Ford to roll out three more Ikon variants this year  ( March '14,2003, ET)

Towards the end of ’02, Ford India had promised that ’03 will be a year of new models. And it seems to be on course in implementing that agenda. This assertion comes from Ford India despite the fact that the company has so far launched only two new variants of ‘C-segment’ offering Ikon.

These are Ikon NXT, launched about two months back, and Ikon NXT Finesse that has been just launched on Wednesday. “There will be three more of such activities concerning Ikon this year. In addition, the company intends to roll out two new models in the Indian market,” Vinay K Piparsania, vice-president, external affairs told ET.

Even though he did not wish to name the two new models planned to hit Indian roads this year, industry sources assert that it will be Ford Escape, a sports utility vehicle, and Ford Splash. In fact, Ford Escape has already been showcased at the Auto Expo last year.

Meanwhile, the new Ikon variant ‘Ikon NXT Finesse’ will be a limited edition launch. And will be available in the market for bookings in the rest of March and April this year. The new variants comes in three colours — panther black, infra red and machined silver.

Equipped with an all-new 1.3 Rocam petrol engine, the model’s features include front fog lamps, alloy wheels, rear spoiler, body side mouldings and clear lamps on the exterior. The interiors include new leather and fabric synchro seats, power windows, power steering and audio system among others. Priced at Rs 5.89 lakh per unit, the ‘Finesse’ is placed between Ikon 1.6 NXT ZXi (priced at Rs 6.28 lakh) and Ikon 1.3 NXT CLXi (Rs 5.33 lakh). “The ‘Finesse’ is for those who want luxury and fuel efficiency along with power. It’s a product targeted for urban driving,” Mr Piparsania said.

Meanwhile, the Ford NXT launched about two months back has been receiving a good response from car buyers, he said. The company sold 1,737 units of Ikon NXT in the domestic market in January this year as against 860 units sold in the corresponding month last year. “However, the sales slowed down in February as there were a lot of speculation over the Budget. With the Budget delivering the much expected excise duty reduction, the March sales will reflect much better,” Mr Piparsania pointed out.