Ford India has rolled out the new Ikon range, which comes with a number of upgrades over previous models including a new advanced diesel DuraTorq TDCi engine with better fuel efficiency.

Michael Boneham, president, Ford India, said, "The introduction of the latest generation 1.4-litre DuraTorq TDCi engine (which produces 68 bhp at 4,000 rpm) transforms the way the new Ikon drives, and at the same time builds on the current model's core strengths to deliver on customer wants – improved overall performance, better fuel efficiency and lower cost of ownership."

The DuraTorq engine currently powers both the Ford Fusion and Fiesta in India.

Ford India has added a new colour to the exterior palette – Morello. The existing ones are Diamond White, Panther Black, Moondust Silver, Paprika Red, Platinum and Brush Steel.

The new Ikon has superior fuel efficiency from its diesel engine. The advanced 1.4-litre DuraTorq TDCi engine in the new Ikon complements the current 1.3-litre petrol engine, offering consumers the choice of two of the best powertrains, tailored to suit Indian driving conditions.

The New Ford Ikon is priced as follows: Ikon 1.3 petrol – Rs 4.59 lakh, Ikon 1.4 Duratorq TDCi – diesel Rs 5.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The pricing strategy has kept two competing cars in mind – the Tata Indigo and Swift Dzire.

The new Ikon's occupant safety features include: collapsible steering column (which reduces intrusion distance), front seatbelt web-grabbers (which prevents uncontrolled movement), anti-submarine seat base (prevents occupants slipping under the three-point seatbelt during an impact) along with front and rear side impact door beams laminated direct glazed windscreen.

There is added security with a multi-faceted anti-theft protection strategy which include central locking (includes fuel filler cap), high security lock sets for doors and boot lid steering column lock and child lock. The new Ikon has disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear. However, one drawback is that the new Ikon does not come with an airbag option.

But no compromise has been made on the comfort factor with the new Ikon offering front and rear power windows, cup-holders, air conditioning, heater along with radial tyres.