To some, the terms “high performance” and “fuel efficient” might seem oxymoronic when applied to sports cars, but that’s not necessaril...
Showing posts with label Ford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ford. Show all posts
Road Test and Review: Ford EcoSport
Road Test and Review: Ford EcoSport The Ford EcoSport has been an object of infatuation since it broke cover at the Delhi Auto Ex...
Road Test and Review:
Road Test and Review: Renault Fluence By all means, Fluence was the perfect car to mark Renault’s entry into Indian market. Even th...
Ford launches EcoSport at Rs. 5.59 lakh
Ford launches EcoSport at Rs. 5.59 lakh Ford has finally launched the much-anticipated EcoSport at an attractive price starting from Rs 5.59...
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Showing posts with label Ford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ford. Show all posts
Sunday, 8 November 2015
Fast And Frugal: 15 Quickest Sports Cars With The Best Fuel Economy
To some, the terms “high performance” and “fuel efficient” might seem oxymoronic when applied to sports cars, but that’s not necessarily the case.
Sure, some of the quickest cars on the planet get dismal fuel economy, like the 691-horsepower Lamborghini Aventador Roadster that’s rated at just 12 mpg in combined city/highway driving and roars to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. On the other hand, a base Porsche 911 Carrera that gets to 60 in a sufficiently swift 4.6 seconds and is rated at a combined city/highway 28 mpg, which is equivalent to what a far more passive compact crossover SUV attains these days.
We combed through the Environmental Protection Agency’s posted fuel economy ratings and compared them against the published acceleration times for all makes and models to identify 15 sports cars that can leap from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds, yet maintain a combined city/highway rating of 20 mpg or better.
1. Alfa Romeo 4C
Like all the cars presented in this slide show, the Alfa Romeo 4C is estimated to attain 20 mpg or better in city/highway combined driving, yet can reach 60 mph from a standing start in under six seconds. 4C: 24/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined; 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds; MSRP (2015) $53,900.
2. Audi S5
18/28/21 mpg city/highway/combined; 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds; MSRP $53,100.
Monday, 28 July 2014
Road Test and Review: Ford EcoSport
Road Test and Review: Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport has been an object of infatuation since it broke cover at the Delhi Auto Expo in 2012. It basked in the limelight for a year and a half for three reasons – an unconventionally attractive design, the 1-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and the sub-Rs 10 lakh price tag. In a sign that the wait is finally over, Ford has recently conducted the pre-launch test drive for media in Goa.
I know most of you have already seen the EcoSport in-person as part of Ford’s pre-launch campaign and formed an opinion about its design and features. But does the 1-litre EcoBoost engine pack enough punch to take this urban SUV to the top of its game? Read on to find out.
In appearance, the EcoSport is unmistakably avant-garde. The front end features a large, ‘gaping fishmouth’ grille flanked by slim headlamps and big fog lamps, reflecting Ford’s global design language. Two bold lines on the bonnet flow onto the roof, highlighting the car’s aerodynamic prowess. I particularly liked the muscular fenders, tailgate-mounted spare tyre and the sleek roof-rails that enhance the vehicle’s SUV stance. The tailgate handle is beautifully integrated within the tail lamp and that’s a nice touch. The only thing missing is a pair of sidesteps that could greatly accentuate the SUV’s ruggedness. Overall, the EcoSport has a quirky design -- love it or hate it, the car certainly makes a statement on the road.
Step inside and you’ll discover a welcoming combination of contemporary design and intuitive technology. Dials and knobs are ergonomically appointed and the Ice Blue dashboard illumination looks cool, too. However, I was less enthused about the hard-plastic dashboard and door panels.
Frankly, the EcoSport doesn’t look as big in flesh as it does in pictures. It can comfortably seat five but going by the SUV standards, the fifth person wouldn’t be really happy. However, those upgrading from a hatchback would find ample head, shoulder and leg room in the EcoSport. The boot that Ford claims could accommodate even a washing machine is expandable up to 705 litres, with the rear seats tumbled.
The driver seat offers a commanding position and excellent outward visibility. Ford seems to have employed a wide range of sound-deadening features in the EcoSport - there’s very little noise intruding on your comfort.
The EcoSport is the first vehicle in its segment in India to feature Ford SYNC® connectivity platform, which provides customers with the convenience and flexibility to control their media players and mobile phones with voice commands.
SYNC takes safety to new heights with a life-saving feature called Emergency Assistance. When an airbag is inflated or the fuel pump is shut off following an accident, SYNC sends a voice message to 108 (emergency phone number) from the paired mobile phone. SYNC also sends the GPS co-ordinates of the accident location and lets the occupants speak to the emergency operator -- how clever is that!
