
	() Thanks

27th March 2010, 13:43	#12
arnabchak Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MH-04 Posts: 1,346 Thanked: 1,165 Times	@Fordmanchau Thanks a ton!!! The boot opener is electric. This is a boon at the malls. The Ikon certainly gives more value as compared to a hatch.
	() Thanks

5th April 2010, 12:50	#13
arnabchak Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MH-04 Posts: 1,346 Thanked: 1,165 Times	Dear Mods... Request you to please connect the snaps with the earlier post. Sorry for the delay in posting. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

27th May 2010, 14:03	#14
arnabchak Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MH-04 Posts: 1,346 Thanked: 1,165 Times	Plan a Dapoli Ride Its been some time that I had the red beauty at home but because of severe pressures at the office, could not manage a decent drive. Plan to take out the beauty to Dapoli this weekend. A travelogue will follow.
	() Thanks