Ford India is one of the highly reputed automobile brand in the country's car market and has a number of exciting models in their stable. The company has launched the 2014 version of its best selling hatchback, Ford Figo in the Indian car market. It is being offered with both petrol and diesel engine options for the customers to choose from. The Ford Figo Petrol ZXI is the top end trim in its model line up, which is bestowed with quite a number of safety and comfort features. It is powered by a 1.2-litre, Duratec petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1196cc. It can churn out a maximum power of 70.02bht in combination with 102Nm of peak torque output. This power plant is incorporated with a sequential electronic fuel injection supply system, which delivers an impressive performance. It allows the hatchback to generate 15.6 Kmpl on the highways and 12.3 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions. At present, it is being offered in quite a few exterior paint options, which are Kinetic Blue, Mars Red, Chill Metallic, Panther Black, Moon Dust Silver, Diamond White, Paprika Red and Sea Grey. The company has designed this variant with a roomy wheelbase of 2489mm, which ensures a spacious cabin. The exterior dimensions come with an overall length of 3795mm, a total width of 1680mm and a decent height of 1427mm. The minimum ground clearance is about 168mm, which is quite good for this small car segment.
Exteriors:
The exteriors of this facelift version have been give quite a few cosmetic changes all over. The overall body structure is aerodynamic and sleek with a smooth body line and striking features. The front façade gets a newly designed hexagonal front radiator grille, which has a lot of chrome finish and a large company emblem has been embossed in the center. This grille is flanked with a bright headlamp cluster, which have been fitted with radiant halogen lamps and side turn indicator. The body colored bumper gets a large air dam in the center. The windscreen is made of laminated glass that is integrated with a couple of 3-speed intermittent wipers as well. On the other hand, the side profile gets body colored door handles and external rear view mirrors, which are electrically adjustable and fitted with side blinker. The neatly carved wheel arches are fitted with a set of 14 inch steel wheels. These are covered with tubeless radial tyres of size 175/65 R14. The rear end also gets a body colored bumper with a pair of reflectors, boot lid appliqué in chrome finish, and a bright tail light cluster. The windshield is integrated with a defogger and a centrally located high mounted brake light.
Interiors:
The company has done up the interiors of this Ford Figo Petrol ZXI variant very elegantly and have integrated quite a few features to it as well. The seating arrangement is very comfy and the seats are covered with premium fabric upholstery. The rear seats can be folded to increase its boot space. It is bestowed with a day and night inside rear view mirror, a 12V power socket for charging mobiles and other equipment, body colored inside door handles , removable rear parcel tray, boot compartment light and so on. This trim is bestowed with a number of utility based aspects, which include a couple of cup holders on floor console, three foldable grab handles with coat hooks, front seat back pockets, all four power windows and tilt adjustable steering wheel. The illuminated instrument cluster has a number of warning and notification lamps to keep the driver updated. These are a digital odometer, an electronic tripmeter, distance to empty, driver seat belt reminder notification, low fuel warning light, headlamps on reminder and several other aspects as well.
Engine and Performance:
The company has equipped this variant with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1196cc. This four cylinder based power plant can churn out 70.02bhp at 6250rpm along with 102Nm of peak torque output at 4000rpm. This petrol motor is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which allows the hatchback to attain a top speed of close to 148 Kmph. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph from a standstill in about 14.8 seconds.
Braking and Handling:
The car manufacturer has blessed it with a proficient suspension mechanism, which keeps the vehicle well balanced. The front axle is fitted with an independent McPherson strut with dual path mounts. While its rear axle is assembled with semi independent twist beam type of mechanism, which is assisted by coil spring. On the other hand, the braking mechanism is also quite efficient. Its front wheels are equipped with ventilated disc brakes, whereas the rear gets a set of drum brake as well. The tilt adjustable power steering system is quite responsible and makes handling convenient. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 4.9 meters, which is rather good for this class.
Comfort Features:
This trim is incorporated with quite a few sophisticated features, which includes an efficient air conditioning unit with a heater, all four power windows, remote boot lid opener, tilt adjustable power steering and many other such features. It also has an advanced music system, which comes with four speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. It is also equipped with radio, CD/MP3 player, USB interface and Aux-in port. The multi-functional steering wheel is mounted with audio and call control buttons for the convenience of the driver.
Safety Features:
This Ford Figo Petrol ZXI variant is bestowed with a number of safety aspects, which gives the occupants a stress free driving experience. The list of features include driver airbag, laminated glazed front windscreen, intelligent central locking system , rear defogger with auto cut off, passive anti theft system and smart programmable keyless entry. Then 3-point seat belts for all passengers along with lap strap for rear center occupant enhances the protection of the occupants in case of any accident.
Pros:
1. Internal cabin is loaded with good safety and comfort features.
2. Fuel economy is quite satisfying.
Cons:
1. Ground clearance can be made better.
2. Exterior appearance is not impressive.