The EcoSport’s strongest selling point is certainly the 1-litre EcoBoost engine. It is hard to imagine a 999cc three cylinder engine under the hood of an SUV, but guess what; this engine delivers the power and performance of a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine. Helped by a turbocharger, direct injection and variable valve timing, the EcoBoost motor develops 123 bhp of power at 6000 rpm and 170 Nm of torque from 1,400 to 4,500 rpm.
Dip the clutch and press the start button, the engine fires up smoothly and idles without clatter. It has enough low-end grunt to nip in and out of traffic but once you floor the pedal, there’s detectable turbo lag. However, once past 1800rpm mark, the engine revs happily and displays good power delivery. On the flipside, it becomes very audible at higher rpms. Overall, the 1-litre EcoSport is more of a practical cruiser than a fun-to-drive car. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox that offers slick gearshifts. Two other engine options will be available, too - a 110bhp 1.5 petrol and a 90bhp 1.5 diesel. The diesel EcoSport will have more takers and I’m sure, be more fun-to-drive.
Fords are generally regarded as great handlers and the EcoSport is no exception. Dampers and springs achieve an optimal balance between handling and ride comfort. The car stays absolutely pinned to the tarmac even at a close corner. I didn't think twice about rolling over big potholes or pesky curbs, thanks to the all-absorbing suspension and the 200mm ground clearance.
The light steering is a blessing in city, yet precise enough at high speeds and around tight corners. Ford's Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system is equipped with ‘Pull Drift Compensation’, which automatically makes imperceptible steering corrections when it notices a pull caused by wind, potholes or even differences in tyre pressure.
Ford has quoted an ARAI certified mileage of 18.7 kmpl for the 1 litre EcoBoost variant. However, I rarely saw a double digit figure on the real-time fuel consumption monitor; blame it on the performance tests and aggressive driving. Otherwise, the engine is definitely capable of returning an average of 13-14 kmpl in normal conditions. The 1.5-litre petrol and diesel variants return 15.8kmpl and 22.7 kmpl respectively (ARAI figures)
If I were to sum up the EcoSport in one word, it would be: intriguing. It has got all right ingredients to stay true to what Ford calls it – the urban SUV. Although the long wait of almost 17 months has led to an inevitable loss of interest, I’d dare to say that the EcoSport is indeed worth the wait. Now, with the prices starting at an attractive INR 5.59 lakh, no doubt, Ford has a conqueror in their hands.
Monday, 26 May 2014
Road Test and Review:
Road Test and Review: Renault Fluence
By all means, Fluence was the perfect car to mark Renault’s entry into Indian market. Even though it didn’t sell in huge numbers, Fluence left an impression with its massive road presence and impeccable driving dynamics. As Fluence gets a second chance, the French marque’s roots have grown deep enough to make the car a comeback kid. Lets find out what’s new in the new Fluence.
Design
Always a graceful car, the Fluence now gets a new front-end treatment with the Renault family face integrated into it. New glossy black grille now houses a large Renault badge and headlamps get projectors and shiny black mask with chrome eyelashes. All-new front bumper is complete with daytime running lights, fog lamps and new air intakes. Body-coloured side cladding and new alloy wheels are a welcome change in profile.
Design
Always a graceful car, the Fluence now gets a new front-end treatment with the Renault family face integrated into it. New glossy black grille now houses a large Renault badge and headlamps get projectors and shiny black mask with chrome eyelashes. All-new front bumper is complete with daytime running lights, fog lamps and new air intakes. Body-coloured side cladding and new alloy wheels are a welcome change in profile.
There are minor yet noticeable changes on the interior, too. A silver insert across the dual-tone dashboard looks elegant and upmarket. There are silver touches on the steering wheel, around the gear knob housing and speedometer. Ah, the fantastic deign of the speedometer is gonna sweep you away, especially during night driving.
The Renault Fluence scores over its competitors in terms of space, however, rear headroom is inadequate for tall passengers. At 530 litres, the Fluence boasts of the second biggest boot in its segment. Top variant comes with dual zone climate control and leather upholstery while rear A/C vents, sunblinds and 8-speaker music system come as standard.
The Renault Fluence scores over its competitors in terms of space, however, rear headroom is inadequate for tall passengers. At 530 litres, the Fluence boasts of the second biggest boot in its segment. Top variant comes with dual zone climate control and leather upholstery while rear A/C vents, sunblinds and 8-speaker music system come as standard.
Performance
The new Fluence is available only in diesel – a 1.5-litre dCi delivering 110PS and 240Nm. It may be the least-powerful engine in the segment, but it isn’t as bad as the figures suggest. Turbolag under 2000rpm is annoying, especially in the city. There’s a sudden surge in power past 2000rpm, but you need to keep the engine on the boil to keep you entertained. It might not be as much fun to drive as many competitors, but on the flipside you get an impressive fuel economy of 20.4kmpl (ARAI tested).
