Ford's Ikon range enters 2009 with a new front end, upgraded interior trim and new engines.

Styling has been freshened with the introduction of a new front headlamp design complimented by a revised front bumper design. The previous 14? steel wheels have been replaced by 15" steel wheels on Ambiente derivatives and new 15? alloy wheels on the Trend derivatives.

Upgraded models feature an enhanced interior environment with the previous Camel fabric colour being replaced with Ebony and Jasper Blue. Fabric inserts in the door panels and the seat covers have been enhanced.

A new audio system including four speakers and a single radio / CD player with MP3 compatibility, RDS and Audio Jack will be available in all derivatives in the upgraded model range.

The current engine line-up has been upgraded with the 1.4-litre petrol powerplant being replaced by a more powerful 1.6-litre petrol motor producing 74kW at 6500rpm and 143Nm at 4000rpm.

The 1.4-litre diesel powerplant remains unchanged with a turbocharger and electronically controlled direct injection. It produces a maximum power output of 50kW at 4000rpm and 160Nm of torque at 2000rpm.

So there's a choice of the 1.4L TDCi in Ambiente spec or the 1.6L petrol in Ambiente or Trend guise. The Ambiente spec models feature driver and passenger airbags, body colour bumpers and door handles, 15? steel wheels and a full size spare wheel.

Keyless remote central locking, remote tail-gate boot release, rake adjustable steering column, and front and rear power windows are also part of the package.

The 1.6L Trend model offers additional features including a sport suspension, body colour bumpers with fog lamps, headlight with chrome bezel integral indicators and body colour door mirrors. Inside it's all about aluminium interior door handles, painted gear shift and park brake.

On the safety front, all Ikon derivatives come equipped with structural reinforcements. A collapsible steering column reduces intrusion distance, while ABS with EBD and driver and passenger airbags round off the safety features.

The suspension layout remains unchanged utilising the highly successful Ford MacPherson strut configuration, with lower L-shaped arms to improve running refinement and dynamic control. The twist beam rear suspension design matched to the front suspension provides well-balanced handling.

The Ikon hails from India, a market that requires a specialised type of vehicle thanks to extreme weather conditions and congested streets. So you get a robust and durable car that's big on practicality.

All Ikon models are offered with a four-year/60 000km service plan, with service intervals pegged at every 15 000km.

Pricing: Ford Ikon 1.6 Ambiente four door: R133 500 Ford Ikon 1.6 Trend four door: R148 990 Ford Ikon 1.4 TDCi Ambiente four door: R152 990