Ford Figo

Ford India Private Limited, head quartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is currently the 6^th  largest manufacturer in India. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company. Currently in India the models available are Ford Endeavour, new Ford Fiesta, Ford Classic (Ford Fiesta Classic), new Ford Figo and the soon to be launched Ford EcoSport. Endeavour is a large sized SUV under the Ford banner, Fiesta and Ford Classic are sedans which have been gaining quite a lot of popularity in India in the mid – price level segment. Coming to the hatchback in the line-up, Ford Figo was originally made available in the year 2010. Around the world it is known as the Ford Fiesta hatchback and in a few countries it is known as the Ikon hatchback sporting slightly different engines. India received a facelifted Ford Figo recently amidst the preparatory celebrations for the festival of lights, Diwali. Figo brought with it a new hope for Ford as it has always been one of the most celebrated cars of the Ford lineup.

Figo is available in both petrol as well as diesel options, all mated to a 5 speed manual transmission . Ford Figo is a renowned hatch in the Indian auto segment and standing as a proof to the same are about 20 Indian auto industry awards which it has in its kitty. In the year 2011, Ford Figo alsowon the Indian car of the year by a panel of leading automotive magazine editors. Now with the increasing competition and tougher situations with competitors like Maruti Swift and the likes, Ford launched the updated version of Ford Figo. There are changes made to the exteriors and interiors whereas the powertrains are the same with slight tweaks. The exteriors get redesigned headlamps and tail lamps, new hexagonal grille along with new fog lamp housings and eight spoke alloy wheels. Two new colors, bright yellow and kinetic blue, have been added to the line-up to add to the appeal of the car. On the inside there is additional damping which has resulted to making the cabin quieter in comparison to the older one along with new audio controls which are mounted on steering column along with blue seat fabric along with a ‘Riviera Blue’ instrument panel. There is also an optional black interior colour for those who prefer a down-tone. The engine however, has not been changed in the facelift. The powertrains of the 2012 Ford Figo is the same 1.4-litre Duratorq diesel and 1.2-litre Duratec petrol engine, although tweaks have been made so as to make the low and mid-range calibrations even more responsive.

New facelifted Ford Figo petrol delivers a mileage of 12.3kmpl in the city and 15.6kmpl on highways which is extremely competitive. In fact it is one of the major factors which gives Figo an edge in this highly competitive market. With cars like Maruti Swift, Nissan Micra, Hyundai i20, Toyota Etios Liva and the likes, Ford Figo has a lot to live up to. Out of this line – up Maruti stands at the number one position in the passenger car market and Hyundai at the second, this makes things tougher for Ford Figo.

Editor's take : The facelifted Figo has similar fuel economy as before and it is one of the most frugal oil burners.

Ford Figo no doubt, has one of the most well engineered and optimized engine and built quality. Along with all the other features, the one that helps a car in the Indian car market is mileage. New Ford Figo 1.2-litre duratec petrol engine delivers a mileage of 12.3kmpl in the city and about 15.6kmpl on the highways . Its competitors, Maruti Swift petrol delivers about 15.6kmpl in city and 18.6kmpl on highways, Hyundai i20 returns about 13.3kmpl when being driven in the city and about 18.5kmpl on highways and Etios Liva from Toyota in its petrol version delivers 15.1kmpl during city drives and 18.3kmpl on highways. Diesel, 1.4-litre Duratorq Ford Figo returns 17kmpl in the city and about 20kmpl. Competing Maruti Swift Diesel delivers about 18.1kmpl in the city and about 22.9kmpl on highways, Hyundai i20 on the other hand is capable of a mileage of 18.4kmpl in the city and about 21.9kmpl on highways and Toyota’s Etios Liva delivers 20.32kmpl in the city and 23.59kmpl on highways. The figures state well enough that the competition is extreme and Ford Figo will have to offer a lot more to attract consumers, low and easy maintenance cost being of topmost priority.

