Ford Figo and Volkswagen Polo – Yet Another Success Story Ready to Hit Indian Roads

February 08, 2010, 10:10 IST by Payal Pathak

General Motors is still basking in the glory of its latest model Chevrolet Beat but here is a tough competitor coming into sight – the New Ford Figo. Ford launched the car last year and its commercial production has already commenced at Ford’s Chennai plant. The car is ready to hit the Indian roads early next month.

Ford has invested nearly $500 million in India. The company has not revealed the final price of the car so far. “It will be very competitive. We will compete with i10 and Swift and others as we are targeting the segment, which accounts for 70% of all new cars sold in India,” said Michael Boneham, Ford India President and MD. Figo will be produced for domestic and export markets on the new flexible manufacturing line, a first such effort from India.

Volkswagen introduced its small car model Polo at the Delhi Auto Expo. This model will also be available from March first week in India. VW Polo is being produced at company’s Aurangabad plant in India. The car has high level of localization which keeps the car competitively priced. Both the cars are expected to make competition extremely fierce in the small car market.

Under: Ford Figo

Comments on this article

  • To the article writer, Please get your details verified as the VW POLO is produced at Pune, Chakan plant and not at Aurangabad. Polo localization is said to be 50% and is set to be 75% further. God knows what change it makes in the quality but VW has said that they will meet global quality standards even if it is part locally made. Major difference in The Polo is the Headlight and Taillight cluster, with the European version having awesome looking front lights and a layered tail lights which adds character to the car. Cant say about the interiors as the car is being kept a hell under secret and the press being given base versions to drive but expect skoda fabia quality interiors as VW is the parent company to Skoda. VW will announce the prices along with the bookings launch around Feb end or March first week because of the Figo launch and hence all the small car launches in the first half of the year giving it the pricing edge. Still expect the prices near the Fabia petrol. VW will launch the diesel version later. About The Figo, Lets just say that the threat from the Ford will be to the diesels as it will come with a 1.4 tdci engine and also a 1.2 petrol. Hence the diesel is expected to sell and the engine deliver average performance with a good fuel efficiency. Interiors are above average and of good plastic quality as the plastice matter the most. The car is nice and roomy with a good boot space. Exteriors, well not to everyones taste but not bad with some nice elements used. Ride quality is extremely good as the car has been made for India and hence expect it to be a good handler as well. Overall if you are waiting for a car that will give you what you need there are already choices in the market in the form of the Punto (good looks and average interiors), Chevy Beat ( Very good looks but a small car), Indica Vista ( if you like TATA cars ) and the Ritz ( different looks and maruti interiors), Skoda Fabia ( best interiors so far but a little underpar performance and very expensive top u variant). Other cars are also there but you should sort your priorities and look at the budget and the best car that fits in it. So if you want to wait for the next 1 month, I assure you a variation of at least 15 small to medium size hatchbacks with a variety of choice with the Polo and Figo. Personally I cant tell you but almost all the car enthusiasts are really looking forward to one car only in this first half and that is the VW POLO so let me leave it to you and hope you buy a good car and enjoy it too. CHHERS AND WISH YOU HAPPY AND SAFE DRIVING!!!!!!!!!

    February 14, 2010 by  Rohan
  • I am eagarly awaiting to see the car. Because I had to book a car from tata. but suddenly stopped due to the arrival of figo.

    February 08, 2010 by  Ponniah Thiagaraj

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