Ford Figo to launch in India

Ford Figo, Indian Car of the Year in 2011 may soon be available in a 1.6-litre petrol avatar. Auto car India Editor Hormzad Sorabjee tweeted about the possibility adding that Ford India may use 1.6-litre petrol Duratec engine that powers the Ford Fiesta in the Figo 1.6 petrol.

Ford Fiesta 1.6-litre motor produces 100 bhp of maximum power at 6,500 rpm and 146 Nm of maximum torque at 3,400 rpm. The 1.6 Duratec engine has enough low-end grunt and the performance at speeds above 150 km/hr is also very pleasing. The mileage is rated at around 13 km/litre.

The Ford cars, Figo 1.6 petrol will fight with the Volkswagen Polo 1.6 and Skoda Fabia 1.6. The Figo 1.2 is known for its value-for-money pricing. Ford cars to price the Figo 1.6 also competitively, perhaps, around the Rs. 5.5 lakh range.

The current Figo petrol is powered by a 1.2-litre Duratec engine that produces 71 bhp at 6,250 rpm and 102 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Though the 1.2-litre engine has strong mid range power and decent drivability, it lacks low-end grunt demanding frequent down shifts, especially in city driving conditions. The Figo 1.2-litre petrol delivered a mileage of 13.5 km/lire in our road test.