Advanced TDCi diesel engine Ikon launched

Ford India today unveiled the new Ikon with an advanced TDCi diesel engine offering significant improvements ranging from a new advanced DuraTorq TDCi engine offering superior fuel efficiency and fresh, bold European design cues. "The new Ford Ikon continues to be a leader in its segment and caters to customers with a combination of superior fuel efficiency, improved engine performance, best-in-class driveability and exceptional value for money," said Michael Boneham, president, Ford India at the launch. "The introduction of the latest generation 1.4-litre DuraTorq TDCi engine transforms the way the new Ikon drives, and at the same time builds on the current model's core strengths to deliver on customer wants – improved overall performance, better fuel efficiency and lower cost of ownership."

Ford's advanced 1.4-litre DuraTorq TDCi engine in the new Ikon complements the current 1.3-litre petrol engine, offering consumers the choice of two of the best powertrains, tailored to suit Indian driving conditions. The DuraTorq TDCi powertrain delivers 68PS and a stout 160Nm of peak torque. It is the same advanced and reliable common-rail diesel engine used by Ford of Europe. Describing the advantages of the DuraTorq TDCi powertrain, John Lonsdale, vice president, Product Development said, "When you experience the new Ikon first-hand with the DuraTorq TDCi engine, that's when you'll realize the improvements we've made have transformed the way the new Ikon responds to your driving demands."

The new Ikon also boasts of a freshened exterior design with distinct European cues. From the sharper new hood design and striking new headlamps to the all-new front bumper with its larger lower grille and European design cues, it presents a fresh face but one that is instantly recognisable. In keeping with the new Ikon's bold and confident exterior design, Ford India has added a punchy new colour to the exterior palette – Morello – to existing Diamond White, Panther Black, Moondust Silver, Paprika Red, Platinum and Brush Steel.

The new, modern instrument cluster on the diesel variant incorporates new graphics, tachometer, LED needles and LCD odometer display. The new Ikon meets Ford's stringent crash requirements, which exceed India's local regulatory requirements. It's safety strategy incorporates both front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones which dissipate the forces generated during an impact away from the occupants.

New Ikon's occupant safety features include :
· Collapsible steering column (reduces intrusion distance)
· Front seatbelt web-grabbers (prevent uncontrolled movement)
· Anti-submarine seat base (prevents occupants slipping under the three-point seatbelt during an impact)
· Front and rear side impact door beams
· Laminated direct glazed windscreen
Security is ensured with a multi-faceted anti-theft protection strategy :
· Central locking (includes fuel filler cap)
· High security lock sets for doors and boot lid
· Steering column lock
· Child locks

The new Ford Ikon comes with a best-in-class two-year/100,000km warranty, and will have a price of Rs 5.19 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi.