GUJARAT: The 2016 Ford Figo hatchback has been spied with minimal camouflage indicating that the D-Day is approaching fast. The next gen B-Segment hatchback is all set to be the first model to be rolled out of Ford India’s brand new production facility at Sanand, Gujarat.
Ford has reportedly started trial productions late last year with the commercial production slated to commence towards the end of this financial year (by April 2015). The hatchback will be accompanied by a sub-4 meter sedan derivative which is first previewed at the Auto Expo 2014.
The twins made their global debut in Brazil as Ka and Ka+ (sedan). Based on the heavily revised platform of the outgoing Figo (which in turn shares its platform with the old Fiesta), the next generation Figo pair benefits from the brand’s latest design language which looks nothing like the old car.
An Aston Martin-ish front grille and prominent peeled back headlamps aside, the design is rather conservative. The designers have done a commendable job of making the sedan look proportionate despite operating with length restrictions.
Inside, the hatchback and sedan share the dashboard design which derives inspiration from the likes of EcoSport and Fiesta. The equipment list will include the Ford SYNC multimedia infotainment system.
The 2016 Figo is expected to ditch its aging 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engines in favor of the new non-turbocharged version of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel engine that is also employed by the Fiesta and EcoSport. The petrol mill would produce around 80 PS whereas the oil burner is likely to have a power output in the vicinity of 75 PS. A 5-speed manual gearbox will take care of transmission duties.
The new gen Ford Figos are expected to revive the nameplate’s plummeting sales in India. As of now, the American automaker is managing to stay afloat in the country with the help of EcoSport alone and the new B-segment contenders would help the brand increase its momentum.
