Thursday, 30 May 2013

Techies 8: Ford Ecospot Titanium and Mercedez Benz A 180 hands-on( Hatchback market)


 FORD ECOSPORT




So, we got early hands on Ford Ecosport Titanium version, all packed up with features. Well the car is fully loaded , it has got loads of features. With its tough look exterior this Hatchback gives look of an MUV. Sure its beefy in lots of places. The most admirable part though is really the front with very large grills and wraparound headlamps, makes it recognizable, the dual colored side view mirrors are large and practicle but looks nice too. The boot space fits in 2 medium sized suit cases at max, however the rear seats fold giving a lot of space. The interiors has lots from the fiesta, including the plastic quality and thats not so good, it looks nice but due to its shiny plastic it gives a cheap looks. Ford has generously loaded features on Ecosport, even with the base models. However the titanium version which wehad hands on was loaded with many features like 6 air bags, steering mounted controls, electric wing mirrors, 16'' wheels, auto climate control, ABS, height adjustable leather seats, glove box with a cooler, front fog lamps, rear parking sensors, push button start,voice operated system, front and curtain air bags keyless entry all in this car. Now it all comes down to driving this baby. While driving the Voice command doesn't functions that well, it takes time to understand the commands, The sync feature allows the user to connects his phone, iPhone, iPod, usb whatever you have, and control it using voice commands, so that u need not to take your eyes off the road again. Special feature is, in case of emergency, say deployment of airbags, it automatically dials the emergency number, if the driver is fine he can disconnect the call, otherwise the car will send the GPS coordinates along with a call to the emergency number. Though the engine is silent from the start, but it gets noisy during revs. Its smooth, nice to drive. Overall I have to say, I am really impressed with what Ford engineers have done this time. I hope this car is a success in India. 

Mercedes Benz A-180 


Again.. Its Benz, Its a hatchback, its now in India. The Mercedes Benz launched its luxury hatchback A 180 yesterday. With A class, Mercedes proved that a Mercedes is not only for business class people but can also be for young hip hop generation. Most attractive part of the car is the big Mercedes logo on the front grill. The car is simply stunning, look it from any angle, it just reflects the legacy of the company, though its an entirely different class, this car is young and full of attitude. It stands out from other hatchbacks with its low roof, 17'' alloys which gives it a sporty look.Though its said to be a hatchback, but the dimensions are equal to that of Ford fiesta. If you are not a family kind of person and like to drive, this car is meant for you, with its full black interiors, Sporty driver seat and the premium feel you get when you sit inside a Mercedes. The chrome ring vents, gear, leather on dashboard and the 7 inch display all gives in a full driver's experience. The electronic memory seat is a feature quite common to Mercedes cars, driver can save up to 4 driving positions which can be accessed later on.The rear window is very small and restricts visibility, so does the columns on the front side, making blind-spots. And sunroof lovers, you are gonna love this baby as it has a massive sun roof. The music system is also quite good. Weakest part is the engine, it has got 1.6 l turbocharged PETROL engine, yeah thats right, you heard it, PETROL engine emitting 122bhp of power . The steering of car is sharp, and provides with really great grip on road and the shortest breaking distance among indian cars.Its smooth, its stable, its fast, its fluidic  and its in control.Though the car may not be a family car, but if you like to drive hatchbacks and have a budget of 24 lacks, this is the car for you.



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