Sensible Drive for your money...'Fill it shut it forget it'

Hi,

I bought a new Ford CLASSIC 1.4 TDCI Titanium in April 2015. Costed me about 9.12 lakhs on street with a 100000km warranty for 2 years. Many of my close peopl cautioned me that I am probably choosing a model that will be out of sight soon. Well, I knew it but has my own reasons to go for this car. Well I dont wish to get into commercialised discussion but let me put some key experiences forthright.

Bought it at METRO FORD, Bangalore. No specific preference just that they responded to my queries when I started my search for a car.

1. I have run 4500kms in a month and the car has returned a respectable fuel economy of 23-26 kmpl on highways.

2. Air con is really nice though not chilling like my Wagon R or Nano that we use for city drives.

3. The car is not very powerful but what I liked against it is the linear fashion in which the TDCI delivers the power. I owned a LINEA before this and that was a fantastic car but the drive on FORD CLASSIC is really smooth.

4. The music systems and bluetooth is amazingly good and I can assure you that you will fall in love with it.

5. The suspensions are really nice, smooth and the NVH is really good and keeps away noises on the road. However there is a gruntle from the engine that you can make out in the cabin. No complaints as Diesel is a heavy fuel and you cant really help it.

6. Most importantly, though the car looks light from the outside the CLASSIC is a really heavy car and that too with a low slung body of just 170mm road clearance - this car sticks to the road when you accelerate on highways.

7. where the FORD CLASSIC really scores is the view that you have from the drivers seat. Amazing!! that one way to put it - no blind spots and great view for a driver. havent seen that on too many sedans - love my Wagon R for that.

8. The soft spot I can tell you is the steering system - while I can assure you that the car is most stable and you can turn it spot on with the wheel - the system is driven by a hydraulic power pump (old technology) making it a tad bit heavy in the city drive. I honestly dont mind as I whip my NANO on bangalore streets and that the boy who is really fast in the small lanes and tight traffic. The FORD CLASSIC is my horse for long journeys.

9. The BOOT is a bit smaller than the ETIOS (which I did compare before buying) - but the interior quality make up for all those shortcomings. The CLASSIC has very upscale interiors with fabric seating, beezeled finishes and reading lamps in the front and side. you also get alloy wheels and full featured bluetooth system ont he Titanium. All power windows and push open rear boot opener which is a nice feature.

10. Top this up with ABS and airbags for safety when you really do long drives, I am fine with it. The drive lights are nice and the fog lamps go around doing their jobs with ease. The side blinkers on the rear view mirrors are a nice feel.

Most importantly, keep in mind that you are not going for a sub four meter sedan (AMAZE, ZEST, DZIRE) where you compromise on ride comfort, space and fit n finish. The FORD CLASSIC still is a BIG CAR at 4330mm for a small BUDGET, that gives you feel of sitting into lap of LUXURY when you step into the cabin that neatly laid out with space for bottles, magazines, goggles, and other essentials.

Serive aspects so far havent had issues and many users that I spoke first hand at the service centres before picking up the car did tell me that the service cost is about 4k - 5k if the maintenance is done properly. This is a fair ask when you travel so much.

I think for the money that I have spent the ROI is satisfactory. I am loving the drive right now and will keep you guys posted as the ODO move upwards of 10K sooner than later. I am running a start up and for me stretching every rupee is important and the CLASSIC is definitely worth every dime I put on the table.

Great Fuel Economy, Very linear power delivery on TDCI, Top of the line features, Great Audio systemLooks dated. But seriously nothing.