New Ford Ikon diesel launch in November 2008

We told you last month that a new Ford Ikon would be coming pretty soon. Now there is an approximate date to the launch – November would see the facelifted Ikon in India.

Update: New Ford Ikon Dura Torq diesel photo gallery – launched (Nov. 5, 2008)

Here is the picture of the new Ford Ikon reproduced for you again.

New Ford Ikon diesel: Photo

What we know so far for sure is that the new Ikon would have a 1.4 liter diesel engine which is already quite popular in the Fiesta in India. Price would be definitely below that of the Suzuki Dzire if it has to have a chance.

Latest update on the Ford Ikon diesel here

The Ford Ikon was always a much-loved car in India. Sedan, lightweight, cheap and reliable. But frankly it is a bit old – even with the new redesigned Ikon diesel you see up there in the photo, we don’t think the rest of the car behind the A-pillar is going to be any different.

Also, the Ikon I think has never undergone any crash testing in India. Please correct me if I am wrong. It belongs to that time when it was not needed.

Link: Our last story on the New Ford Ikon diesel

I would advise you to take a look at the new Ford Ikon diesel only if we are sure of the car’s crashworthiness, and the presence of at least a driver side airbag and a passenger airbag as an option. These safety features are now critical, I believe, on Indian roads. Believe me, our accident rates in India are not going down any, and we do not need unsafe cars on our roads.

So, Ford, give us a new Ikon with the safety features and I would scream from the rooftops how amazing the car is, how much driveable and fun. Without it, I would still love the Ikon but would never recommend it.

Deal?