An all new Figo with massive improvements in drive, comfort and convenience

Ford never thought that the 2011 launch of the budget friendly Figo was going to be the resounding success story that it has been. With great attention from students, first time car buyers, fleet operators and rental companies, the rebodied Mk5 Fiesta proved to be a resounding success.

Four years down the line and the first Figo has run its course and is now making way for an all new Figo with massive improvements in drive, comfort and convenience. There is now greater variety too with the addition of an automatic gearbox option, along with economical diesel options (as previously offered).

Going up against the evergreen VW Polo Vivo, recently launched Honda Brio, the cost effective Toyota Etios and the Renault Sandero means that the market for Sub-B compact cars is a smorgasbord of choice and variety, each offering something special. It was necessary for the Figo to stay with the times and Ford has done a great job revamping the economical runabout.

Engines

The latest Figo is an all-new offering and while the old Figo offered three engine combinations, the new range has been expanded to nine models in total with varying levels of trim.

The outgoing Figo offered 1.4 petrol Ambiente, 1.4 diesel Ambiente and 1.4 petrol Trend models and this has grown with the current lineup offering six hatch options and three sedan models. In a first for the Figo range, there is now the inclusion of a dual-clutch automatic gearbox option, further aiding driving flexibility and comfort. 

Thus, the range now consists of:

Hatchback

• 1.5 Ambiente
• 1.5 TDCi Ambiente
• 1.5 TDCi Trend
• 1.5 Trend
• 1.5 Titanium
• 1.5 Titanium Powershift

Sedan

• 1.5 Ambiente
• 1.5 Trend
• 1.5 Titanium Powershift

On launch I was able to sample the 1.5-litre with the aforementioned PowerShift automatic and while a considerably better execution than the 1.0 litre EcoBoost Fiesta Ambiente offering, the Powershift gearbox is still prone to hunt a little under part throttle driving. 

The 1.5-litre Sigma engine is more than capable, making 82kW and 136Nm of torque. This makes it more powerful than the Polo Vivo but is down on torque in comparison. It is however more fuel efficient, returning an average of 6-litres/100km as apposed to the VW's 6.6-litres/100km.

Hopping over into the 1.5 TDCi with a 5-speed manual gearbox allowed me to flex the torque of this small, but impressive power plant. This variation produces 74kW and a more than respectable 215Nm torque. It certainly is a pleasure to drive and low down torque delivery is very good.

Interior

The updates to the new Figo extend to the interior as well and when compared to the outgoing model, the changes are welcomed with open arms. Titanium models get 6-way adjustable drivers seats and Sync infotainment systems with Bluetooth connectivity.

An innovative addition to model not fitted with the Sync system is the inclusion of a dash-top mounted storage compartment that doubles as a smartphone holder. Dubbed the MyFord Dock, the ratchet system of the lid allows a phone or GPS unit to be securely held in place, free from suction cups or clips. In the compartment is an AUX and USB socket, allowing for direct power or connection. 

Safety

The new Figo offers both driver and passenger airbags across the range while Titanium models benefit from the addition of side and curtain airbags as well. ABS is also standard across the range with Hill Start Assist and Electronic Stability Programs available on the PowerShift Titanium models. 

Peace of mind doesn't stop there as Ford has elected to include a 2 year / 40 000km service plan as standard across the range, something that was offered as an option in the previous generation.

Pricing

1.5 Ambiente Hatch	R139 386
1.5 Trend Hatch	R147 281
1.5 Titanium Hatch	R159 561
1.5 Titanium Hatch PowerShift Auto	R178 860
1.5 TDCi Ambiente Hatch	R166 579
1.5 TDCi Trend Hatch	R175 351
1.5 Ambiente Sedan	R141 140
1.5 Trend Sedan	R149 035
1.5 Titanium Sedan PowerShift Auto	R180 614