Ford India has revised the prices of its Classic sedan, the car now starts at Rs 4.88 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This new pricing does make it seem attractive with the base petrol and the largest engine capacity of 1.6-litre now available under Rs 5 lakh. The last price cut happened in January 2014, when price of the base petrol model was reduced from Rs 5.65 lakh to 4.99 lakh.
The Classic is available in two engine options a 1.6-litre petrol and the 1.4-litre diesel. The 1.6-litre petrol Duratec engine produces 101bhp and 146Nm of torque. The 1.4-litre diesel Duratorq mill churns out 68bhp and 160Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a five-speed transmission.
The Classic doesn’t have the styling of its modern competitors, but scores on the fun to drive element. Essentially a renamed previous generation Fiesta, it had its work cut out in the entry-level segment currently dominated by modern sedans like Honda Amaze and Hyundai Xcent. These modern cars are more powerful, offer better equipment and better styling in comparison. Despite the price cut the Classic is still dearer by about 12,000 over the base model of the petrol Xcent, but is cheaper by 12,000 than the base model of the petrol Amaze.
The advent of the modern cars has actually dried the sales of the Classic. The entry-level sedan buyer today wants a complete package and wants a modern vehicle which is not too old either. However, there are some good points of the Classic – the petrol engine has the highest capacity about 400cc more than the Amaze and Xcent. It is still fun to drive and has a hydraulic power steering unit which offers more feel and feedback over the EPS assisted Xcent and Amaze.
So, for anyone looking out for acombination of power and driving feel, the Classic makes a strong statement. However, the modern competition offers value, performance and styling in spades. Ford has been ambitious in cutting the price further and if it really bears dividends for the car maker, it will be conveyed in our sales report next month.
Read our last price cut story of the Ford Classic
Source: ACI