‘Cool’ might well be an adjective used to describe the updated Ford Figo – and apt expression as the name Figo is a colloquial Italian expression meaning . . .well, ‘cool’.
The Ford Figo was unveiled in Delhi in September 2009 based on the same small car platform used for the Ford Fiesta and resembled the mark 5 Fiesta but with revised front and rear treatments.
It was launched to the Indian market in March 2010 and released in South Africa in January 2013.
Now, Ford Motor Company is lifting its game in the compact car segment with an updated Ford Figo that gains a more sophisticated, upmarket appearance and improved specification levels.
“The Figo is an important model for Ford in South Africa, as it is represents the entry point for customers into the Ford brand,” says Tracey Delate, General Manager, Marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
“The latest model brings a fresh new look and equipment upgrades to the range, and we have rationalised the line-up to make it a more competitive and compelling choice in a segment where value for money and affordability are the primary purchase considerations.”
Significantly, in an economically constrained market, the car comes with a revised standard Service Plan that is upped to 4-years/60 000 km covering the vehicle for up to four services over a period of four years.
“With its great new styling, impressive levels of comfort and safety features, exceptional value and the segment-defining new Service Plan as standard, we expect the new Figo to be a strong contender in the important sub-B segment.”
At the front is an entirely new bumper design that houses a restyled honeycomb grille, reflecting the latest Ford design language. This is complemented by detailing for the front fog lamp surrounds, framed by accents that link the lower bezel to the upper section of the bumper.
There are chrome inserts in the headlamps and new dual-tone multi-spoke 14-inch alloy wheels for the Trend models and updated wheel caps for the Ambiente versions, which have 14-inch steel rims.
At the rear, the new Figo gets subtle changes to the tail light clusters, along with an all-new rear bumper design that gives the car a notably more contemporary character.
The interior has been updated with a cleaner design for the centre console and upper instrument panel that enhances ease of use.
The Ambiente is the entry-level model, and is available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. It is equipped with electrically operated front windows with one-touch operation on the driver’s side, a factory-fitted immobiliser, electric power-assisted steering, tilt adjustment for the steering column and headlight level adjustment.
A built-in Ford Audio unit is standard with an integrated display and four speakers, offering Bluetooth connectivity, a USB slot, as well as Ford’s Device Dock in the upper section of the centre console for connecting and powering smart phone devices.
Driver and passenger air bags are standard, with anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
Additional features available on the Trend models, available in sedan or hatchback, extend to remote central locking, a belt minder for driver and front passenger, power rear windows with child lock, rear window defroster, perimeter anti-theft alarm, and a gear-shift indicator for manual models.
One of the new features of the Figo range is the 1,5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that powers the entire line-up. This unit uses an aluminium engine block and cylinder head for reduced weight.
It also relies on twin independent variable camshaft timing (TiVCT) for the four-valves-per-cylinder engine to deliver improved low-down torque as well as top-end power. The fitment of a dual-stage variable oil pump further enhances efficiency, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
The 1.5 TiVCT engine is credited with a maximum power output of 88 kW and peak torque of 150 Nm and drives through a five-speed manual gearbox or a new high-tech six-speed automatic gearbox exclusively available on the five-door Trend hatch.
As a replacement for the previous PowerShift transmission, the six-speed version is a conventional torque converter automatic.
Prices:
Figo 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente Hatch 5MT R181 300
Figo 1.5 TiVCT Trend Hatch 5MT R190 600
Figo 1.5 TiVCT Trend Hatch 6AT R205 700
Figo 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente Sedan 5MT R187 200
Figo 1.5 TiVCT Trend Sedan 5MT R196 000
All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a 4-year/120 000 km comprehensive warranty, 3-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A 4-year/60 000 km service plan is included, with 15 000 km service intervals.
