Car Review (launch report): Ford Figo 2015
Last week we got the opportunity to attend the launch of the new Ford Figo. Competing with the likes of the VW Polo, Toyota Etios and Renault Sandero – the Figo measures up!
The new Ford Figo is available in both sedan and hatchback variants and has three different trim levels. Starting with the entry level – Ambiente, then the mid spec – Trend. Last but not least, the high spec – Titanium model. There is also a Titanium PowerShift Auto variant. So between the diesel and petrol engines and these various trim levels, we’re looking at 9 different options to choose from, 6 hatch 3 sedan variants.
Ford, unlike most other manufacturers of late, have opted to increase the engine size. Replacing its previous 1.4-litre engine with a four-cylinder 1.5-litre, in both petrol and diesel derivatives.
Petrol
Power output – 82 kW
Torque – 136 Nm
Fuel consumption – 5.6L/100km
Diesel
Power output – 74 kW
Torque – 215 Nm
Fuel consumption (Claimed) – 4.1L/100km
Both engines can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission only being available in the Titanium models
Driving Experience
I first got the chance to drive the manual hatchback – Ambiente variant. For the base model of the range, I was rather impressed. Handled well, even on the awful roads we were driving on. The 82 kW powertrain, on such small and light car, allows it to really move!
It’s got storage space all over, as well as more cup holders than I think anyone would need! It’s also got a slot in the centre console area, for your phone. This really is a great feature, with a rubberized coating, it means that you can put your phone down there, easily within reach of a usb port and it won’t slide around or shoot to the other end of the car when you turn a corner!
I also like how they’ve bypassed the typical centre console and are rather pushing towards having your phone act in the same manner. At the top of the dashboard, in the centre, there is another place to store your phone. You lift up a sleek opening and clip your phone into the gap. With another usb port right behind it, you can then connect straight into your car and your phone acts as the infotainment display. Easily viewable for navigation and other information you need, while keeping the phone charged!
They decided to replace this feature on the Titanium spec and rather put in a very basic display. I think they were on the right track with the other variant! With the display, they also lose out on the second usb port, which was very handy!
I also wasn’t a fan of the automatic transmission. The gears didn’t change fast enough. If you need to overtake someone or have a quick dash of speed, it’s very unresponsive. This applies for both gearing up and down, so I’d definitely go with the manual transmission.
If I was in the market for a budget hatchback, I would seriously consider the Ford Figo. In fact it would probably be number one on my list. The base model variant, with manual transmission seems to me like the best value for money in the segment, that I’ve seen so far.
Ford Figo Hatch
- Ambiente – R158 900
- Trend – R167 900
- Titanium – R181 900
- Titanium PowerShift Auto – R203 900
- TDCi Ambiente – R189 900
- TDCi Trend – R199 900
Ford Figo Sedan
- Ambiente – R160 900
- Trend – R169 900
- Titanium PowerShift Auto – R205 900