[JUELZ 41]

go for the logan. it is very spacious and its a recent model. esteem is gonna get phased out soon. accent is a bit too boring.

[Jaggu]

how long do you plan to use the car?

iKON will depreciate more than a Aveo, otherwise iKON is a good buy and dont worry the maintenance is not that high also the spares have become a lil less expensive since most of it is made in india now.

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by GeekSrik

dcetechs question is very pin pointed and extremely clear. guys, why dont the new ikon owners come up with the answers asked for, it ll be knowledgeable for us too, esp the maintenance part and FE.

personally i would not recommend the logan (check my website or team-bhp for the review of the test drive) for its price. esteem is totally outdated too. the ikon still has some energy left it in before its closed completely, but i doubt ford would resort to that anytime now.

Quoting GeekSrik to answer dcetech's query.
I own an Ikon Flair (Oct 2006 model), and following are my responses to the queries asked.

Fuel efficiency : Ranges between 12-14 kmpl in city, based on %age of A/C usage. On the highway, with 100% A/C, get mileages between 16-18, with my personal best being 18.8 kmpl (moderate A/C usage).

Maintenance : Not really in a position to comment on it, as my car is still relatively new, and just 7500 kms on the dials. Completed 2 services, of which the first bill came out to Rs. 0/-, and the second came to Rs.1200/- (including oil change).

Handling : Easily the best handler among most of the cars you had shortlisted from the Lower C segment, which is something all past and current Ikon owners would vouch for. The precise steering is also a highlight.

Image and future : Still manages to impress although being in existence for quite some time. With regards to its future, I personally do not think the Ikon would be discontinued in the immediate future, else Ford would not have come in with the so-called 'new' Ikon. Also, this being Ford's bread and butter model, should definitely be around to take on the likes of the Logan, Esteem and Accent. With the Accent getting a breather again, it only increases the Ikon's lifespan.

Some pics of the 'new' Ikon which i had clicked while at the dealers during my car's service.



Interiors :



Do i like the new interiors?? Not really... would be difficult to keep it clean, i suppose.. but that goes for all beige interiors.

Fiesta 1.4 is a good option if u can stretch that far, as it has a higher image, and also better features and NVH levels.

[dcetech]

Thanks Juelz_41, Jaggu, benbsb29, BUSA, manikjeet n SLK for your comments.

Jaggu, I plan to use the car for about 5 years and then sell it off. n A query at automartindia answerd me "Sir, you can get max 40% for ikon 3 years old in a good condition (not accidental, without any insurance being taken, single owner)"

benbsb29, I also feel the same, there are still some years left before ford phase out its bread n butter model.. otherwise I would have no option but to really stretch my budget by 1.5Lac or be satisfied with a premium hatchback.

benbsb29, how was your experience with Ford Service guys for the 2 services..?

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by dcetech

benbsb29, how was your experience with Ford Service guys for the 2 services..?

I had purchased my car from Cauvery Ford in Bangalore, and my experiences with them so far have left no bad taste, rather happy moments.

In addition to the two regular services, i had also taken my car for a checkup with them before i embarked on a long trip to Kerala on the car from Bangalore. That was also done free of charge including a free car wash and cleaning of interiors.

As the dates for service approach, i get reminder calls confirming the date and time i would be getting in the car. They send me cards on my birthday, and also regular SMS'es on any new launches and stuff. I was gifted two tickets (incl refreshments) to the movie Casino Royale at PVR Cinemas where the new Ford Mondeo was being launched. They have a dedicated customer lounge with magazines and a TV where one can relax while the car is being attended to, and yeah a browsing the net provision too.

So far, i have had no complaints with them, although with the number of cars Ford is managing to sell nowadays, the rush on weekends is a tad high. The dealer offers a pick up and drop service, but i have not availed of the same. The service advisors try their best and stick to the scheduled times despite the heavy rush.

Each time i head out for the service, i spend time in the showroom section, and test drive the cars there on their recommendation. This way i have gotten to drive the Fiesta 1.6 as well as the TDCi. Next time would be looking at the Endeavour.

I know i have been yapping a lot here... but just that so far, i have been kept happy.

P.S. : Worth mentioning here is that a rosary which i left hanging in my car along with some small change was picked during the second and first services respectively. But then, i am not thinking too much into it.

