Ford Figo: First Drive

The Yankees are turning on the heat in a most atypical segment, albeit one where all the action is to take place in 2010. The Ford Figo is set to fire up the "large" B-segment, says Adil Jal Darukhanawala

"I cannot do much about history but can only look forward to what we are about to bring to market and that is a very exciting product," proclaimed Michael Boneham, Ford India's boss man when I engaged him at the technical presentation on the new Figo. The fact about history is that one has to learn from it rather than repeat it as Ford has done so many times unfailingly in this country. Boneham and team, therefore, has the welcome yet onerous task of not running true to form but to usher in something which could recreate the magic for the Blue Oval in a class of car where it has achieved so much success elsewhere, especially in Europe. My only grouch though is that Ford continues to employ its legacy platforms for all its India-specific cars and the new Figo is no different.

That being said Ford has used one of the best bases it could have for the Figo's architecture, one based on the last generation Fiesta which was one of the most acclaimed hatchbacks of its kind internationally. To add it to the American car maker and built upon this platform with streaks of the firm's Kinetic design cues which not sit very well with the car's stance. The 'Figo-ratively cool' Figo had made it to our cover story in ET ZigWheels just a few months back but while that was just a non-running mockup, I must say that when we got to the first pilot production batch vehicles, the new Figo seemed to have become more substantial, more engaging and with a demeanour that seemed to suggest it could do the business.

A few figures will only go ahead and substantiate the point I am trying to make here since the India-focus of the car has been consistent throughout its production cycle. Out of the 84 prototype mules that were built for the Figo, 64 were manufactured at its Chennai plant right here in India. The development process was also as diligent as they come with over 8,000 individual tests, 20 crash tests and 7 lakh kilometers of testing which were performed on the 134 pre-production models that were made. Clearly Ford seems to be leaving very few stones unturned in the way of making the Figo a success in a market that gives back by the bucketful to products that subscribe and deliver to its few but stringent demands.

Design and style

The stance which makes the new Figo so very athletic and handsome in its outlook while having that confident about-town sensibility thanks to just the right amount of body toning and practical design cues rounded out by clever accents. The front end has that familiar global Ford tri-plane look with the split line on the top of the bonnet's leading edge working harmoniously with those dynamically stylized headlamps. The Figo seems to shroud its 2498mm wheelbase very well and given its ultra short overhangs, notably at the rear, it is no surprise that the car looks just right in proportion as it does in its stance. Given its wheelbase - the longest among any B-segment car in the land, the Figo's overall length is under 3.8 metres, 3795mm to be precise, validating the visual appeal of the package.

The Drive!

Open the bonnet and there resides the all-new 1.2-litre Duratec engine from Ford's Sigma family of small gasoline powerplants designed jointly with Mazda. This all-aluminium unit meets the Bharat Stage IV norms and given its long stroke cylinder dimensions (bore is 70.6mm while stroke is 76.5mm), the car is not just revvy but also pretty strong on torque, which is what matters for strong driveability in our traffic conditions. Ford is also offering the Figo with the excellent 1.4-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel. Given its state of tune, the turbocharged diesel develops 69PS at 4000rpm and makes a whopping 160Nm at 2000rpm, giving driveability an all new dimension among B-segmenters in the country.

I got to sample both petrol and diesel-engined versions over a short Mickey Mouse traffic infested course in Goa and given the inherent traffic flow and resultant speeds, the Figo was impressive to say the least. Most important was the fact that she drove very well, delivered a firm but pliant ride and the steering was brilliant in its efficacy. The response from the right pedal was also impressive and overall driveability in the high cogs of the 5-speed tranny marked it out as a car with terrific potential. The sure planted feel though is what will win many over to this car and now only one thing remains.

This can only be complete when Ford reveals it has learnt its lessons and doesn't be its old historic self and delivers a self-goal to all the good build-up to the Figo. Yes I am suggesting that if Ford blunders on the pricing, it would turn up a super fool rather than super cool (forgive the attempt at word play) and that would be a shame in more ways than one. Guys, it is now or never, history of a different - welcome - sort beckons. Are you all game enough to grab this with strong minds and hearts? Answers to first pricing moves next month. Stay tuned.