Ford Classic diesel’s ARAI certified mileage is 20kmpl and not 32.38 kmpl

Only yesterday, we reported in detail on Ford India having launched the Titanium variant of its Classic sedan. It may be noted that Ford India had earlier renamed its Fiesta Classic, which is basically the old generation of Fiesta, to merely Classic. Ford, at several places, has claimed a fuel economy of 32.38 kmpl for the 1.4 litre Duratorq engined variant. Now, Ford India has replied to a query regarding the car’s mileage on its Facebook page and has stated that the figure of 32+ kmpl is as per the findings of a popular car magazine and the ARAI figure of the diesel variant of the car is 20kmpl and that of the petrol variant is 14.1 kmpl. This basically means that the difference between ARAI figure of diesel Classic’s FE and that mentioned by Ford at its website is of as much as 60% and honestly, this all puts a question mark on the claims that come from many auto manufacturers out there.

This is what Ford’s press release addressed to us initially read:-

The new Classic Titanium retains its core Ford DNA of surefooted balance on the road, responsive steering and compliant suspension. Its reputation as a driver’s car is enhanced by the choice of refined, trusty and proven 1.6 litre Duratec petrol engine and 1.4 litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engines, which deliver the optimum mix of gripping performance and frugal fuel consumption. While the diesel variant of the Titanium returns 32.38 kmpl* under ARAI test conditions, the petrol variant is rated for a fuel efficiency of 21.27 kmpl*.

However, Ford was quick to correct itself by sending us a revised statement that read:-

The new Classic Titanium retains its core Ford DNA of surefooted balance on the road, responsive steering and compliant suspension. Its reputation as a driver’s car is enhanced by the choice of refined, trusty and proven 1.6 litre Duratec petrol engine and 1.4 litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engines, which deliver the optimum mix of gripping performance and frugal fuel consumption. While the diesel variant of the Titanium returns 32.38 kmpl* as tested by Autocar Cross Country Drive, the petrol variant is rated for a fuel efficiency of 21.27 kmpl*.

It may be noted that Ford has not publicized the ARAI figures of the Classic diesel sedan at its website and the recent update at the carmaker’s Facebook page is one of the very few incidents where Ford has mentioned the ARAI certified figure. While we are happy that the manufacturer was quick to announce that the FE figure it has publicized comes from a source other than ARAI, we would had really appreciated it if the manufacturer had been using the ARAI certified figure at its website.

.