Ford Figo 2012-2015 Diesel ZXI

Ford Figo is one of the most popular hatchbacks available in the market and it has recently received cosmetic updates. During the Indian Auto Expo 2014, Ford has officially rolled out the latest version of Figo the small car lovers with petrol and diesel engine options. There are four trim levels available in its series out of which, the Ford Figo Diesel ZXI is one of the top end variant and it is equipped with an SOHC based 1.4-litre diesel power plant under the hood. This engine is coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox, which enables it to deliver 20 Kmpl of peak mileage. The manufacturer hasn't just updated the exterior cosmetics of this hatch, but it is also offering it with an inbuilt Wi-Fi system and several other advanced connectivity functions. On the other hand, this hatch also comes with advanced safety aspects such as smart programmable key less entry and intelligent central locking system are just to name a few. In terms of exteriors, it comes with redesigned fenders, fog lamp console, and trapezoidal air dam that brings a wide and bolder look to the frontage. The company is offering two brand new exterior paint options like Mars Red and Paprika Red, while discontinuing the Bright Yellow and Colorado Red.

Exteriors:

The outsides of this refreshed hatchback series has been improved with retreated front and side profile. On the side profile, this new version comes with flared up fenders that adds a rugged appeal to the side profile. Also it gives a wide stance to the frontage, which will steal the attention of car enthusiasts. The company has fitted these retreated fenders with a sturdy set of 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers. The door handles and the outside mirrors gets the body color paint, while the window sill surround gets black color treatment. The company has given the chrome inserts on the side repeaters, which is bringing a full fledged look to the side. On its frontage, it comes with a redesigned trapezoidal air dam and the fog lamp console that brings a bold and pronounced look to the frontage. The company has retained the design of headlight cluster and incorporated with halogen lamp and turn indicators. Coming to the rear profile, the company has not made any change to the rear, but has installed the windshield wiper and washer. On the whole, the company has managed to make it look more attractive by giving it minor cosmetic updates.

Interiors:

When it comes to the interiors, the company has not made any changes to the design of the cabin. It has retained the same old all-black interiors with close fit and finish that brings a plush ambiance to the cabin. The manufacturer has given silver lining on the AC vents, central console and on the steering wheel. On the other hand, it is equipped with wide, well cushioned seats and they have been covered with good quality fabric upholstery. This variant comes equipped with number of utility features including day/night inside rear view mirror, a 12V front power outlet, cup holders in front console, foldable grab handles with coat hooks , boot compartment lamp, passenger vanity mirror and so on. In addition to these, that company has installed an instrumentation panel to the dashboard that features digital odometer and tripmeter, distance to empty, low fuel warning, tachometer, door ajar warning and other advanced functions.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is equipped with a 4-cylinder, 8-valve, 1.4-litre diesel power plant that makes 1399cc displacement capacity . This engine is based on the SOHC valve configuration and comes with common rail fuel injection system. It can produce a maximum power output of about 68.05Bhp at 4000rpm, which yields a peak torque output of about 160Nm at just 2000rpm. The front wheels of this hatch will receive the torque output of the engine via a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox and returns a decent mileage of 20 Kmpl. This diesel version takes about 16 to 17 seconds to reach a speed mark of 100 Kmph from a standstill and it can obtain a maximum speed of 160 to 170 Kmph.

Braking and Handling:

This refurbished version is blessed with a hydraulic power assisted steering system that adds controlled energy to the steering mechanism, which requires the driver to put modest effort irrespective of the conditions. The company has fitted the front wheels of this hatch with ventilated disc brakes and assembled the rear ones with solid drum brakes, which performs well in all weather and road conditions. The manufacturer has blessed this hatch with a robust suspension mechanism by fitting the front axle with Independent McPherson Strut type of system with dual path mounts while assembling the rear axle with Semi-Independent twist beam type of system with coil springs.

Comfort Features:

The Ford Figo Diesel ZXI is one of the top end variant in the model series and it is blessed with numerous comfort features. Its cabin comes equipped with a proficient manually operated fastest cooling AC unit with heater that keeps the interiors chilled. It also comes with electrically adjustable external mirrors, front power windows, power steering with tilt steering column, remote fuel filler opening, anti drip wiping, 3-speed intermittent wipers, remote boot lid opening and other such features. There are some utility based features installed inside such as day/night interior rear view mirror, boot compartment lamp, 12V front power point, removable parcel tray, passenger vanity mirror on sun visor and so on. For the entertainment of the passengers, the company has installed a proficient audio system with radio, CD/MP3 player along with the support for USB and AUX-In devices. Also there is a Bluetooth phone interface that supports audio streaming, full phone book access SMS notification and much more.

Safety Features:

This variant is blessed with some of the advanced protective functions that ensures proper safety to the occupants. The list includes 3-point safety belts for front and rear passengers, driver side airbag, rear defogger with auto cut-off, lap-strap for rear center passenger, intelligent central locking system and so on. Apart from these, the company also installed an engine immobilizer system and smart programmable key less entry function that enhances the safety standards.

Pros: Decent comfort features, reasonable price tag.

Cons: Protective aspects can be improved, maintenance is high.