What is the cheapest new Ford you can buy?

Even though the budget-car segment is one of the fastest-growing in South Africa, Ford has never really fielded any local competitor in this class. All their passenger cars have been imported for years now, and consequently, even the entry-level Fords have usually been on the pricey side.

But two factors have now conspired to further reduce Ford’s footprint in these market segments: The deteriorating foreign exchange rate, and Ford’s surprise decision to close up their Indian operations. As a result of the former factor, higher-class imported models (especially from Europe) have become too expensive for local consumption, and the latter shut down the supply stream for Ford’s more-affordable passenger cars.

Related: If you’d like a funkier Figo, the Freestyle variant may be perfect for you.

 

It will be bakkies and SUVs only in the future

The Fiesta is already gone, and more’s the pity, for it was a really good little car. It followed the Focus, which used to be a strong seller for the brand, but was discontinued locally after the third-generation model ended production. Larger sedans disappeared a long time ago, following the desirable Fusion’s failure to gain traction in our market.

This left only the Figo range in Ford’s “normal” passenger car selection, but since production of that model has now ended, the cars you see on showroom floors now are likely the last we’ll receive of this capable and likeable entry-level car. 

It's not only the small car supply that’s been affected by Ford’s corporate change of direction, because the popular EcoSport also used to come from India. For this model to continue, it will have to be imported from elsewhere – most likely Brazil, but changing the source will mean price- and specification adjustments, possibly leading to increased EcoSport prices in future.

Related: Ford SA to shift focus to SUVs and crossovers.

 

The cheapest current Ford

It’s not too late to get yourself a run-out model Figo, though. They still feature in the price lists, and they’re still as well-rounded as they’ve always been. The cheapest variant in the range is the 1.5 Ambiente hatchback, which is mechanically-identical to the other derivatives.

For its list price of R 216 300, you’ll get a torquey 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder (non-turbo) engine with a decent 88 kW and 150 Nm – likely the most power you’ll find in any new car around this price point. Average fuel consumption is quoted at 5.7 litres/100 km, but expect closer to 7.0 litres/100 km in the real world.

Ambiente trim is only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox to drive the front wheels, but can also be had in sedan form for a price premium of exactly R 7 000. 

Standard equipment is quite generous, with power steering, air conditioning, ABS, 2 airbags, electric windows in front, central locking, and a basic USB/Bluetooth-compatible audio system. It’s not the last word in luxury, but the main necessities for comfortable motoring are all present.

* Pricing was accurate at the time of writing, but is subject to change without prior notice.

Related: Is the Ford Figo good for new drivers?

 

Verdict

It’s a pity to see the Fiesta already gone and Figo on the verge of departure, because these models were both likeable and competitive in their respective classes. And, while it’s probably too late to grab an “old stock” Fiesta, there’s still a little time to get behind the wheel of a Figo. 

It’s even unlikely that we’ll see new US- or European-market SUVs or crossovers, because the chances of those being too expensive to compete locally are significant. So, depending on the fate of the EcoSport, the least-expensive Ford in South Africa may indeed soon be a Ranger, closing off Ford’s long history of providing affordable transport in the local market. 

 

Looking for a detailed specification list for the Ford Figo? Check out Ford’s webpage for this model here.