THE EXTERIOR
The all-new Figo is a smart-looking hatchback with a wheelbase of 2,491 mm that offers excellent legroom, knee-room and shoulder-room. It has become rounder in the exterior-styling in its second avatar. It has also grown -- it stands 98 mm taller, 91 mm longer and 15 mm wider in comparison to its older version. Ground clearance in the newer model has been increased to 174 mm as against 168 mm on the previous one.
The new-generation Ford Figo drives on 14-inch tyres wrapped around eight-petal-design silver alloy-wheels. It features sweptback headlights and the company's new signature grille with four horizontal planks. Its unassuming design with a pair of minimalistic tail-lamps makes the rear portion look simple and neat and combines well with its overall look.
THE INTERIOR
There is plenty of space upfront and the comfortable height-adjustable driver seat adds to a smooth day-long drive. The simple speedometer console is well laid out while the complete driver-info display also shows both average and instant fuel economy rates, the outside temperature and the average speed. The steering is a joy to hold with Bluetooth and audio controls on it.
There is considerable space in the rear seats too, with adequate knee-room and leg space.
It has 257 liters of storage when it comes to boot space. The door pads are rather generous with various compartments that can store bottles and cups, among other stuff.
The new-generation Figo is equipped with unique features such as MyFord Dock (for storing, mounting and charging mobile phones, MP3 players and/or GPS devices), an innovative Ford MyKey technology that allows owners to program the car's keys with restricted driving modes and the SYNC with AppLink multimedia system (Ford's advance in-car connectivity).
It also has six airbags (in the top-end variants), hill start-assist, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs) and emergency-assist that alerts authorities in the event of an accident.
DRIVING DYNAMICS
We drove the 1.5-liter TDCi diesel engine on the way to Agra. It is paired with a responsive five-speed manual transmission, good for 100 PS of peak power and 215 Nm torque.
The all-new Figo offers a competent drive once it is settled and on the move. With the steering weighing up nicely, high-speed steadiness is impressive.
We touched 170 kmph with ease on this engine and it felt safe and reassuring while doing so. Getting to and maintaining a three-digit speed over long distances didn't seem to invite any discomfort whatsoever. It remained planted under hard cornering and the brakes compliment its overall handling.
Similarly, the 1.2-liter Ti-VCT petrol engine, also paired to a five-speed manual transmission system, delivers peak power of 88 PS and 112 Nm torque.
According to GO Automobiles Pvt Ltd, exclusive dealer of Ford products for Nepal, the petrol and diesel variants of new Ford Figo start from Rs 2.199 and Rs 2.599 million respectively.
The 1.2-liter Ti-VCT petrol engine variant delivers a mileage of 18.16 km per liter while the 1.5-liter TDCi diesel engine variant offers a fuel economy of 25.83 km per liter, the company said.
Base, Ambiente, Trend, Trend+, Titanium and Titanium+ are the six trims available on the new Figo. Customers will have a choice from among seven color options -- Ruby Red, Sparkling Gold, Oxford White, Tuxedo Black, Deep Impact Blue, Ignot Silver, and Smoke Grey.
On the whole, the all-new Figo is a huge improvement over its previous generation and impresses on many counts especially when it comes to styling and features. It's spacious, offers great ride-comfort and promises to be a strong product for its class.
Ford would be hoping to take the brand several notches forward with the launch of the all-new Ford Figo. Looking more upmarket and attractive, it seems all set to replicate the success of the older Figo.
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