Ford rolls out Figo at Rs 3.5 lakh

Ford has rolled out the Figo, a car much awaited in the Indian market for it's new Chennai plant, with an aggressive price tag ranging between Rs 3.5 lakh for the entry-level petrol vehicle, and Rs 5.3 lakh for the top-end diesel variant. Figo is the second car to be launched this year with an entry price of less than Rs 3.5 lakh, a price segment that has seen little action since General Motors introduced the Spark three years ago.



The Figo compares favourably with competitors on pricing and performance, but along with the Chevrolet Beat, its rock-bottom pricing indicates very low margins for the company and an intensification the battle for a slice of the compact car segment. The Figo will feature a standard 1.2 litre engine designed specially for the Indian market and will be available in the 1.4 litre Duratorq diesel engine as well. Both models will feature a manual five speed transmission and a retuned chassis, specially for the Indian terrain.


Starting with an excellent structure and chassis, both interior and exterior designers took the Ford kinetic brand philosophy and applied it to the new Indian model. Figo's exterior styling follows the global kinetic design elements that help harmonise the car with other models in the Ford global line-up, including Focus and Mondeo. Starting with the tri-plane front end, elements including the split line on the top of the bonnet line up perfectly with the top of the headlamps and combine to give the car a sporty and aggressive appearance and develop the car's unique personality.


The car's large headlamps have a dynamic shape that helps define the element of speed and agility for the Figo. High models also include door handles painted to match the body colour, adding to the upscale presence of the vehicle. From the rear also, the Figo continues with the kinetic design cues. The rear backlight, along with a subtle hint of a spoiler located in the tailgate adds to the dynamism and muscular appeal. The rear backlight is flush-mounted for reduced wind noise. On High series models, a rear wiper and nozzle sprayer are included. The centre high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) is located in the rear roofline. To help ensure visibility in city traffic, the new tail lamps are located high in the rear quarter panel.


To ensure a quiet interior, doors on the Figo include effective, new rubber seal designs to decrease wind noise inside the passenger compartment. On models equipped with diesel engines, double seals are used at the door openings. The daylight opening (DLO) or the side glass area features a black "B" pillar and is surrounded by black trim. The long, fast DLO adds to the sporty stance of the Figo. From the rear also, the Figo continues with the kinetic design cues



The rear backlight, along with a subtle hint of a spoiler located in the tailgate adds to the dynamism and muscular appeal. The rear backlight is flush-mounted for reduced wind noise. On High series models, a rear wiper and nozzle sprayer are included. The centre high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) is located in the rear roofline. To help ensure visibility in city traffic, the new tail lamps are located high in the rear quarter panel.


The instrument panel is free flowing and smooth with a textured surface. The instrumentation on the entry series includes a speedometer and fuel gauge. Warning lights for engine coolant, oil pressure and voltage are included in the cluster to alert the driver. Also included are reminders for door ajar, headlamps on, seatbelts and for diesel models, water in fuel. All models include a 12V power socket to charge personal items including cell phones.


The seat design for Figo is all-new and includes fabric seat inserts with a specific bolster and trim pattern that are unique for each series. Black cloth with a distinctive blue pattern highlight is the sole colour for the interior of the Entry Figo. Mid and High series have a black - theme interior highlighted with red accents. All interiors are distinctive with each interior having different variations in trim. Inside and out, the design of Figo lives up to its name - cool!