The Entry Level Compact Sedan
The entry-level compact sedan is a thriving market. Whether you need a runabout where the boot is of big importance or maybe you want to try entering the e-hailing market. These are affordable, spacious and versatile vehicles to handle the demands of daily usage.
Related: Ford Figo Titanium – More car for not much more money.
The Ford Figo, although no longer sold in South Africa as of the publishing of this article, was Ford's value offering and came in both hatchback and sedan forms. The Figo was a solid product and quite robust at the time it was sold. The Honda Amaze sought to replace the Honda Brio and is Honda's value offering in the form of a compact sedan that flies under the radar. With that being said, which of the two is better? For comparison purposes, for the Ford, we'll use the Ambiente trim, and for the Honda, the Trend trim.
Related: Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort Review: Foreigner in a strange land.
Space and Convenience
Space and convenience are quite paramount in the entry-level compact sedan segment despite the 'compact' designation. Even with the smaller dimensions, both these compact sedans provide ample boot space for the daily commute and or even the occasional longer trip which requires more luggage. Basic conveniences are also important for the discerning buyer and being entry-level models, both the Figo and Amaze don't offer a lot but do get the basics right.
| Ford Figo 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente 4 Door | Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend | |
| Luggage Capacity | 445 litres | 420 litres |
| Infotainment | No (Ford Audio with MyFordDock) | No (Radio with Bluetooth) |
| Keyless Start | No | No |
| Steering Wheel Controls | No | Audio and Phone |
| Cruise Control | No | No |
| Climate Control (AirCon) | No (Yes) | No (Yes) |
| Park Assistance | Rear | No |
Engine Size and Type
These cars have quite different engine configurations from each other, the Ford Figo being the most unique with its 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol which produces quite a lot of power for its size. Meanwhile, the Honda Amaze utilises a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine. The entry-level trims use 5-speed manual gearboxes but the higher trim levels can be had with automatic transmissions.
| Ford Figo 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente 4 Door | Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend | |
| Engine Size | 1.5-litre, TiVCT | 1.2-litre |
| Power figures | 91 kW/ 150 Nm | 66 kW / 110 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
Fuel Consumption
The Ford Figo has a bigger fuel tank and better range than the Honda Amaze, but the Amaze returns a better, manufacturer-claimed, fuel consumption figure, however, only slightly.
| Ford Figo 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente 4 Door | Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend | |
| Fuel tank size | 42-litre | 35-litre |
| Fuel consumption | 5.7 L / 100km | 5.6 L / 100km |
| Estimated range | 672 km | 625 km |
Safety
Safety is more or less the same for both vehicles but the Honda Amaze wins here since it has the addition of IsoFix child seat anchor points.
| Ford Figo 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente 4 Door | Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend | |
| Airbags | 2 | 2 |
| Isofix | No | Yes |
| Driver Assistance | ABS, EBD | ABS, EBD |
Pricing
The Ford Figo is no longer sold as new in South Africa but the Honda Amaze is still available new. On the face of it, the Ford Figo has a better price, warranty and service plan. However, since the Ford is no longer sold in South Africa as new and you can only buy used examples, the Honda Amaze by default is the better option.
| Ford Figo 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente 4 Door | Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend | |
| Price | As new R223 300 | R232 200 |
| Warranty |
4-year / 120 000 Comprehensive warranty 5-year / Unlimited Km Corrosion warranty 3-year / Unlimited Km Roadside Assistance |
5-year / 200 000km Warranty 3-years Roadside Assistance |
| Plans | 4-year / 60 000km | 2-year / 30 000 km |
Verdict
The Ford has more luggage capacity, better range and a more powerful engine but there are two crucial aspects preventing it from winning. Firstly, you can't buy the Figo from new anymore and if you're a family with a baby, there are no Isofix child seat anchors. Because of those factors, while the Figo is a good product, the Honda Amaze in this comparison, is the winner.
Want to buy either of these vehicles, You can Search AutoTrader for the Ford Figo or the Honda Amaze.
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