Ford re-launches Classic at Rs 4.99 lakh

Just over a week after our report on Ford slashing prices of the Classic, the company has officially stated that the Classic will now be available at Rs 4.99 lakh ex-showroom Delhi for the entry-level variant. The top of the line 1.4-litre Duratorq Titanium diesel will be available at Rs 7.59 lakh making it one of the most affordable sedans in our country. Ford India states that it has been able to reduce the Classic’s prices because of operational efficiencies. 

The Classic takes on cars like the Honda Amaze and Maruti Dzire with this new price positioning. Although the Classic is a considerably older car, it is well built and has excellent ride and handling capabilities. The Classic comes with a 1.6-litre Duratec petrol engine and an 11.4-litre Duratorq diesel mill. The free revving petrol motor has 101 PS on tap and is a hoot to drive. The 68 PS diesel engine is a bit short on power but is well refined and very efficient. 

“At Ford India, we are committed to deliver on customer expectations by continuous improvements in the value proposition of our products,” said Vinay Piparsania, executive director of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford India.  “In line with our global brand promise of 'Go Further', Ford India has repositioned the Ford Classic by optimizing efficiencies.”

This is the second repositioning for the Classic. In mid-2012 after Ford launched the new Fiesta in India, it dropped the Fiesta name from the Fiesta Classic and positioned it a tad lower. This seemed to work for Ford as the Classic has been consistently outselling the Fiesta. Although both cars weren’t setting the sales charts ablaze, the Classic was performing relatively better. With this further drop in sales between Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh depending on the variant, the Classic will get and added boost and possibly more footfalls at the dealership.