Ford Figo

The Ford Figo, launched in 2010 in the Indian market, has been a best-seller for the company in the Indian market. In October 2012 it has launched the new face-lifted Figo with 100 changes at almost no change in price! It competes in the mid-size hatchback market with main rivals being the Chevrolet Beat and the Maruti Ritz. The Figo looks like a mini MPV and resembles quite a bit of the earlier Ford Fusion. Infact, it doesn’t really have sharp or modern design lines but comes across as a neatly designed hatchback with uncluttered and slightly muscular design angles like the flared wheel arches. It does sit pretty low with the overall height being one of the lowest among hatchbacks. The new Figo carries the global Kinectic design DNA with a new front look which has got revised hexagonal grille design, all new headlamps and tail lamps with subtle design changes all over.

On the inside, the Figo scores heavy points due to its combination of space and practicality. The Ford Figo will happily sit five adults in comfort due to its massive leg and shoulder room. The boot space complements the passenger space perfectly and is more than the likes of the Beat and the Ritz. Further, the interior quality is up to the market but ergonomically, the Figo provides a low seating posture which might not be to the liking of the elderly and the fair sex. On the inside, the car received updates like all new instrument cluster color,’Riviera Blue,’ inducing the sense of premium feeling. Also, the new Figo receives all new fabric which improves the overall feel from the inside. Ford has given two engine options on the Figo.

The petrol option comes in the form of a 1.2-litre that puts out a decent 71PS of power along with just over 100Nm of torque. While it scores on its refinement and low engine speed response, the unit does lack outright power and fuel economy too, delivering at best 11-12kmpl in city usage. The diesel engine option is obviously the one that outsells the petrol versions, coming in the form of the reliable 1.4-litre unit that is also seen on the Fiesta Classic. It develops 68PS of power and over 160Nm of torque and is a joy to drive in city due to its punchy spread of torque. It is also extremely fuel efficient, managing an easy 16-17kmpl in city usage. The new Figo has some tune-up for improved acceleration. The Ford Figo also comes with a very good suspension set-up, swallowing bad roads with aplomb.

Infact, the ride quality it delivers is one of the best in the segment and is further complemented by its high speed and road hugging manners. The only shortcoming is the low ground clearance which shows its flip-side when the car has a full load of passengers and bad roads to negotiate. Steering feel is another area where the Figo scores – it might not be very light but at high speeds, provides enough feedback to make sure that lane changing manoeuvres do not translate into nervousness for the driver. The Figo has been loaded with features that a person expects from this segment though rear power windows are missing. Alloy wheels are standard on the top end version along with safety bits like ABS and dual air-bags. The audio system gets Bluetooth connectivity though steering wheel controls have been given a miss. Overall, starting at Rs 3.8 lac for the petrol version and Rs 4.8 for the diesel, the Figo translates into a value for money deal due to its space, comfort and an efficient diesel / smooth petrol motor.For a detailed analysis of the car, continue to read on below…

One of the key elements while designing the Figo was to keep space as priority. Infact, Ford has followed what Honda has been doing with its cars - the idea of "Man Maximum, Machine Minimum" concept. The immediate impression you get once into the driver's cabin is the space inside. The seating is quite low and this can be an issue for the older generation. However, once seated, the Figo's insides does impress you a lot. The speedometer dials look nice and so do the rotary type air-con vents. The audio system's quality is nice and is integrated in a good way into the console. The air-con system though is of the manual variety unlike say the Chevrolet Beat. The top end model comes loaded with goodies like Bluetooth connectivity in the music system and i-pod connectivity.

In the new Figo, the car received updates like all new instrument cluster color,’Riviera Blue,’ inducing the sense of premium feeling. Also, the new Figo receives all new fabric which improves the overall feel from the inside. The ZXI and Titanium variants get steering mounted controls and adjustable steering wheel too for tilt. Leg room up front is generous and even with full sized adults up front, there is more than enough space at the rear for three more! The overall quality of interiors is pretty good and the Figo swallows weekend luggage with ease, thanks to its massive (by its segment standards) 284 litres of space. Overall, the Figo offers you a spacious and high quality cabin though at the cost of few features like rear power windows etc.