Ford Figo Hatchback 2015

Ford Figo Hatchback: Preview

Expected Launch: October, 2015

The Ka is the new hatchback concept from Ford, developed under the code name ‘B562’. Like the EcoSport, this hatchback is also developed by Ford Brazil indicating that this product will primarily target emerging markets including India. 

It will be called the next generation Figo in India and has design cues similar to that of the European Ford Mondeo. It is expected to be launched in India after its compact sedan sibling, around the holiday season. The Figo has been spotted on test on multiple occasions in full production guise and has very similar styling cues as its CS sibling.

Exterior

The next generation Figo looks bigger that the current Figo hatchback and this is down to what appears to be a larger wheelbase.

 
The fascia of the next generation Figo hatchback is similar to that of the current generation Ford models, the headlights on the concept cars were projector lamps but on the standard model it will be bulb and reflector units.However, we don’t expect too many other changes in the design of the final product. It gets a bold new grille and the angular headlamps complement the design nicely. The side profile appears to mimic that of the current car but thanks to the perceived extra length it appears to be a longer vehicle. Ford has given the next generation Figo a simplistic design for the rear in the Brazilian market but for India we expect the addition of at least one chrome strip as well and badging to separate the diesel and petrol models.

Interior

The interior of the Figo hatchback mimics that of the EcoSport and the Fiesta in terms of both layout and overall design. The quality of the materials used as well as the feature list is just as good as the other Ford models. Equipment on the top spec diesel and petrol variants is expected to include AC, SYNC music system, auto-folding OVRMs, reversing sensors with camera, rain sensing wipers and auto dimming internal mirror.

Engine and gearbox

The Figo hatchback will be offered with one petrol and diesel engine. The former is the 1.2-litre four-cylinder mill currently producing 68bhp/102Nm. In the new car, we believe that it will produce around 75bhp and 102Nm. The diesel will be the 1.5-litre four-cylinder mill from the Fiesta which produces 89bhp and 204Nm. Gearbox options will include the five-speed manual and six-speed AT.

Price and competition

It will compete with the likes of the Honda Brio, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 and the Tata Bolt. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 4 lakh to Rs 7 lakh for the top-spec diesel model.