[Eddy]

Nope. It would not affect the warranty in any way.
However, if you upsize considerably, then there might be problems.

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by tez

benny and anirban, would the warranty be affected if the original tube tyres are replaced with tubeless ones of the same size.

Tez, as Eddy has already mentioned, if you stick to similar specs as the manufacturer, you do not void warranty. Actually, it would have been great if the car came with tubeless tyres as standard.

[kenix]

Test drove the new ikon...nothing impressive. Well priced though...

[benbsb29]

I was finally able to get a brief test drive last evening when i went to collect my car from service. Lathangi Ford (Bangalore) has started offerring test drives from yesterday, but limiting it to customers who come down to the showroom looking for a test drive. No taking the car to the customer residence for their chance to TD it.





Some of my observations on the TDCi version which i drove:
* Gear lever vibration which was mentioned by some of the others doesnt seem to be excessive. If thats a cause for concern, then i must admit its alsmost the same as the petrol.

* Steering felt harder to turn, as compared to that on my car, although i rechecked with the sales guy and was informed that the steering has not been changed or modified for the diesel version.

* Power delivery was linear, and no lag as that seen on the DDiS engine, where power comes in rushing once past the 2k RPM mark.

* Brakes have been improved, and the braking and feel is much more assured than that of the previous version.

* New backlit display for the speedo console is nice, but nothing really spectacular. Would have loved to have it on my car, but can live without it. The digital meter remains lit for some time before it switches off once you turn off the car. I dont know how it is for other cars, my ignorance.

* Horn felt more feeble, and sounded different.

* During startup, there was some diesel clatter, reminding you of the fuel it sips, but otherwise wasnt too obtrusive.

* NVH levels are about adequate, but not as good as that of the Fiesta, which isnt surprising, considering how different the cars are basically.


Guess thats all i can remember for the time being, since it was a short drive - I was getting late and had to rush. I was offerred a longer one, but declined.

[theMAG]

Originally Posted by kenix

Test drove the new ikon...nothing impressive. Well priced though...

This car isnt about being a racer or an uber-luxury ride. Its about a modern common-rail diesel that costs less than a Swift diesel yet being a versatile and safe family sedan and is expected to return eye-watering mileage figures all-around

[condor]

Benny, nice & crisp review there. Let's try for a longer drive.

I was going over the option of a sticker job on the B-pillar from outside. It doesnt seem to suit this car - seems like a yes-no-yes-no-? situation. Do check it out & let me know your thoughts. One ready reference is again N_C's 1.6 SXi.


And now that the initial reactions to the styling have faded away, I must admit that the prev version - like N_C's 1.6 SXi looked very good. Not that this one is bad, but the face-lift does not anymore feel like a substantial change in the styling, esp when you see it in side profile. The head-lights of the Fiesta look much more attractive.

The main advantage for this version is going to be the 1.4 TDCi. A good, but stop gap arrangement for Ford till they get in their next models.

[suman]

Nice crisp review Benny. The car looks much better than the earlier pics taken inside the workshop

Originally Posted by benbsb29

* The digital meter remains lit for some time before it switches off once you turn off the car. I dont know how it is for other cars, my ignorance.

Same in the Fiesta as well. I remember I got worked up the first evening & called up the sales guy late at night to ask him why it remained on

Originally Posted by kenix

Test drove the new ikon...nothing impressive. Well priced though...

Just curious to know what you were comparing with?

[ms001]

whats incidental expenses and essential pack?
mentioned in the price?

[benbsb29]

Condor, how about kiku's ride? He has the B pillars done with a vinyl sticker job.



EDIT : Didnt ask kiku for his permission. Pic borrowed from his gallery.

[condor]

Benny, this combination looks much better. Is it something to do withthe colors ?

May be match the pillar with the shade of the sun-film ?

[sammyboy]

Very nice review Benny. Good to see my fellow Ford Enthusiast reporting on the latest offering.

Do let us know once you get a chance to get a longer drive.

[superbhikari]

Originally Posted by theMAG

This car isnt about being a racer or an uber-luxury ride. Its about a modern common-rail diesel that costs less than a Swift diesel yet being a versatile and safe family sedan and is expected to return eye-watering mileage figures all-around

The car is for sure a great and almost complete package for the consumers Ford is targetting on. VFM factor is far higher from the competition for new Ford Ikon Tdci although i find the older looks more exciting then the Escortish look of New Ikon!

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by ms001

whats incidental expenses and essential pack?
mentioned in the price?

I believe incidental expenses would cover registration and the likes including number plate and so on, while essential pack should include the mud flaps, boot mat, floor mats, etc. These are what i feel should be the case, but i maybe wrong.

Originally Posted by condor

Benny, this combination looks much better. Is it something to do withthe colors ?

May be match the pillar with the shade of the sun-film ?

I feel darker colors wont show much of an effect with the darkened B pillars. It would appear more distinct on lighter colors. Want me to do some trials on Photoshop?

Originally Posted by sammyboy

Do let us know once you get a chance to get a longer drive.

I dont know if there is anything else i particularly need to look out for. Anything in particular, Samarth? Let me see if i can accompany Condor on his TD.

Originally Posted by superbhikari

The car is for sure a great and almost complete package for the consumers Ford is targetting on. VFM factor is far higher from the competition for new Ford Ikon Tdci although i find the older looks more exciting then the Escortish look of New Ikon!

Exactly my opinion as well!

[kiku007]

@ Benbsb29 - You don't have to ask permission dude BTW nice quick review.

@ Condor - IMHO the reasons for the Blacked out B-Pillar looking better are,

* Lighter shade of the car
* Almost matching colour of the sunfilm
* The Black Side Rub Strip
* The Black strips on top of the Bumpers in-line with the Rub Strip

This kind of gives it a balanced look I feel.

For darker car shades I guess it will look like the one below which is better off with the Chrome lined Side-Rub Strip. I believe you mentioned somewhere that it might be possible to use the same for Ikon

[condor]

ms001 : whats incidental expenses .. ?

pretty much, extra pocket money for the dealer. Ask him for a break-up & a bill for these 'expenses', and you'll know. The number plate that he gives you would cost about 300 retail - even if embossed, & including the plate. Tell the dealer you dont want these items & see his response.

kiku007 : For darker car shades I guess it will look like the one below which is better off with the Chrome lined Side-Rub Strip. I believe you mentioned somewhere that it might be possible to use the same for Ikon

Kiku, thanks - that is a point. I did mention the option of the chrome striped side-strips, and as we found out, 1100D had already done that for his Ikon.