Review of Ford Ikon Flair

Ford Ikon embodies thrilling style with a fun-to-drive spirit. Ikon optimized suspension design, a balanced chassis and sharp steering precision; make it a fun machine to drive. Ford Ikon comes with highly developed Dynamic Safety Engineering (DSE) program. Some of the key safety features include side impact beams, crumple zones, a monocoque body and the latest in occupant restraint systems. Ford Ikon is available in six variants - 1.3 LXi, 1.3 Flair, 1.6 EXi, 1.6 ZXi, 1.8 EXi, and 1.8 ZXi.

This model of Ford Ikon is well equipped with many safer and comfort-providing features that are really important for secured driving. Those mentionable features of Ford Ikon are laminated windscreen, boot light, central locking and electric fuel cap release, center high mount stop light, steering column lock, child-proof rear locks , front and rear seat belts, anti-submarine seats, etc.

These new edition of the Ikon Flair is designed to garner the attention of the young icons who are keen begin their experience with four- wheelers with a world-class stylish sedan. The 1.3 L Ikon Flair 2006 comes equipped with the best-in-class features, a responsive Rocam engine and added special. The new Ford Ikon 1.6 EXi is powered by the 1.6 liter Rocam petrol engine, delivering 91 HP @ 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 130 Nm @ 2500 RPM. The new Ikon variant comes complete with a sporty steering wheel, power steering, power windows, central locking, tachometer, electric boot release and sparkling clear headlamps.

With the introduction of the 1.6 EXi, there are now 7 variants of the Ford Ikon for customers to meet their preferences for performance, luxury, styling and affordability. The 1.6 EXi is available with customized finance options at competitive interest rates, offering EMI s comparable with that of top-end small cars. Ford India plans to expand its dealer network across the nation to over 80 dealer outlets from the present 68, enhancing its consumer reach to more than 70 cities. Ford India is targeting a total sale approaching 50,000 units (including exports) in the calendar year 2002.

Ford Ikon is India’s largest exported car, with every two out of three cars exported from India being Ford Ikons. Recently Ford India Limited achieved the distinction of being the first Indian automobile manufacturer to start exports of Ford Ikon components to China. Ford Ikon is currently being exported as CKD units to South Africa, Mexico and Brazil.

SOHC Design – Simple and Effective: The 1.6-litre ROCAM single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with advanced engine architecture has been developed to operate reliably over extended periods in extreme conditions with maximum reliability and minimum maintenance. Primary design parameters for this new SOHC engine include: robust operation over 150,000 km, low internal friction, low weight and reduced manufacturing costs.

The engine configuration is based on a cast-iron cylinder block with an aluminum alloy head and a structural cast-alloy oil pan. It features a single overhead camshaft operating two valves per cylinder to maximize low-end torque and increase durability. A long-life, maintenance-free chain drives the camshaft, which operates the valves via low-friction finger followers and hydraulic lash adjusters.

The cylinder block provides efficient combustion chamber proportions with a good surface to volume ratio. It is one of the most compact and mass-efficient engines in the 1.6-litre class. The new Ford 1.6-litre RoCam engine features a cross-flow head design with staggered valves inclined at eight degrees. The combustion chamber is a heart-shaped depression with a smooth cusp and a central spark plug position.

Chain-drive SOHC: A single roller chain drives the overhead camshaft with a chain guide on the tension side and a pivoting tensioned arm on the slack side. It is operated by a hydraulic plunger to keep the system free from rattles for at least 240,000 km without adjustment.

Cooling System: A flow module mounted on the rear face of the cylinder head controls the cooling system. It is connected to a front-mounted, low-loss water pump by an internal gallery. The coolant control module incorporates all the connectors for the radiator and heater matrix, with a spring-loaded by-pass thermostat. It provides a parallel coolant flow split of 70/30 through the head and block to improve engine cooling and reduce thermal gradients in extreme conditions. A short water jacket is used to reduce the water volume and improve warming-up for lower exhaust emissions and improved fuel economy.

Sealing Integrity: The design and installation of all gaskets provide maximum resistance to leaks and special attention has been paid to the accessory drive system to improve its operating life and reduce noise. The crankshaft nose directly drives the oil pump, while the water pump, alternator, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor are driven by a single serpentine poly-vee belt drive. The belt material, groove profiles and geometry have been developed for long life; while a dynamic tensioned and in-plant gauging ensure the drive system can operate consistently in service for long periods without maintenance.

Engine: 1.3 L Rocam Petrol that generates 70PS @ 5500 rpm and 105 NM of torque @ 2500 rpm. It has a computer controlled engine management - EEC V - for improved power and fuel efficiency. The Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) plays a vital role in emission control by injecting metered quantities into the inlet tract for each cylinder at the optimum point in the combustion cycle.

Engine Power and Torque: The SOHC engine provides strong levels of low-end torque for maximum flexibility and strong performance even in fully laden conditions. Maximum power is 70kW @ 5,500 rpm, while peak torque is 137 Nm at 2,500 rpm.

Emission Control Equipment: Low emissions on the 1.6-litre SOHC engine are achieved by a number of different features, which include: sequential electronic fuel injection, advanced gas dynamics and a smart open-loop Bosch Motronic engine management system. The latest techniques used by the Ikon power train team in the engine development and testing include: component and calibration development using computer-controlled test cells with fully dynamic engine dynamometers; computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for optimizing exhaust flow and rapid prototyping for the manifold development.