Editor's take : The power produced by the Figo is the same on paper for the petrol and the diesel. The petrol gets the same 1.2-litre mill and the diesel has the 1.4-litre diesel.

All new Ford Figo in its petrol version with a 1.2-litre Duratec engine churns out a maximum power of about 71PS at 6250rpm which is almost equal to 70.03bhp at 6250 revs . The maximum torque produced by this petrol hatchback is 102Nm at 4000rpm. The 1.4-litre Duratorq diesel Ford Figo produces a maximum power of 69PS at 4000rpm which in horsepowers is equivalent to 68.05bhp at 4000rpm. Maximum torque produced by Ford Figo diesel is 160Nm at 2000 revolutions per minute. The engine is powerful and efficient but the competitors offer a little more. The diesel engine of Ford Figo feels much better with a good torque which can be reved up on demand. Though the figures might show a lesser number in comparison to others in the market but the engine offers one of the best drive-abilities which does not let you feel the need for more power. The low power however makes the car not a great option while highway travels but for the city drives, with its easy manoeuvring, light steering, good suspension system, decent power and torque, Ford Figo is a car worth betting your money up on. 

These colors are available with all variants of Ford Figo

Editor's take : The acceleration produced by the Figo is almost similar, however Ford has improved the low-end torque enhancing the drivability of the hatchback.

The new Ford Figo that entered the Indian market came in with new exteriors as well as interiors but the engine remains the same with slight tweak in calibrations which now is more responsive even at lower revs and results to better pick-up. The acceleration for Ford Figo facelift is the same as what the previous version delivered. The petrol version of the car can zip from 0 – 100kmph in about 15.5 seconds and can speed up to 170kmph . Diesel Figo on the other hand can sprint from 0 – 100 kmph in about 16 seconds and can touch the maximum speed of 175kmph . The petrol engine is quite refined but somehow one gets a better feel while driving the diesel version of the facelift of the Ford Figo. The car is not as zippy as a Maruti Swift but at the same time it does not let you down in terms of the performance either.

View Ford Figo Exterior Pictures

One doesn’t see the change just as soon as they lay their eyes on the car but soon enough one can notice the design changes which adorn the new Ford Figo. Ford has blessed their small hatch with new features and design which they term as “Kinetic Design”. This kinetic design has helped giving Figo a very rooted, muscular and a wider stance and made it more contemporary and modern. The new Figo gets a redesigned front fascia which is enhanced with a hexagonal grille and newly designed headlamps which now help increase the visibility with their larger reflective surface. This new Kinetic Design Version will be seen across Ford’s upcoming models . Figo also gets new fog lights design along with front chrome grille and fender. The headlamps are wide-eye shaped and add style and aggression on the face of the new Figo. The front bumper has an attractive shape which is distinct, wide and helps the car stand out and make a statement. Not just up front but also the rear end of Ford Figo gets touch – ups. Ford Figo 2012 gets new vertical tail lamps which are stylish and add a very confident look to the car.

Side view mirrors and door handles along with bumpers get the body color. Another highlight of the exterior changes is the 14inch alloy wheels which add a dynamic character to the car and make it look very up to date and trendy. The sides of the car get sculpted side panels which is a Figo signature. And further enhancing the looks of the hatch are two new exotic colours which are bright yellow and kinetic blue.The colors give newness to the car and make it very appealing to the younger generations who don’t see cars just as a means to travel but for whom car means more in terms of making a style statement and is a symbol of pride as well. When seen against competition in terms of looks, Ford Figo is one of the better looking out of the lot but then again design and looks are something very subjective and differ as per personal opinions. In general terms, looking at the competition, Figo does take away a few points here and there from the others present in the market.