[esteem_lover]

I would seriously suggest you to wait a while, extend that budget and get a car that would be in tune with the times. The Esteem, Accent & Ikon are all old warriors, spending 5 lakh plus on them is not advisable. Get a used one, thats a better idea. For a new car, get a new car. hope i haven't confused you.
cheers

[raajks]

I see some good thoughts put across here!!!
Agree with most of them

Esteem is an excellent car in the budget that you are looking for.
But, Do not rule out the TATA Indigo. It is a good car for Indian conditions and it is not a bad option at all.

It is rugged, the engine flavors have increased both for the diesel and petrol versions.
I think you should test drive the Indigo, before making your call.

Ikon 1.3, Would nt enjoy it as much as 1.6
Logan, with a ground clearance of 155 mm, I am not sure as to how many bumps you would miss with this ground clearance.

Keep in mind that you would need a minimum of 170mm as the car's ground clearance

[Subodh Kumar]

Why FIAT petra 1.6 EL / ELX is not under consideration? As I understand, this is a technically superior car out of all the car optioned mentioned above. I am surprised, nobody has suggested / talked about this. Is this car being phased out? I have bought one a year ago under 5 lacks and am pretty satisfied by its performance.

[benbsb29]

@Subodh: The Petra is being discontinued for reasons unknown.
Please find a similar thread on the same here :

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...ing-petra.html

[dcetech]

Thanks all for replying.

@Subodh: I also thought of petra initially, but it is no longer available.

@raajks: I went for a test drive of Indigo, but TATA delaer told me "we only sell petrol Indigo on request".. so no test drive for me. I m still not convinced with petrol indigo.

@esteem_lover: you have nt confusd me.. perhaps, bcoz i m already vry confused [].. dnt want to buy a used car. and for your 2nd option "For a new car, get a new car".. i really need to stretch my budget.. but if I stretch my budget, then I would like to wait for SX4 and then decide. . Does not it make sense.. to buy Ikon now or wait for SX4 and then choose b/w Aveo/Fiesta/SX4??
(though SX4 make take some time, I am not wait for tht long)

[GeekSrik]

dcetech

sx4 will be available from may 1st week. its not too far away. you dont lose anything! looks like petra and indigo are out for you! tata guys have some attitude problem giving test drives these days!

[roms]

I think I want to add to your confusion. Lets consider the other cars that might fit your budget.

Originally Posted by dcetech

I also thought of petra initially, but it is no longer available.

If you did consider a Fiat Petra, why not consider Fiat Adventure @ 5.3
Lakhs on road? Its probably the best value for money car I can think of at that price.Unless, you need a sedan and nothing else.The fuel efficiency would be in the region of 10-12 kmpl in delhi.The only hitch is,there should be one available for a test drive.The spares are pretty cheap now as well.

Then there's another one to consider-Ford Fusion.It costs 5.7 L ex- showroom Delhi.Much more space than the smaller sedans, higher ground clearance and has a mini SUV image.Great car to drive.Cons are expensive spares and bad ride quality.

Ford - Build & Price

If you are only considering a sedan,I would chose the Ikon above all else for driving dynamics.But for complete peace of mind,it would have to be Accent.Have not driven the Logan yet, so cant comment on that one.

[raajks]

Originally Posted by raajks

Logan, with a ground clearance of 155 mm, I am not sure as to how many bumps you would miss with this ground clearance.

Keep in mind that you would need a minimum of 170mm as the car's ground clearance

I would like to add that Logan's actual ground clearance is 172mm and 155mm is its LADEN figures (When the car is fully loaded)

[raajks]

Originally Posted by roms

why not consider Fiat Adventure @ 5.3
Lakhs on road?

On road price of 5.3??? Is this DELHI specific...as when I checked with the FIAT dealer yesterday...He told me that the on road price for FIAT Adventure is 6.6 with a 16K cash discount in BLR

Dealer name = Concorde
Contact Person == Deek****

[typeOnegative]

Originally Posted by roms

If you did consider a Fiat Petra, why not consider Fiat Adventure @ 5.3
Lakhs on road? ................ It one.

Why? Why? Why?

@dcetech:

Dude, from your list, I can see only two possibilities - Esteem or Ikon. Personally I would go for the Ikon. The Esteem is a decent car, but right now, it is pretty dated. Do take a test drive of both though.