[satish_appasani]

My Father-in-law is buying a new car. Initially he was interested in the new Icon Dsl, but i managed him to have a look at Indica Vista. After seeing Vista Anniversary edition, he has set both his heart and mind on the Vista.

But people are suggesting Ford Icon. I am in double minds now. I know the main advantage Icon has over Vista is the trunk. The new face looks Yuk The headlights resemble the one on Fird Escort.

Apart from trunk, which is a better car mechanically? Power delivery, mileage, ride, handling etc. Please provide suggestions.

[greenhorn]

you really dont want to make your FIL make a decision he'll regret
so let him know about the issues with both tata and Ford A.S.S

But i think Tata A.S.S is better off in hyd - CtrlAltDel has had a good experience so far

[phamilyman]

I would anyday say the ikon except the mileage!

There's some value in carmakers who make cars WELL, unlike just cars with a truckload of features and endless cost cutting (damn you maruti for no rear wipers!). tata belongs to that breed.

The other thing is the extended warranty etc - just figure out what's the case on the Ikon (heard some 3 year thing on one thread) vs the Indica (they had 2+2 years on the v2).

[aseem]

Ikon is a generation old platform, its more like aaj ke zamaane mein baap ke zamaane ki car. I suggest go with Vista, it has contemprary exteriors, modern interiors, proven Fiat engine, is more fun to drive...
Apart from boot and marginal FE, Ikon has no point that scores over Vista.

[revhappy]

Although the prices may be similar and both are diesel, they are totally different cars.
You are comparing a fully loaded premium fresh hatchback with an entry level old generation sedan.

I know many people (young people in my office) who still belong the old generation myth that only a sedan commands the prestige and that there is no point spending above 5 lacs for a hatch and they may go ahead and buy the icon and accent because they are cheap.

I am sure your father in law doesnt belong to that group as you have mentioned he likes the Vista. Hence my vote for the Vista

Cheers,
Nitin

[mohandas]

It's Vista anyday, unless you are looking sometime for your personal car museum.

[aaggoswami]

Originally Posted by satish_appasani

Apart from trunk, which is a better car mechanically? Power delivery, mileage, ride, handling etc. Please provide suggestions.

For power delivery, as your Father-In-Law to test drive both the cars.
For ride and handling, Ikon is better. The set up is stiffer but has good handling. The handling wont let you feel its old chassis.

Based on requirements, ask him to have a TD. This will erase off most of the doubts.
But I think here Vista wins first of all because its a small car that is better for city driving and has a wider dealer network.
Both Ford and Tata are well known for poor experience at A.S & S.

[JayD]

I'd go with the Ikon. The vista is a Tata afterall, which equals to constant niggles and problems, which i think he can do without!

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by JayD

I'd go with the Ikon. The vista is a Tata afterall, which equals to constant niggles and problems, which i think he can do without!

+1 to this. At least the Ikon would be reliable !!

[greenhorn]

Originally Posted by Eddy

+1 to this. At least the Ikon would be reliable !!

for the first 3~4 years, once the car goes out of warranty, watch it turn into a money sink and resale values dip

On the other hand , while the indica might have issues now, it should get smoothed out as tata figures out the bugs and patches them. by the end of 3~4 years, it should be pretty stable , like the current indica. And resale should be good anyway

is your FIL looking for long term ownership or just for a few years? the choice might depend on it

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by greenhorn

for the first 3~4 years, once the car goes out of warranty, watch it turn into a money sink and resale values dip

Tell me about it.. I am suffering an Ikon for the past 4 and a half years ( was stupid enough not to buy extended warranty). And hence I would not recommend either of the two cars.

But if it comes down to only these two, I would rather enjoy the first four years of my car. A new Tata car is too much of a gamble in my opinion.

[CtrlAltDel]

Ikon's advantage are its boot and also handling at good speeds. its negatives are its lack of features (not even tubeless tyres), no variants to choose from and the infamous high maintenance cost of Ford.

Vista, while not a tarmac scorcher, has loads of good features, high comfort for all 5 passengers. Its engine is the same trusted one that has made Swift a great seller. Tata's spare part prices are not known to be high so maintenance would be easier on the wallet.

Looks are subjective. Tata also comes with extended warranty.

Tata A*S*S in Hyderabad is pretty good (I have utilized services of Auto Chenoy and Autofin since 2003 and found nothing to complain about)

Let him TD both and decide. btw, the top end Vista QJD diesel is priced slightly lower than Ikon TDCI.

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by satish_appasani

My Father-in-law is buying a new car. Initially he was interested in the new Icon Dsl, but i managed him to have a look at Indica Vista. After seeing Vista Anniversary edition, he has set both his heart and mind on the Vista.

Since this is going to be your FIL's car, and as you have mentioned he has his heart and mind set on the Vista, possibly this is the one to go for.

Originally Posted by satish_appasani

Apart from trunk, which is a better car mechanically? Power delivery, mileage, ride, handling etc. Please provide suggestions.

Since i havent taken a TD of the Vista, i shall reserve my opinions on it.

Coming to the Ikon TDCi, it comes with a proven engine, and going by initial ownership reports on the forum, provides good FE. Power delivery on the TDCi is linear with no turbo lag. Ride quality is good while the suspension along with the precise steering make this a FTD car.

If highway trips come into the picture, then its a no-brainer thanks to the 400 litres boot which is very helpful in swallowing quite some amount of luggage. Ask me, i know!

Interiors are not exactly a highlight on the Ikon, but are durable nonetheless.

Most importantly, ask the concerned person which one appeals more to him after laying down the above mentioned factors, and let him decide. All you ca do is put forward your views in a lucid fashion.

[condor]

If it is going to be the Vista, then I would suggest stick to the Anniversary edition. And pls do it quick, before they are taken off.

[satish_appasani]

Yesterday I test drove Icon. As mentioned in earlier posts, the ride is stiff but handling is decent. The power delivery is not comparable to even my Palio D. Palio has more linear power delivery. May be i am comparing with a generation old engine, but still i felt Palio is better than Icon. The Icon comes with no extras and costs 23K more than fully loaded Vista Anniversary edition.

My father-in-law stays in a village and the ford service closest to his place is started recently. Tata has a well established network.

It is almost Vista now. Thank you for all the recommendations.