A replacement for the now two generations ago Fiesta derived model albeit with upmarket pretensions, the Figo’s exterior differences from the outgoing model includes a new honeycomb grille, restyled front and rear bumpers, chrome headlight surround on 14-inch alloy wheels on the top spec Trend model, new fog light surrounds and updated taillight clusters.

In addition to the new Trend exclusive White Gold hue that joins the existing six palette colour selection, the others being Absolute Black, Oxford White, Smoke, Moondust Silver, Deep Impact Blue and Ruby Red, Ford has also given the Figo a new dashboard, upgraded fabrics and new seat upholstery.

Model-wise, the Blue Oval has kept the Ambiente and Trend trim levels, but dropped the Titanium  as range topper while retaining both hatchback and sedan bodystyles. Despite having bowed in India back in January, the crossover inspired Freestyle, for now, remains a no-no as a rival for the Volkswagen Polo Vivo Maxx.

As for specification, the Ambiente receives body coloured bumpers, 14-inch steel wheels with new plastic wheel covers, a trip computer, four-speaker sound system with the unique Ford Dock smartphone cradle featuring Bluetooth and USB, cloth seats with manual height adjustable driver’s chair, dual front airbags, ABS, auto lock doors and front electric windows.

Aside from the already mentioned new alloys and grille, the Trend swaps the black door handles for colour coded items and further benefits from electrically folding coloured mirrors, boot light, gear shift indicator, a single 12-volt power socket, 60/40 split rear seat on hatchback models, remote central locking, rear electric windows and on automatic models only, Hill Launch Assist and Traction Control.

In a further surprise development, Ford has done away with the 1.5-litre TDCI in favour of its brand-new 1.5-litre three-cylinder Dragon petrol engine that also replaces the old 1.5-litre Duratec used until now. Producing 88kW/150Nm, a hike of five kilowatts and 14Nm, the mill is connected to five-speed manual gearbox or a new six-speed torque convertor automatic in place of the old Powershift dual-clutch.

Regardless of bodystyle, Ford claims a top speed of 175km/h for all Figo models, although the manual completes the 0-100km/h dash in 11.8 seconds compared to the auto’s 12.0 seconds. Combined fuel consumption is 5.7-litres/100km for the manual and 6.5-litres/100km for the self-shifter, with emissions of 132g/km and 150g/km respectively.

A four year / 120 000km warranty and four year / 60 000kmk service plan is standard across the Figo range.

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