Exterior Measurements

2012 Ford Figo is a small car with a length of 3795mm, width of 1680mm and height of 1427mm . In comparison the Swift and Hyundai i20 are much larger with Maruti Swift at a length of 3850mm, width of 1695mm and height of 1530mm and Hyundai i20 with a length of 3995mm, width of 1710mm and height of 1505mm. Toyota Etios has similar dimensions as Ford Figo with a slight difference which makes Etios minutely bigger in size. Toyota Etios Liva has a length of 3775mm, width of 1695mm and height of 1510mm. The ground clearance of Ford Figo is 168mm which when compared with Swift and Etios Liva, is slightly less with both the latter ones standing at a clearance of 170mm. Hyundai i20 however has a ground clearance which is slightly lesser than Figo, standing at 165mm.

View Ford Figo Interior Pictures

Editor's take :  The interiors of the Figo receive a major upgrade. It now gets stylish blue or black interiors, with better quality than the previous car. The feel of the material is also good and we never had any complains with the fit and finish. The space in the Figo is definitely one of the best in its segment.

Ford Figo has always been known as a spacious car and now with the facelift, Figo sees enhanced comfort levels as well. The rear seat of Figo along with the front seats is quite spacious with ample legroom as a hatchback of this size should offer. The boot of the car is 284-litres which is decent enough to hold nicely sized luggage. The car now has a much silent cabin with the new additional damping that it received. The hatch gets new fabrics which are basically a combination of different fabrics which have been seamed together to make a unique style upholstery. This adds a touch of class to the hatchback and these fabrics make the car a much livelier place to be in. The lumbar support has been improved and the seating like always gives the driver a clear view of the road which adds up to the comfort levels. The dashboard however, remains the same in terms of design. Like in Fiesta sedan, Ford has blessed Figo as well with new steering mounted controls which are located oddly behind the steering wheel. The mounted controls are a little awkwardly placed which makes one wish that Ford had used the conventional style of controls over the steering. Being in the hatchback B plus segment, Figo is quite a catch in comparison to the rest of the cars due to its offerings that add luxury feel to it, the upholstered door panels for instance. The instrument panel is offered in a fantastic Riviera Blue which adds a touch of fashion in the cabin. One can also choose a black option in case the Blue does not go as per their personal taste.

Interior Comfort

Figo is a compact car which allows really comfortable seating to for the passengers in terms of seats with enhanced lumbar support along with very spacious seating rows which offer good legroom. The driver as well has a very comfortable seating position which allows maximum visibility of the road resulting to a safer drive. There are enough storage boxes here and there around the cabin for things like a mobile phone, water bottle, coins etc.  Ford Figo Titanium versions are blessed with an audio system which is compatible with radio, CD/MP3 along with USB and AUX-in. There is also a Bluetooth phone interface with which one can have a full phonebook access, calls logs etc. The air conditioning and heating comes as a standard across variants along with a power steering and anti – drip wiping. The air-conditioning system of Figo is known to be one of the best-in-class systems. The Titanium variants get electrically adjustable ORVMs along with 6-speed variable intermittent front wipers.

Editor's take :  The engine has been tweaked for better drivability and the difference is visible. The Figo doesn’t struggle at low engine speeds anymore.

New Ford Figo has seen changes on the exterior as well as interiors but under the hood the car has remained the same with a slight tweak in the calibration which has improved the pick – up speed and initial performance. The petrol mill of the new Ford Figo is 1.2-litre Duratec 1196cc, 16V DOHC drivetrain which is capable of churning out a decent power of 70.03bhp at 6250 revs per minute. The maximum torque produced by this petrol engine of Ford Figo is 102Nm at 4000rpm. The car isn’t as powerful as the others in the segment but the refined drive of the car does not leave one asking for more power. Maruti Swift in its petrol version delivers about 85.8bhp at 6000rpm, Hyundai i20 sportz 1.2petrol churns out 82.9bhp at 6000rpm and Toyota Etios Liva produces a power of 78.9bhp at 5600rpm. The mileage of Ford Figo in petrol is about 12.3kmpl in the ciry and about 15.6kmpl on highways. The top speed which petrol Ford Figo can reach is about 148kmph and it can accelerate from 0 – 100kmph in about 14.8 seconds. Diesel version of Ford Figo is 1.4-litre Duratorq 8V SOHC Common Rail powertrain which is capable of churning out 68.05bhp at 4000rpm and produces a torque of 160Nm at 2000rpm. The engine is one of the best in town and has a very good driveability. The engines come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission which has very good and smooth shifts which don’t feel notchy. The city mileage of the diesel Ford Figo is 17kmpl and on highways, it delivers 20kmpl. In comparison Maruti Swift diesel 1.3-litre is more powerful with a power output of 73.9bh at 4000rpm, Hyundai i20 with a 1.4-litre engine churns out 88.8bhp at 4000rpm.The diesel engine feels better than the petrol engine but both are very refined, efficient and performance oriented. There is no doubt that Ford has given the hatch an overall package with looks, performance and efficient engine and a well-designed cabin.