Air-conditioning: The Ikon’s air-conditioning system operates with environment friendly refrigerant R134A with no chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The air-conditioning system is integrated with the ventilation system and heater - optimal for India’s extreme climate. The Ikon is the only car in its segment with a dedicated AC vent for its rear seat passengers.

Central locking: Central locking is offered as standard across all the variants and can be operated using the key on either of the front doors. The remote locking fuel filler cap is connected to the central locking on all the series.

Transmissions and Gear Ratios: The Ikon offers the latest Ford iB5 manual five-speed transaxle, which has been significantly refined to improve reliability and durability in service and reduce shifting efforts and interior noise. Double-cone synchronizers are fitted to first and second gears to reduce downshift efforts and improve transmission durability. Other features designed to increase service durability include large, single cone synchronizers on third, fourth and fifth gears, wide final drive pinions and heavy-duty bearing seals.

The latest type of floating gearshift linkage gives the Ikon improved shift quality and reduced vibration. Engine torque reactions are eliminated from the shift mechanism by isolating the relative movement of the lever housing from the selector rods. Equal length side shafts reduce torque steer and improve refinement. The longer, right-hand shaft reduces engine vibrations.

Both Ikon models are fitted with the ‘B’ set of gearbox ratios that give a good spread of ratios from 3.58 to 0.76 and flexible torque. First gear is relatively low, for difficult surfaces and heavy loads, while the upper ratios are more progressively spaced. With a final drive ratio of 4.06:1, good low-speed lugging power is combined with easy cruising on main roads.

Comfort & Convenience: The Ikon’s compact exterior is, in fact, wrapped around a highly comfortable interior. Plush seats, ample headroom, a wide choice of stowage locations and an eye for convenience transform the interiors into a highly desirable place to be in.

Contemporary SEFI technology and computer controlled engine management system - EECV - for enhanced power and performance. Sporty good looks, luxurious interiors and generous boot space complete this special package. The new Ford Ikon 1.3 - a special value offering that takes you straight to the josh zone.

Best-in-its-class seating and lower back supports keep fatigue firmly away. Easy entry and exit, generous head, leg and shoulder room, a special rear comfort package that includes an extra aircon vent for the back, optimum reat seat inclination and two reat reading lamps, make the miles disappear effortlessly.

Safety: The Ford Escort has been designed on the principles of Dynamic Safety Engineering (DSE), which ensures that the car manages impact more efficiently, distributing loads more evenly through specific stress paths, and leaving the occupants protected.

Technical Specifications

Engine

	1.3L SOHC
Displacement	1299 cc
Max. power	70 PS@5500 rpm
Max. torque	105 Nm@2500 rpm
Cylinders	4 in-line
Fuel injection	SEFI
Compression ratio	10.2 : 1
Emission level	Stage III

Transmissions

	Ford B5 manual five-speed transmission
Gear ratios:
1st	3.58
2nd	1.93
3rd	1.28
4th	0.95
5th	0.76
Reverse	3.62
Final drive ratios:
1.3 SOHC M5	4.06

Suspension

Front	Independent MacPherson struts with offset coil spring/damper units and lower L-arms in optimised vertical bushes mounted on separate sub-frame.
Rear	Semi-independent twist-beam with strut-type coil spring/damper units. Dual-path body mounts.

Steering

Type	Fixed ratio rack and pinion with power assistance (PAS)
Turning diameter (kerb-to-kerb)	9.9 m

Brakes

Type	Dual circuit, diagonally split, hydraulically-operated disc front and drum rear. Vacuum servo assistance. Rear brake pressure control valve.
Front	240 mm dia. x 20 mm wide ventilated discs
Rear	180 mm dia. drums with 30 mm wide shoes

Exterior Dimensions

Overall length	4140 mm
Overall width	1634 mm
Wheelbase	2486 mm

Interior Dimensions

Head room - Front	982 mm
Head room - Rear	968 mm
Leg room	1036 mm
Shoulder room	1325 mm

Fuel

	1.3L SOHC
Fuel type	Unleaded petrol
Fuel tank capacity (Litres)	45

Features
Safety	1.3 Flair

S - Standard. O - Optional. na - Not Available.

Laminated windscreen	S
Child-proof rear locks	S
Front and rear side impact door beams	S
Front and rear seat belts	S
Headlamps-on warning buzzer	na
Centre high mount stop lamp	S
Sporty fog lamps	S
Ford Dynamic Safety Engineering (DSE)	S
Central locking and electric fuel cap release	S
Sparkling clear headlamps	S

Comfort and Convenience

1.3 Flair

S - Standard. O - Optional. na - Not Available.

;

400 litre luggage compartment capacity	S
Interior theme - truffle	S
Instrumentation-black dials	S
Smaller sporty steering wheel	na
CFC-free air-conditioning	S
Tachometer	S
Power windows	na
Two 45 watt speakers	S
Boot light	S

Power and Performance

1.3 Flair

S - Standard. O - Optional. na - Not Available.

Euro III compliant	S
5 speed manual transmission	S

Handling

1.3 Flair

S - Standard. O - Optional. na - Not Available.

Power steering	S
4.9 metre turning circle radius	S
Front suspension - McPherson strut mounted on separate sub frame	S
Rear suspension - Heavy duty twist beam with strut-type coil spring/damper unity	S
Brakes: front disc/rear drum	S