We drive the new Ford Figo
In June this year (2018) Ford introduced its new Figo hatch to the local market and we’ve just spent the last few days experiencing its refreshed styling and updates, as well as the new 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine.
With the cost of local vehicle ownership on the rise, customers looking for new vehicles have affordability at the top of their list. While there are a number of budget cars to consider, it’s not always easy to find one that ticks as many boxes as you’d like – perhaps you end up settling for something that lacks in style, or power, for example.
The new Ford Figo offers a great combination of comfort, style, power, practicality and convenience, yet still manages to maintain its reputation as an affordable little hatch.
4 reasons to consider the new Ford Figo as your budget buy
More power
It’s not easy finding an entry-level hatch that’s punchy enough to get you over those steep hills without hassle, especially with a full load. The 1.5-TiVCT engine in our test unit offers a maximum power output of 88kW and 150 Nm of torque – that’s pretty impressive, and while you get great all-round driving dynamics, it still manages to reduce fuel consumption and emissions to 5.7 – 6.5 l/100km!
More style
The latest Figo model brings a fresh new look that gains a sophisticated and more upmarket appearance than its predecessor, making it even more competitive in the entry-level budget car market. We love the new Figo’s more refined look, highlighted by its all-new bumper design with a restyled honeycomb grille. It’s also complemented by new detailing for the front fog-lamp surrounds and gives an overall impression of a car you wouldn’t necessarily associate with an entry-level budget car.
More comfort
Inside, the new Figo’s interior has been updated too. New fabric inserts on the door panels and the selection of a new, more modern fabric for the seats further enhances interior ambience.
More convenience
Ford has made the most of the new Figo’s storage compartments to offer more options to store things like your phone, keys and water bottles. In fact, at the top of the dash board, the Figo’s pop up storage compartment doubles up as a phone cradle – so you don’t need to take your eyes off the road when using your traffic apps.
The Ambiente is the entry-level model, and is available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. It is equipped with electric front windows with one-touch operation on the driver’s side, a factory-fitted immobiliser, electric power-assisted steering, tilt adjustment for the steering column and headlight level adjustment.
Pricing and conclusion
Overall, we think that the new Figo is worth considering, and perhaps the more people give it a test drive, the more we’ll be seeing it added to the top of customers’ lists – it’s pleasantly surprising with what it has to offer. What we love most is its punchy engine that really kicks along the highway and doesn’t make you feel like you’ve missed out a car to have fun with too.
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The new and improved @fordsouthafrica Figo. Loving its perky little engine around the Cape 🚗.
Recommended Retail Prices:
Figo 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente Hatch 5MT R181 300
Figo 1.5 TiVCT Trend Hatch 5MT R190 600
Figo 1.5 TiVCT Trend Hatch 6AT R205 700
Figo 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente Sedan 5MT R187 200
Figo 1.5 TiVCT Trend Sedan 5MT R196 000
All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A four-year/60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.