The all new Ford Figo comes with delicious looking eight spoke alloy wheels which not just gives the car a good stance but also adds multi-fold to the looks of the car. Ford Figo runs on 175/65 R14 tyres with the Titanium model being offered with alloys. The tyres give the car a good and decent enough balance to the car. Further enhancing the comfort levels of the drive is the suspension system of the car. There is the independent McPherson Strut with dual path mounts front suspension system and a Semi-independent twist beam, coil springs rear suspension system. The suspension is pretty good and absorbs the potholes well. The MRF tyres along with a decent suspension system help Figo to soar even on the uneven roads giving an intact drive to the passengers.

Editor's take :  The handling of the Figo is just as good as any other Ford vehicle and are really good for a hatchback.

The front brakes in the new Ford Figo are ventilated discs and it has drum rear brakes which give the car a decent braking power. The Titanium versions come with Anti – lock braking system with EBD which enhances the safety of the car by helping it come to a pit stop in emergency situations. The tweaked calibrations help both, petrol and diesel mill to perform better by increasing the initial pick – up. The handling of the car is one of the best in the industry but in terms of city driving only, the car isn’t much suited for highways with its low power outputs. What adds up to the city drive is the excellent turning radius of 4.9 meters which comes along with a standard power steering. This light steering makes the car ride easy even in heavy traffic. Maruti Swift in comparison has a turning radius of 4.7 meters, Hyundai i20 has 5.2 meters and Toyota Etios Liva has a turning radius of 4.8 meters.

Editor's take :  The safety features on the Figo include ABS and airbags, which are standard on the top of the line.

The petrol version of Ford Figo is quite refined but one can feel slight slug, whereas the diesel version Ford Figo feels much better in comparison. If one has driven the previous version of Ford Figo, they can quite easily feel the difference in the calibration as the initial pick – up has improved resulting to a very good drivability overall. Despite its superb drivability the car does not suit the highways but for city roads, it’s a mighty good catch. In terms of safety the car is loaded with features. Depending on the variants, Ford Figo comes loaded with 3 point seatbelts for front and rear seats, lap strap for rear centre passenger along with dual front airbags for the safety of passengers. It hatchback also comes with features like laminated glazed windscreen, intelligent central locking along with smart programmable keyless entry, Rear defogger with auto cut – off, rear wash/wipe and front fog lamps. New version Figo also has the passive anti – theft system which helps keep the car secure. These features are extremely efficient and work hassle free thanks to the superb Ford technology . The only problem with the hatch comes when one talks about the after sale maintenance. Even this maintenance has improved a lot with new and improved service offerings from Ford.

Editor's take :  The Figo now gets steering mounted audio controls as a new additional feature and also has USB connectivity that wasn’t there in the older music system.

Ford Figo 2012 comes with an infotainment system but again depending on the variants. The infotainment system has all modern features and is in tune with the current times. It is compatible with radio, CD/MP3 along with USB and AUX-in. The car also comes fitted with 4 speakers . There is also a Bluetooth Phone interface which gives one full access to their phonebooks, call logs and allow call swaps, privacy mode SMS notifications, audio streaming etc . The controls for the audio system are mounted on the new steering wheel column.