The Enticing New Ford Figo. Does It Offer More Than What Is Expected?

By Jobo

Updated: Saturday, October 3, 2015, 14:50 [IST]

The Ford Figo is a subcompact hatchback designed and developed in India. It has proudly been in production since 2010. Ford's vast and wide-ranging garage offers many variants across the automobile spectrum. So, if hatchbacks are not your type, Ford also offers the subcompact sedan—the Figo Aspire.

Click here to read: Ford Figo Aspire Expert Review

Everyone is aware of the Maruti Suzuki Swift being a dominant player in this segment. However, when we first laid eyes on the enticing new Figo, we began to sense some impending trouble for Maruti. The 2015 Ford Figo has had considerable changes when compared to the first generation, but, does it offer more than what is expected from this segment?

2015 Ford Figo design, interior, engine, mileage, and safety explained

Design:

The trapezoidal front grille with a chrome effect is eye-popping, and if you thought it is very Aston-Martin-like, you're probably right. The swept-back headlights and windshield helps to optimise aerodynamics and efficiency. Overall, the car's shape is expressive and bold with energetic vivid lines, giving it a more dynamic look than ever before. In fact, compared to the Maruti Swift and Hyundai Grandi10, the 2015 Figo's design is an outright winner; you certainly get more style than what you've paid for.

Interior:

The Figo's classic modern interior with advanced technologies makes driving more convenient. On the other hand, leg room in a subcompact hatchback has always been questionable. Thankfully, the Figo does not disappoint in this department. In fact, the legroom is best-in-class; the seats are comfortable and passengers enjoy great legroom. The new Figo is spacious and well laid out. From a large glovebox, three first-row cup holders, bottle holders in the front door pockets to seat-back pockets for newspapers and magazines, the new Figo is out to please, and manages to do just that.

The all-new Figo features first in segment advanced connectivity solutions such as the MyFord Dock and SYNC with Ford AppLink, which comes in handy when you want to store, mount, charge your phone, and stay connected with your digital life.

Wheelbase* fact sheet

- Ford Figo: 2491mm
- Maruti Swift: 2430mm
- Hyundai Grand i10: 2425mm

*Figo's best-in-class wheelbase of 2,491mm offers outstanding legroom, knee room and shoulder room.

Engine and Gearbox:

The debate really begins here . . . Ford offers the Figo with three engine options: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel, and 1.5-litre (automatic) petrol. At first, we were convinced Ford got this right; however, after a little more driving, we discovered that the 1.2-litre petrol model is something our garage can do without. While it isn't too bad for city driving, we think it is perhaps time for Ford to wake up the "lazy-fat-boy" 1.2-litre petrol engine. Having said that, if performance is what drives you, then you will be surprised by the 1.5-litre diesel engine. The automatic petrol engine is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

Mileage and Drivability:

The 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 99bhp of max power @ 3,750rpm and 215Nm of torque @ 1,750rpm. The performance and drivability of the diesel engine are noteworthy. Combined city and highway driving, ranging in the speeds of 100 – 140kph returned a fuel efficiency of 22kpl, and when pushed beyond 150kph, returned an average of 15kpl, which is commendable, as The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) mileage figure is 25.83kpl.

The 1.5-litre (automatic) petrol model's, ARAI mileage figure is 17km/l. The acceleration from this engine is linear and driving at speeds of 100 – 140km/h returned a fuel efficiency of 12.5km/l. One stand out feature in the automatic model is the sweet sounding petrol engine. If you aren't happy about the performance, drop the window and you will soon forget about it. What we also really liked is the 6-speed automatic gearbox; the shifts are smooth and can be manually controlled with a SelectShift button.

Safety:

On the safety front, Ford has beaten its competitors hands down. The safety offered in the Figo is a key differentiator. It features a driver airbag as standard across the entire range. From the second variant onward, the new Figo offers standard dual front airbags across the entire lineup. The top-of-the-line model is equipped with six airbags—including side and curtain airbags.

The Figo now features Ford's well-known Emergency Assistance, which, when paired with a smartphone, dials emergency responders automatically and provides information about your vehicle and current location.

Click here to research the all-new Ford Figo's variants, specs, mileage, and features

Pricing and models:

Entry-level variant of the all-new Ford Figo is available at an introductory price of INR 4.29 lakh ex-showroom (Delhi). The variants are available for booking across six trims with three engine options and seven colours.

Click here for the on-road price of the Ford Figo petrol, diesel in your city

The Good:

- Ample storage space
- Advanced connectivity solutions (MyFord Dock and Ford AppLink)
- Dual-clutch transmission backed by a 10-year or 100,000 km warranty
- Highly efficient air conditioner
- Powerful and fuel-efficient diesel engine
- Stylish and sporty design
- Seven colours to choose from
- Standard airbag across all trims
- Six airbags offered in top end variant
- Standard dual front airbag from second variant
- Spacious interior offering good legroom, knee room and shoulder room
- Ford MyKey allowing the program to increase seat belt use, limiting vehicle top speed, and regulating audio volume

The Bad:

- Sluggish 1.2-litre petrol engine
- Passenger seat height too high (front-seat)
- Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) provides lighter steering efforts at lower speeds; however, at high speeds it doesn't give you that much-needed confidence compared to the old Figo's hydraulic power assisted steering

DriveSpark's Verdict on the 2015 Ford Figo

Can we safely say that the all-new Ford Figo is a better option than the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10? Does it have a better appeal? specifications? features? value for money?

We are of the opinion that with the host of segment best and first features, the 2015 Figo will certainly redefine the subcompact hatchback segment and will continue on in the pursuit of success for Ford India. Shortlisting the Figo for the Indian Car of the Year, and looking forward to the mighty Ford Mustang! Bring on the pony** . . .

**Pony car is an American class of cars, launched and inspired by the Ford Mustang in 1964. The term describes a highly styled car with a performance-oriented image at an affordable price.