Here’s the refreshed Ford Figo

Ford Motor Company is lifting its game in the compact car segment with an extensively updated Ford Figo that gains a more sophisticated, upmarket appearance and improved specification levels that make it a stronger contender than ever.

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“The Figo is an important model for Ford in South Africa, as it is represents the entry point for customers into the Ford brand,” says Tracey Delate, General Manager, Marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

“The latest model brings a fresh new look and equipment upgrades to the range, and we have rationalised the line-up to make it a more competitive and compelling choice in a segment where value for money and affordability are the primary purchase considerations,” Delate adds.

Adding to its appeal is the introduction of an all-new standard Service Plan, which takes the original two-year/40 000km offering that was launched with the previous Figo to a comprehensive four-year/60 000km Service Plan for the new model. The Service Plan covers the vehicle for up to four services over a period of four years – a unique offering in this class that is sure to create a stir in the local market.

“With its great new styling, impressive levels of comfort and safety features, exceptional value and the segment-defining new Service Plan as standard, we expect the new Figo to be a strong contender in the important sub-B segment.”

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Key to the Figo’s more modern, refined appearance is an attractive new front end distinguished by an entirely new bumper design that houses a restyled honeycomb grille, reflecting the latest Ford design language. This is complemented by eye-catching detailing for the front fog lamp surrounds, framed by creative accents that link the lower bezel to the upper section of the bumper, giving the latest model a dynamic and elegant flair.

New chrome inserts in the headlamps add a further dash of sophistication, imparting far greater stand-out appeal for the new Figo over its predecessor. The sporty stance is further enhanced by the stylish new dual-tone multi-spoke 14-inch alloy wheels for the Trend models, and updated wheel caps for the Ambiente versions which have 14-inch steel rims.

At the rear, the new Figo benefits from subtle yet effective changes to the tail light clusters, along with an all-new rear bumper design that gives the car a notably more contemporary character.

A new ‘White Gold’ colour option is available exclusively on the Figo Trend models to complement the carry-over options that can be specified across the range: Oxford White, Absolute Black, Smoke, Deep Impact Blue, Ruby Red and Moondust Silver.

The interior of the Figo has been updated too, particularly around the centre console and upper instrument panel. The cleaner design, particularly for the audio system, enhances comfort and ease of use.

New fabric inserts on the door panels and the selection of a new, more modern fabric for the seats further enhances the interior ambience.

Feature-packed across the range

Expressing its superb value for money, the new Figo range boasts an impressive range of standard comfort, convenience and safety features.

The Ambiente is the entry-level model, and is available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. It is equipped with electric front windows with one-touch operation on the driver’s side, a factory-fitted immobiliser, electric power-assisted steering, tilt adjustment for the steering column and headlight level adjustment.

A built-in Ford Audio unit is standard with an integrated display and four speakers, offering Bluetooth connectivity, a USB slot, as well as Ford’s unique Device Dock in the upper section of the centre console for connecting and powering smart phone devices.

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Driver and passenger airbags are standard, with ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) providing sure-footed stopping performance.

Additional features available on the Trend models, available in sedan or hatchback, extend to remote central locking, a belt minder for driver and front passenger, power rear windows with child lock, rear window defroster, perimeter anti-theft alarm, and a gear-shift indicator for manual models.

Externally, the Trend is distinguished by the fitment of 14-inch alloy wheels, powered side mirrors, the distinctive chromed grille, front fog lamps and full colour coding for the door handles and mirrors. The Trend automatic is also equipped with Hill Launch Assist (HLA) which assists with smooth pull-offs on steep inclines.

All-new petrol engine, six-speed automatic

One of the key new features of the Figo range is the all-new 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that powers the entire line-up. This advanced latest-generation unit is powerful, efficient and clean, and uses an aluminium engine block and cylinder head for reduced weight.

It also relies on twin independent variable camshaft timing (TiVCT) for the four-valves-per-cylinder engine to deliver improved low-down torque as well as top-end power. The fitment of a dual-stage variable oil pump further enhances efficiency, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The 1.5 TiVCT engine is credited with a maximum power output of 88kW and peak torque of 150Nm for great all-round driving dynamics, impressive fuel economy and low running costs.

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A new high-tech six-speed automatic gearbox makes its debut in the new Figo, and is exclusively available on the five-door Trend hatch.

As a replacement for the previous PowerShift transmission, the six-speed version is a conventional torque converter automatic that boasts greater refinement with significantly reduced vibration and noise, while offering the ideal balance between fuel economy and comfort.

The manual derivatives employ a standard five-speed transmission, and have an EcoMode with shift indicator that informs the driver of the ideal point to shift up or down a gear to reduce fuel consumption.

Recommended Retail Prices:

Figo 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente Hatch 5MT            R181 300

Figo 1.5 TiVCT Trend Hatch 5MT                             R190 600

Figo 1.5 TiVCT Trend Hatch 6AT                              R205 700

Figo 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente Sedan 5MT                        R187 200

Figo 1.5 TiVCT Trend Sedan 5MT                            R196 000

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. A four-year/60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.