Opening
The Ford Figo has been the most recommended small car ever since it has been launched. It has been the only model that brought Ford back on track. From the time of its launch in 2010, where it received 10,000 bookings in the first month itself till present day, Ford has sold 235,000 units of this small car in India and around the world.
With its superb mileage and overall package, the Figo is often seen as the best value for money package in the small car scene. Ford’s game changer model set a new benchmark for all the small cars. With a mid-life facelift, Ford has tweaked its already best selling Figo.
To give a better feel of the new car, Ford invited us for a “Night Drive” in Mumbai. It was a superb sight to see a convoy of Figos bustling at midnight on the always populated streets of Mumbai.
Appearance Exterior
Unless pointed specifically, it is little difficult to find out the changes done on the new face of the Figo. The Kinetic design of the Figo has been further enhanced with a redesigned front face.
Prominent change is the large hexagonal grille which has got bolder over the earlier model. Headlight design has been changed too and not sport a more elegantly designed and softly pulled out on the side panel design. The new headlight design also promises of a better and larger reflective surface. Artistic touch has updated the straight and simple fog lamp design.
The new 14 inch 8 spoke alloy wheels indeed adds a sporty touch in addition to the sloping roof rails on the top. Although there are minor tweaks on the car, the basic design has been retained.
Coming to the rear, the tail-lamps too have been bedazzled with some artistic treatment. The new design also assures of a better visibility of the tail lights for the cars following. So overall, Ford gave the Figo the small makeover it required essentially. The mid life facelift is to keep the car afresh with all its competitors. Also, Ford has introduced new 2 shades on the Figo the Bright Yellow and the Kinetic Blue.
Appearance Interior
Inside the new Ford Figo needs real concentration to find out the “new” elements. The seat fabric has been changed to blue seat fabrics. This adds a premium feel to the interiors as well as is more comfortable.
Another new is the Audio/Radio controls, which are located on the bottom left after the steering wheel. The location of this Audio Stalk is very weird and is not at all convenient. Specially, it you are on the taller side, your knees shall continuously keep banging with the controls.
The feel inside the cabin with the same instrument cluster is the same however the new cabin feels a bit refined and noise free compared to the earlier version. The New Double weather strip cancels the redundant noise and offers lower NVH levels.
The all new Ford Figo cabin boasts of new headrests as well as better lumbar support for the front row of seats. Headroom and the legroom inside the cabin remain uniform and is very spacious. Because of the sloping roof, the rear headroom may be an issue for taller passengers.
Performance Drive
Even as the new Ford Figo retains the same 1.4L Duratorq diesel engine as well as the 1.2L Duratec petrol engine. The diesel unit produces a power of 69 PS at 4000 rpm and a torque of 160 Nm at 2000 rpm while the petrol version produces a power of 71 PS at 6250 rpm and a torque of 102 Nm at 4000 rpm.
I have always enjoyed the drive of Ford Figo. Especially the exhaust note at peak rpms is superb. Ford has improved the calibration of the new Figo which in turn results in a better pickup and a higher acceleration. Not that the earlier version made any complaints but then the new re calibrated unit is more refined. The transmission too has been made a lot smoother.
The pull of the diesel unit is a lot more with a torque of 160Nm. This not being the case with the petrol variant as it behaves in a more controlled way. If only the petrol motor had little more oomph and enthusiasm in it. There appears a certain lag in the petrol unit unless you decide to throttle it very enthusiastically and make it perform at its peak.
With its compact styling, the Figo rightly promises of the best ride and handling. The route chalked out for this Night Drive had lots of different patches involving tight turns, long straights etc. It was a superb time to drive in Mumbai at midnight hours as a sight of empty streets in Mumbai is very difficult for anyone to visualize. Kudos to Ford for organizing such an interesting drive. Also, all the cars in the convoy were named after a Bollywood movie. Our car was called “Mr.India”.
The Mr.India vehicle of ours truly impressed me. I have always believed in the Figo and think of it as a very strong contender in the small car segment. With the new feel the Figo has been refreshed for good.
Tech Specs
| Technical Specifications | |
| Make | Ford |
| Model | Figo |
| Displacement | 1196 |
| Power in PS/RPM | 71/6250 |
| Torque in NM | 102/4000 |
| Transmission | 5/M |
| Tyre size | 175/65 R14 |
| Brakes Front | Disc |
| Brakes Rear | Drum |
| Fuel Tank capacity | 45 L |
| Dimensions in mm | |
| Length | 3795 |
| Width | 1680 |
| Height | 1427 |
| Wheel Base | 2489 |
| Ground clearance | 168 |
| Minimum turning radius | 4.9M |
| Boot Space in Litres | 284 |
| Claimed Mileage kmpl | 16 |
Features
| Features | LXI | EXI | ZXI | Titanium |
| Ex showroom Price Mumbai (Rs.) | 3,84,999 | 4,22,999 | 4,52,999 | 5,01,999 |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Front Power windows | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Driver seat height adjust | No | No | No | Yes |
| Tilt adjust steering | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Music system | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Steering mounted audio control | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth phone interface | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Intelligent Central locking | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rear wash and wiper | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Defogger | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | No | No | No | Yes |
| Dual front airbag | No | No | No | Yes |
| Fog lamps | No | No | No | Yes |
Competition All Specs
| Specifications |
Ford
Figo |
Maruti Suzuki
Swift |
Hyundai
i20 |
| Variant | Titanium | Zxi | Sports |
| Ex showroom Price Mumbai (Rs.) | 5,01,999 | 5,99,994 | 6,03,312 |
| Power in PS/RPM | 71/6250 | 87/6000 | 84/6000 |
| Torque in Nm / RPM | 102/4000 | 114/4000 | 114/4000 |
| Transmission | 5/M | 5/M | 5/M |
| Tyre size | 175/65 R14 | 165/80 R14 | 185/65 R14 |
| Brakes Front | Disc | Disc | Disc |
| Brakes Rear | Drum | Drum | Drum |
| Fuel Tank capacity (L) | 45 | 42 | 45 |
| Dimensions in mm | |||
| Length | 3795 | 3850 | 3995 |
| Width | 1680 | 1695 | 1710 |
| Height | 1427 | 1530 | 155 |
| Wheel Base | 2489 | 2430 | 2525 |
| Ground clearance | 168 | 170 | 165 |
| Minimum turning radius | 4.9M | 4.8M | 4.8M |
| Boot space in Liters | 284 | 300 | 300 |
| Claimed Mileage (kmpl) | 16 | 18 | 16 |
| Features | |||
| Power steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Front Power windows | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Driver seat height adjust | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tilt adjust steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Music system | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steering mounted audio control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth phone interface | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intelligent Central locking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear wash and wiper | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Defogger | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual front airbag | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fog lamps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
With a fresh face and priced at Rs. 3,84,999 for Petrol and Rs. 4, 81,999 for Diesel (ex-showroom Delhi), the Figo is a very lucrative option. The Figo is the most preferred small car by the first time buyers.
The all new Ford Figo with its additions and enhancements will appeal to the family looking for a compact hatchback with a premium feel. Premium featues, spacious cabin and a smooth engine make the Figo a strong player and assure Ford’s dominant position in the small car segment.
