Ford Classic is one of the stylish sedan in the country's car market, which is available in quite a few trim level. Among the variants available, Ford Classic 1.4 Duratorq LXI is the base trim. It is equipped with a 1.4-litre SOHC based diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1399cc. This power plant has the ability to churn out 67bhp in combination with 160Nm of peak torque output. It is incorporated with an advanced common rail based fuel supply system, which enhanced its fuel efficiency. On the highways, it gives close to 19.68 Kmpl, while in the city traffic it has the ability to generate 17 Kmpl, which is rather decent for this segment. At the same time, we can store about 45 litres diesel in its fuel tank, which helps in planning longer journeys. The car maker has also given a number of sophisticated features, which include advanced air conditioning system, power steering, all for power windows and so on. Its overall length measures about 4282mm along with a total height of 1468mm and a decent width of 1686mm, which includes outside rear view mirrors. It is designed this sedan with a large wheelbase of 2486mm, which ensure a spacious cabin inside and a minimum ground clearance of 168mm that is quite decent for this segment. The company is offering this sedan with a warranty of two years or 100000 Kms, whichever is earlier. The customers can also avail one year extended warranty at an additional cost.
Exteriors:
The aerodynamic body structure comes with a slanting bonnet and quite a few striking features, which gives it a captivating appearance. To start with the front fascia, it is designed with a bold radiator grille, which has a lot of chrome treatment. It is embedded with a company logo in the center and this grille is flanked by a black surround crystal barrel headlamps. The body colored bumper has a wide air dam for cooling the diesel engine. The windscreen is made of tinted glass and is integrated with a pair of intermittent wipers. The side profile is equipped with body colored door handles and external rear view mirrors, which are electrically adjustable. The neatly carved wheel arches are equipped with a robust set of 14 inch steel wheels, which are covered with full wheel covers. These rims are further covered with 175/65 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres. On the other hand, the rear end has a boot lid with chrome finished handle, tail light cluster, which comes integrated with fog lamps and a body colored bumper. The windshield has a high mounted third brake light for added safety of the vehicle. The company is currently offering this sedan in quite a few exterior paint options. The list includes a Diamond White, Moondust Silver, Panther Black, Paprika Red, Sea Grey and a Chill metallic finish for the buyers to choose from.
Interiors:
The spacious internal cabin of this Ford Classic 1.4 Duratorq LXI variant is designed with ebony and camel color scheme, which gives it a decent look. It is equipped with well cushioned seats, which are covered with fabric upholstery. These seats provide enough leg space and shoulder room for minimum five passengers. The company has given this variant quite a few practical features like cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, bottle holder in front doors, remote fuel lid opener and many other such aspects as well. Its two tone dashboard is equipped with a few features like AC vents, a large glove box for storing a few things at hand, an instrument panel with a lot of functions and a three spoke steering wheel as well. The illuminated instrument panel houses features like distance to empty display, a digital tachometer, headlamps on and door ajar warning notification, low fuel warning lamp, driver seat belt warning notification and an electronic tripmeter.
Engine and Performance:
This variant is equipped with a 1.4-litre Duratorq diesel engine, which is integrated with 4-cylinders and 8-valves. This single overhead camshaft based engine can displace 1399cc, while producing 67bhp at 4000rpm along with a peak torque output of 160Nm at 2000rpm. This diesel motor is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which helps in achieving 165 Kmph that is rather remarkable. At the same time, it has the ability to cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 12.8 seconds. This power plant is incorporated with an advanced common rail base fuel supply system, which helps in producing 19.68 Kmpl on the bigger roads and 17 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions.
Braking and Handling:
The front wheels are fitted with ventilated disc brakes, while rear wheels get a set of self adjusting drum brakes. The company has given it a responsive power steering system, which is tilt adjustable and makes handling convenient even in heavy traffic conditions. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 4.9 meters that is quite good for this segment. The front axle is equipped with an independent McPherson strut with offset coil spring type of mechanism. Whereas the rear axle is assembled with semi-independent heavy duty twist beam. It is further assisted by twin tube dampers, which keeps the sedan stable.
Comfort Features:
The list of features include an air conditioning unit, which comes with electric re-circulation and heater. Apart from these, it is incorporated with power steering with tilt adjustable function, all for power windows with driver side auto down function, electric boot release, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirrors, adjustable headrests and many other such things for the convenience of the occupants.
Safety Features:
This Ford Classic 1.4 Duratorq LXI trim is bestowed with a number of protective features and the list includes collapsible steering column, a central locking system, fuel cut off inertia switch, PATS (passive anti theft system) and so on. It also has 3-point seat belts for all occupants that enhances the safety in case of any collision.
Pros:
1. Fuel efficiency is quite good.
2. Spacious cabin with good leg and shoulder space.
Cons:
1. Ground clearance can be better.
2. Lack of music system is a big disadvantage.
