That’s exactly what Aspi Bhathena thinks about the new Ford Figo after driving it in Goa
Last month, we saw a lot of action in the Indian automotive industry especially in the small car segment. In fact, it seems that car manufacturers have forgotten about the other segments. Last month, GM set the ball rolling with the launch of the Beat. Later, Volkswagen launched the Polo and then Toyota showed its small car, the Etios.
Ford India invited us over to Goa for a test drive and technical briefing for their all-new small car, the Figo. This is Ford’s first serious attempt to get into the small car segment and make a real challenge to get a significant share of the Indian car market. The new Figo brings Ford’s kinetic design to India. It is supposed to make a static car look as if it is on the move. During an informal chat with Ford Asia Pacific and Africa Design Director, we came to know that they already had a great architecture and solid proportions from a global platform to start with.
The Figo’s exterior styling follows the global kinetic design elements that help harmonize the car with other models in the Ford global lineup including the Focus and the Mondeo.The tri-plane front end elements like the split line on the bonnet line up well with the top of the headlamps and combine well to give the car a sporty and aggressive stance. The front fenders with muscular wheel arches come with side turn indicators that blend into the starting point of the comet tail side treatment that goes through both the doors and into the quarter panel. From the rear, the Figo continues with its kinetic design. The rear tailgate with the subtle hint of a spoiler gives the car a dynamic and muscular look.
Enough about the exterior design. The car has a lot of space inside for a hatchback including the boot space. But the coral colour of the dash is something else. I could not come to terms with the brick red colour, but at the same time passersby really liked it. The quality of the interiors is good. There is enough legroom at the rear even with the driver’s seat adjusted for my slight size of six feet.
Now getting down to the buisness end, the Figo will be equipped with the same 1.4 Duratorq common rail diesel from the Fiesta and an all-new 1.2 Duratec petrol engine. Both these engines are mated to a five-speed ‘box. The test drive in south Goa was on tight and twisty roads where you could put the little Figo through some difficult situations and really test it’s all round ability. To start with, the steering feel and response is top class. It actually wants you to drive and enjoy your stint at the steering. Most Ford cars have a good feel to their steering, but the small Figo takes it to a new level in this segment. The ride quality is quite exceptional at the front and the rear as well. This is enhanced by the well supported front and rear seats. The roads we were driving on had quite a few speed breakers and the Figo took them in its stride without sending a rude message to your back.
The diesel engine has enough poke to get you going from a standstill without a fuss. The motor feels happy when you use the torque and do not rev it beyond 3500rpm. The petrol mill has decent low down grunt, but if you are in the mood to have some fun, then this baby needs the rpm meter to be redlined to get the best out of it. This was a short first drive and Ford has a great small car. Now they have to price it right and they have a winner in the Figo.
