Ford Classic Car Review 2014

American car maker Ford gained a lot of attention when it introduced the Fiesta years back. The sheer thought of a car delivering a mileage of 25 kmpl and above swept every one of their feet. Later on, Ford decided to launch another sedan, which would be a slightly elaborate version of the then existing Fiesta to compete with the likes of Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki SX4 and Volkswagen Vento. The result of this was the introduction of Ford Classic, a compact sedan that claims to be one of the most fuel efficient cars in India. Customers in the country have not developed a sense of trust towards the Ford marquee, something that, largely, has been its nemesis. Nevertheless, Classic has commanded the attention of many people, including customers and critics.Given the kind of competitors it has and segment it comes under, Ford Classic does not require to be breathtakingly good looking. Still, this compact sedan manages to look quite decent and modern-day, certainly better than Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire. This compact sedan features a bold design that includes sharp looking aggressive grille, crystal headlamps, 15-inch alloy wheels and body coloured radiator grille. All these factors combine really well to create a complete package in terms of appearance. Also, from its appearance and structural framework, this car seems ideal for Indian roads. In a nutshell, Ford Classic looks like a really solid and masculine car that has a sense of style in its demeanour.

Coming to interiors, Ford has played smart while designing interiors of Classic. Interiors of this car have been borrowed from the Figo, which played an important role in reducing the input cost to price this product aggressively. Featuring attractive dual tone and attractive interiors, Classic is spacious from the inside and loaded with a number of comfort enhancing attributes. Ford is known for being one of the pioneers in the automobile world as far technology is concerned and Classic, despite being a low cost model, represents that fact aptly. Comfort for passengers is ensured by automatic climate control, leather upholstery, remote boot release and in-dash 6-CD changer. Further, the integrated MP3 player is Bluetooth enabled and features CD, Aux-in and four speakers.

Ford Classic, like its competitors, is available in both petrol and diesel versions. Starting with braking and handling first, Classic truly exemplifies the kind of performance that Ford models deliver, truly exceptional. First class handling, great driving dynamics and easy manoeuvrability make this car really impressive. Also, the inclusion of Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake force Distribution system makes this car completely safe and sound. ABS is not being present in base variant is somewhat of an issue but it is still better than most other compact sedans.

There are two modules fitted in the Ford Classic, namely General Electric Module (GEM) and Power Control Module (PCM), which enhance the performance of this car. Petrol version of this sedan powered by the superb Duratec engine, which has a displacement of 1596 cc, delivering an output of around 100 bhp and torque of up to 146 Nm. Many consider these figures, combined with a mileage of around 13-15 kmpl, to be terrific. However, it is the diesel trim of Ford Classic that really steals the show with a claimed mileage of almost 32 kmpl, which somewhat seems unreal. Diesel Classic runs on a aluminium alloy engine that features the advanced common rail fuel system and produces an output of around 67 bhp. In the city, Ford Class diesel will deliver a mileage of around 22 kmpl.

Ford Classic is an amazing vehicle with great driveability, excellent fuel economy and pretty good looks. Despite this, Ford’s reputation and the presence of Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire have not helped the cause of this model.