Despite its youthful spirit, Figo is mature and smart. Driving a car for a few hours that proclaims itself as ‘The Cool Car’ seems a challenge to live up to, but at least the Figo Diesel did its part and certainly kept its cool on the interesting road between George and Knysna.

COMFORT
The new Figo is based on proven global small car architecture such as that of the previous Fiesta, but with substantial redesign to keep the vehicle up to date.
Some small changes make a big difference - like the new rubber door seals that decrease wind noise, ensuring a quieter passenger compartment. On models equipped with diesel engines, double seals are used on the door openings.

The seat design for Figo is all-new, and includes fabric seat inserts with specific bolster and trim patterns for each model.
Other features include automatic door locks. All doors automatically lock after the vehicle reaches a speed of seven kilometres per hour.
The car is quiet, except for the comforting diesel growl, and really comfortable. The interior finishes are in line with far more expensive vehicles.
Housed in the centre of the instrument panel is a standard AM/FM radio with CD/MP3 capability. Radio Data System (RDS) is standard on all Figo audio systems.

All models have a standard heater and air-conditioning system, which includes one of the largest compressors in its class. It is designed to provide excellent performance for a range of ambient temperatures from
-10 to 49 degrees Celsius.

All models include a 12-volt power socket to charge personal items, including cell phones and GPS navigation devices.

The rear seats of the Figo have been newly designed to include a full folding rear-seat back that greatly increases cargo carrying capacity. It is not the traditional 60:40 split, which might not offer quite the flexibility, but kept the price down. When folded down, cargo carrying capacity is nearly doubled to easily accommodate large objects.

LET’S GO!
The precise and responsive steering of the Figo instills confidence, the car communicates solidness and safety, and drives like a much bigger car.
The chassis and suspension were redesigned to improve ride and handling, which were good on the winding roads we took.
It’s a fun and fashionable compact car that has been developed and designed with the customer in mind.
The Figo we drove has a 1.4 Turbo Diesel Duratorq that delivers 51 kW at 4 000 rpm, whereas the torque is 160 Nm at 2 000 rpm. The published consumption figures are 5.3 litres per 100 km on the combined cycle and the diesel emits 139 g/km of CO2.
All new Figo models are equipped with five-speed ma-nual transmissions.

The instrumentation includes a speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge.

SAFETY
Impressive stopping power for the Figo is thanks to its four-channel ABS system which includes Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
This is standard and Ford should be praised for putting safety first, even in a cost-conscious market. The same can be said about their decision to make the front driver and passenger airbags a standard item.

Safety is of the highest standard with dual front airbags included as standard for both the passenger and driver on all models.
Airbags are equipped with load limiting sensors and are designed to deploy depending on the severity of impact.

LUXURIES
But Ford has not stripped the Figo of all the small motoring luxuries. Included on all Figo models is a distance-to-empty display.
A ‘low fuel’ message reminder illuminates when the fuel range drops below 80 km.
A chime alerts the driver progressively for additional pre-set ranges.
Additional warning lamps are provided to remind drivers of low voltage and oil pressure.
Other features include a lane change indication.
When the stalk is pressed briefly, indicators flash three times, eliminating the need to hold it.
Also included are alerts for 'door ajar', 'headlamps on' and ‘seatbelts’ whereas the diesel model includes an alert for 'water in fuel'.
Hazard deceleration alerts automatically flash when vehicle speed suddenly decreases, which warns following vehicles.

SOUND SYSTEM
A sensitivity setting on the radio allows stronger or weaker signals to be delivered at optimal range.
Speed-sensing volume is also standard. Connectivity for iPods is included with an ‘Aux-in’ port located in front with the radio.
An equaliser function ideally sets the sound for different music genres. Four speakers are included and are located in the door trims.

CONCLUSION
Figo derives its name from the colloquial Italian expression, which translated into English means ‘cool’. With its stylish design language and practical layout, the Figo is set to be a hit among South African consumers.
It's small enough to weave through city traffic but big enough to accommodate a small family.

DETAILS
The Figo comes with a four-year or 120 000 km fully comprehensive warranty and five-year corrosion warranty.
Service intervals are 20 000 km for petrol derivatives and 15 000 km for the diesel.
The price of the Figo 1.4 TDCi is R125 000 - considerably less than any comparable diesel in its class.
Ford offers affordable spare parts and a reliable servicing through its extensive dealer network.

The vehicle for testing was provided by Porters Auto George. For more information or to book a test drive, phone the dealership on 044 802 5400.

TEST RIDE AND ARTICLE BY ANICA KRÜGER.