Funky All-New Ford Figo Introduced to SA

“The all-new Figo is an exciting new compact car that will delight customers with its great design, smart technology, advanced safety features, world-class quality and powerful yet efficient engines,” says Tracey Delate, Ford SA's General Marketing Manager.

“The all-new Figo demonstrates that a compact car doesn’t mean sacrificing quality, design or features, and offers a lot more in each of these areas than consumers would ever expect for the money,” Delate adds.

As stated above, new Figo is all new, evident in the refreshing new exterior design - the previous generation Figo/Fiesta shape has been around for more than 10 years - featuring the now familiar 'Ford face' which borrows heavily from the Figo's older Fiesta and Focus siblings.

Perhaps the best angle is 90 degrees side-on, with its distinctive waistline and sloping tailgate glass, it certainly is a smart looking hatchback, particularly considering it's budget-beating ambitions. It will be available in Ambiente, Trend and Titanium trim levels - the latter benefitting from chrome inserts and detailing - lending it a more premium touch.

So what is powering the new Figo? Well, it's out with the old 1.4-litre capacity engines and in with a new 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol develops an impressive 82kW and 136Nm of torque is will sip a claimed 5.6l/100km of fuel.

The 1.5-litre Duratorq TDCi engine makes a healthy 74kW combined with 215Nm, the latter available from just 1750 revs/min. Average fuel consumption is rated at 4.1l/100km.

Those familiar with the Fiesta will immediately identify with the Figo's new interior - whose interior quality has increased dramatically over the previous model - with HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and multimedia controls closely resembling those of the Fiesta. Intelligent and careful space management creates a surprisingly roomy cabin emphasizing quality, comfort and convenience.

Power steering, air-conditioning, central locking, cloth seats which offer 4-way manual adjustable for driver and passenger, front driver and passenger airbags and Ford audio with 4 speakers including AUX, USB, Bluetooth and CD / MP3 player, tinted glass, body-coloured bumpers and rear fog lamps, manual headlamp levelling and ABS are all included as standard across the range.

Although entry level, the new Figo offers some impressive standard equipment, most notably MyFord Dock which offers a unique solution for storing, mounting and charging mobile phones, MP3 players and satellite navigation systems, and for integrating these devices into the car’s entertainment system.

Trend models add further standard features such as colour-coded door handles, 14-inch alloy wheels in place of the lower model’s steel rims, front fog lamps plus and electrically-adjustable exterior mirrors. Power front and rear windows with one-touch function for the driver and drive-away locking function as well as 60/40 split folding rear back seats round off the Trend trim level.

Top of the range Titanium models receive even more standard kit such as electronic climate control and Ford SYNC functionality with Bluetooth and voice control. Side and curtain airbags are added taking the count up to six as well as ESP with Hill Launch Assist. Lastly, drivers of Titanium-spec new Figo's benefit from a six-way adjustable seat.

Also fitted to Titanium models is Ford's innovative MyKey functionality which allows owners to set certain restrictions for drivers of the Figo, perhaps younger children as an example. A maximum speed limit, or a persistent seatbelt reminder that mutes the audio system and continues to play until occupants buckle up. Great for worried parents, although newly licenced children of said parents might not agree though...

Pricing:

All models are sold with a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, two-year/40 000km service plan, three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.