The new Fluence is available only in diesel – a 1.5-litre dCi delivering 110PS and 240Nm. It may be the least-powerful engine in the segment, but it isn’t as bad as the figures suggest. Turbolag under 2000rpm is annoying, especially in the city. There’s a sudden surge in power past 2000rpm, but you need to keep the engine on the boil to keep you entertained. It might not be as much fun to drive as many competitors, but on the flipside you get an impressive fuel economy of 20.4kmpl (ARAI tested).
Ride and Handling
I admire this car for its handling prowess. Hurl it around corners and the Fluence remains composed and planted to the ground. Steering precision and high-speed stability are equally impressive. Ride quality and overall refinement are completely acceptable, with the engine and road noise remarkably isolated.
Safety
Safety is top priority as Fluence gets two front and two side airbag, rain sensing wipers, dusk sensing headlamps, ESP, Traction Control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist. Fluence also gets an anti-rust warranty of 5 years / 1 lakh km and best in class warranty of 4 years / 80,000km.
Bottom-line
When Fluence was first introduced, Renault had just 14 dealerships, and now, they’ll have up to 175 by the end of the year. The grand success of Duster helped the company build a stronger presence in the industry, too. In this better environment, the Fluence is sure to garner success it always deserved.
The new Fluence is priced at Rs 13.99 lakh for the base E2 variant and Rs 15.49 lakh for the top-end E4 variant.
I admire this car for its handling prowess. Hurl it around corners and the Fluence remains composed and planted to the ground. Steering precision and high-speed stability are equally impressive. Ride quality and overall refinement are completely acceptable, with the engine and road noise remarkably isolated.
Safety
Safety is top priority as Fluence gets two front and two side airbag, rain sensing wipers, dusk sensing headlamps, ESP, Traction Control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist. Fluence also gets an anti-rust warranty of 5 years / 1 lakh km and best in class warranty of 4 years / 80,000km.
Bottom-line
When Fluence was first introduced, Renault had just 14 dealerships, and now, they’ll have up to 175 by the end of the year. The grand success of Duster helped the company build a stronger presence in the industry, too. In this better environment, the Fluence is sure to garner success it always deserved.
The new Fluence is priced at Rs 13.99 lakh for the base E2 variant and Rs 15.49 lakh for the top-end E4 variant.
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Ford launches EcoSport at Rs. 5.59 lakh
Ford launches EcoSport at Rs. 5.59 lakh
Ford has finally launched the much-anticipated EcoSport at an attractive price starting from Rs 5.59 lakh for the base Ambiente petrol variant. The EcoBoost petrol variant costs Rs 7.89 lakh in Titanium trim and the base diesel comes in at Rs 6.69 lakh. The 1.5-litre petrol auto in Titanium trim costs Rs 8.44 lakh.
The EcoSport comes in four trims – Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Optional - and three engine options. Engine choices include a 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and Ford’s much-awaited 1.0-litre turbo charged direct-injection EcoBoost petrol. The EcoBoost, however, is only available on the top-end Titanium trim.
It has got all right ingredients to stay true to what Ford calls it – the urban SUV. Although the long wait of almost 17 months has led to an inevitable loss of interest, the attractive pricing of the EcoSport will ensure that Ford has another winner in their hands.
Ford has finally launched the much-anticipated EcoSport at an attractive price starting from Rs 5.59 lakh for the base Ambiente petrol variant. The EcoBoost petrol variant costs Rs 7.89 lakh in Titanium trim and the base diesel comes in at Rs 6.69 lakh. The 1.5-litre petrol auto in Titanium trim costs Rs 8.44 lakh.
The EcoSport comes in four trims – Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Optional - and three engine options. Engine choices include a 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and Ford’s much-awaited 1.0-litre turbo charged direct-injection EcoBoost petrol. The EcoBoost, however, is only available on the top-end Titanium trim.
It has got all right ingredients to stay true to what Ford calls it – the urban SUV. Although the long wait of almost 17 months has led to an inevitable loss of interest, the attractive pricing of the EcoSport will ensure that Ford has another winner in their hands.
The EcoSport comes in four trims – Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Optional - and three engine options. Engine choices include a 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and Ford’s much-awaited 1.0-litre turbo charged direct-injection EcoBoost petrol. The EcoBoost, however, is only available on the top-end Titanium trim.
It has got all right ingredients to stay true to what Ford calls it – the urban SUV. Although the long wait of almost 17 months has led to an inevitable loss of interest, the attractive pricing of the EcoSport will ensure that Ford has another winner in their hands.
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