What does the future hold for the Ford Ikon.

Ford India have gone ahead and launched yet another limited edition,this time its the ikon again in the news.At a time when everybody is talking about increase in prices Ford has done the unthinkable and actually given us a cheaper offering.

But behind this generous decision was the fact that Ford's sales have fallen sharply in the passenger car segment and the ikon especially is facing the heat mainly because the car has been longer in the market now than the average age of its buyers.Ford have begun exporting the present fiesta to the south african markets[as the ikon].That means is the end of the road for the Ikon near.

It could well have been if ford's small car would have been here before 2010 but until then they have a huge gap to fill because of which they are forced to use the ikon. Ford have also not used their magical potion,the 1.4L TDCi engines.That could temporarily give the Ikon a new lease of life.The main problem ofcourse is it may cannibalise sales of its stable mates but unless there is a diesel variant I don't see the Ikon going on till 2010 even.

So Ford please go ahead and give the Ikon a younger heart so it gets back all its josh*.


Ps: The new limited edition offers AC,power steering and central locking and is priced at approx Rs. 4.49 lakhs ex-showroom.It has a 1.3L petrol engine.

*The Ikon is referred to as the josh machine in India.

[image source:about.com]