New IKON...josh machine is back

The ageing Ikon gets its second face-lift.

it was launched in 1999. In 2003 Ford had revamped the interiors, with better trim and more equipment, while the exterior got a new grille and bumpers. This time around, the external changes are more substantial with new lights, a reshaped bonnet and a more aggressive-looking bumper that has completely transformed the front of the car.

The new Ikon range offers significant improvements ranging from a new advanced DuraTorq TDCi engine offering superior fuel efficiency through to the fresh, bold European design cues. The new Ikon also boasts 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, the new Ikon presents a fresh face but one that is instantly recognisable.

Ford India brings to market a new Ikon with superior fuel efficiency from its diesel engine. Ford introduces the advanced 1.4-litre DuraTorq TDCi engine in the new Ikon to complement the current 1.3-litre petrol engine, offering consumers the choice of two of the best powertrains, tailored to suit Indian driving conditions.

IKon 1.3 Racom :-

Starting from Rs. 4.59 Lakhs
(ex-showroom Delhi)
Petrol Rocam Engine
5 Speed Manual

IKon 1.4 DuraTorq TDci:-

Starting from Rs. 5.19 Lakhs
(ex-showroom Delhi)
1.4 Duratorq Diesel
5 Speed Manual

Lewis Hamilton.....F1's Youngest World Champion

Lewis is world champion
Lewis Hamilton became Formula One's youngest ever world champion by finishing fifth in an incredibly dramatic rain-affected Brazilian Grand Prix.

"It's pretty much impossible to put into words," a clearly emotional Hamilton said of his victory.

Felipe Massa won the race for Ferrari and looked set to take the title until McLaren driver Hamilton slipped past Timo Glock's Toyota and into the crucial fifth place at the final corner of the very last lap.

The start was delayed by ten minutes after a brief, but heavy, downpour hit Interlagos just before the mechanics were due to clear the grid.

Although the sunshine returned within a few minutes, the first half of the track was left very wet, so the whole field took the start on intermediates.

Well done Lewis, you deserve all you have achieved. Congrats.

Toyota Fortuner ........making its way to India.

The long-awaited Toyota Fortuner is finally making its way to India. The Toyota was waiting for the face-lift, which has just been launched in Thailand. The headlights and grille merge into one another, while at the rear, clear lenses have been used for the tail-lamps. The rest of the car remains unchanged.

Toyota will assemble the Fortuner at the Bidadi plant from completely-knocked-down or CKD kits. Only one engine – a 3.0-litre D-4D diesel from the same family as the Innova – will power the car. This unit produces 163bhp, but more importantly 35kgm of torque, since it has to shift the Fortuner’s considerable 1.8-tonne bulk. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, with the option of four-wheel -drive. In future, a four-speed automatic may also be on the cards.

The interiors are a plush place to be, and the Fortuner promises to provide very refined driving dynamics. It will be available fully loaded with climate control, AC vents for all three rows of seats, and a 2-DIN audio system with steering wheel-mounted controls. Coil-spring suspension at all four corners promises to provide a comfortable ride and sure-footed handling. The Fortuner can pack in seven people and their luggage, although the last row is best reserved for kids or Fido.

As with every product in India, pricing is key, and the Fortuner should retail for Rs 18 lakh, on-road. On specifications and price, its most obvious competitor will be the Ford Endeavour Thunder+, but don’t be surprised if it makes a dent in CR-V and Captiva sales as well. This is an SUV which promises to be a pucca off-roader, people-carrier, and soccer mom wagon all rolled into one. Toyota has ambitious plans to sell 5,000 units a year in India, and to achieve this target, it will have to fulfil all these roles.