When the Ford Figo was launched a couple of years ago, it was essentially a stripped-down version of the outgoing Ford Fiesta. I liked it a lot. It was B-segment car for A-segment money. Today’s Figo has stepped out on its own and grown up outside of the shadow of the model that it was based on.
The looks
The too-close-to-beige colour on our test model aside, the Figo’s appearance is inoffensive. There’s a new nose at the front with a new bumper, a redesigned grille and chrome-look accents around the fog lamps.
It’s kind of cutesy. I’m still not a fan of the booted Figo when it comes to looks – it looks like an entry-level car out of Asia. I know that technically, it is from that side of the world seeing as it’s built in India… Overall, however, the Figo is a lot more grown up than ever before.
Not a pretty rear, but definitely more practical than it's hatched sibling
What lies beneath?
There’s a new engine powering the Figo – a 1.5-litre, three cylinder with 88kW and 150Nm of torque. Sending power to the front wheels of the unit that we tested is a six-speed automatic ‘box.
Admittedly, I didn’t enjoy the combination too much. The gearbox holds on the gears for quite a long time and mechanical engine noise can get a bit loud, especially up hill. On the open (flat) road, however, the Figo proved perfectly capable, but it did, however, show its best side when it was used out and about in the Cape Town CBD.
It’s a great city car. Those who liked the turbodiesel Figo before may be unhappy to hear that there is no longer this option available in the updated range, while those wanting a manual transmission will be able to choose a model with the five-speed manual ‘box.
Standard spec
Tremendous back for your buck still mandatory in the new Figo
At this price point, how much bang you get for your buck is a big consideration. The Figo is packed with enough to satisfy most customers featuring electric windows at the front, power steering, a Ford audio unit with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB slot. A device dock is standard on the entry-level Ambiente model. Moving up to Trend will get you remote central locking, an anti-theft alarm, a rear window defroster and rear electric windows. Safety is taken care of in the form of driver and passenger airbags, and ABS brakes with EBD. There is also a pretty decent four-year/60 000km service plan is included.
Okay, let’s wrap this up
While the sedan that we had on test isn’t my first choice Figo - I would prefer the hatchback, I cannot deny its value. You get a lot for your money. A student or young family should definitely consider this as an option when shopping for new wheels.
New Figo Pricing:
| 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente Hatch 5MT | R181,300.00 |
| 1.5 TiVCT Trend Hatch 5MT | R190,600.00 |
| 1.5 TiVCT Trend Hatch 6AT | R205,700.00 |
| 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente Sedan 5MT | R187,200.00 |
| 1.5 TiVCT Trend Sedan 5MT | R196,000.00 |
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.
