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Ford Figo: First Drive

Adil Jal Darukhanawala      1 Feb 2010

Buying a Car ? Get Best Deal

Ford Figo

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 in Goa. 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.

Figo

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.

 More in this Article
 Page 2 :   Design and Style
 Page 3 :   The Drive!

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.
 
 

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User's Comments
  • Donkey (15 March 2010 22:01)
    Fiat makes the diesel engines for Indica, Swift,i10 etc, Ford makes one of the better diesel engines. | Reply
  • Irshad Ahmed (15 March 2010 15:35)
    I think it the time now to wake up for Maruti Suzuki , Hyundai and TATA. I think Hyundai is cheating Indian customers just on the base of marketing strategy. Even FIGO and BEAT is coming on a price tag of Hyundai i10. | Reply
  • Ramaana (13 March 2010 14:12)
    Guys, I have been driving Fiesta Diesel for sometime now with no trouble. For starters, you should look how the driveability is tuned at low end rather than simple Power values ( as Power/Torque alone could be misleading). That way Fiesta is gem of driveability in usable ranges in city/Highway | Reply
  • Ravikiran (12 March 2010 09:18)
    had a test drive yesterday. Good space, good engine(diesel). sales guy claimed that the diesel engine delivers a average of 24kmpl on highways. however, felt that the engine is less torquey than the swift diesel.interiors are a bit cheap comapred to swift. However, the most disappointing part is that the rear windows are manual evenin the highest version and the rear windows can be rolled down only halfway :-( | Reply
  • Umang Varma (11 March 2010 11:10)
    Hey Guys Help me out.. had been owing a TATA Indica for 5 long years. have a desire to go for a sturdy, economical and yet new style of car, in Diesel variant. current choices are Ford Figo, Maruti swift, Volkswagen Polo and Indigo CS My everyday running is high coz am in sales | Reply
 Rajat (12 March 2010 13:02) Reply to Umang Varma
Dude..I think you havent checked the Punto yet...its amazing to drive, stick to road...great interiors, and afcourse rated the best looking Hatchback...and Mileage is comparable to Swift...Go for It | Reply
 DG (11 March 2010 11:33) Reply to Umang Varma
Buy Indigo CS only if you really, really need that small extra boot space. It's most outdated in this bunch - shouldn't actually be compared to Swift/Polo/Figo. Since you are considering Swift, I don't think boot space is a problem for you. If you want the Swift, should wait for new 2011 version. It's likely to be a bit larger and interior space is a big problem with Swift.Polo is the most modern design and most expensive of all these, but Figo's diesel engine is better to drive. Figo is probably the 'best of all worlds' if your running is high. Cheap to buy and Run, has all the safety equipment at 5.5L Titanium. Ford is tom-tomming low cost of service and parts for Figo. Take a test drive and make up your own mind. | Reply
  • kumar (11 March 2010 10:42)
    FORD.... FIX OR REPAIR DAILY | Reply
  • Rajnish (10 March 2010 17:31)
    Hey Guys...with due respect to you all....i am always for Maruti...i had a 800 first..i upgraded to Alto and now iam buying swift-VXI...as iam in the car rental business,,,,i know which car and why....Ford is good....if you have all the wealth to spend....spare/service very costly....Fiat...no idea....therefore i suggest Maruti Rocks...buy and forget.... | Reply
 Rahul (11 March 2010 00:22) Reply to Rajnish
Even i have a Red Maruti 800 Std which my dad bought in January 1987.We got a White Alto LXi in November 2004. Our next car is most probably a Swift VXi or a Ford Figo ZXi | Reply
  • Sadasivam (10 March 2010 14:56)
    Ford of course, is a good brand. Affordability is the main issue on which u need to make up ur mind before gonna own a Ford. Ford Cars are notrious for their ownership costs. They will slowly erode ur bank account. Go for Maurti if u do not wanna spend much on after sales costs. Think of it..Ask Ford owners and finally make a decision. After all, it's your hard earned money | Reply
 DG (11 March 2010 11:15) Reply to Sadasivam
Personally owned Fiat and Maruti cars, and have friends with Ford Fiestas and ikons. Maruti cars have low maintenance, at the cost of rattle-free durability and passenger safety - they have often avoided adding safety musts like ABS and airbags even as options.. best sellers like Alto are prime examples. And some of the low maintenance cost comes from road-side repairs with spurious parts. Maruti parts and accessories remain the most copied ones, and you never see Maruti going after such piracy/duplicate part makers.Ford has come a very long way in the last few years. Fiestas are not expensive to maintain compared to similr cars if you check with owners. Figo is specifically designed for long component life and low cost. Most common service spares for Figo are cheaper than i10 and Swift. Costs have been cut via local production and reuse of existing platforms. So, for the first time we have a hatch that's 1) solid, 2) cheap to buy and 3) cheap to run 4) safety features included. Indian small car buyers normally get only 2 of these 4!I hope Ford delivers the right dealership and service experience. | Reply
  • HondaCEO (09 March 2010 12:43)
    Honda , my ass, will listen to you. You have to pay a price for the brand Honda. | Reply
 Prashant Singh jaghina (12 March 2010 03:24) Reply to HondaCEO
hey man, r u Honda's CEO for sure? I did never hope that a global brand's CEO would write in such a bad language. Anyways, does your 'ass' really has ears to listen to someone's plea??? Im very sorry to admit that others don't have these facilities with their asses. u r exception. congratulate yourself, pat your ass. fuck-off with your stupid alien and out fashioned brands. | Reply
 PM (10 March 2010 02:30) Reply to HondaCEO
Dear CEO, Let Honda be dreaming of selling hatchbacks in India then :) | Reply
  • Ankit (08 March 2010 18:40)
    I am planning to buy a DIESEL variant from SWIFT, PUNTO, RITZ, FIGO, VISTA. Which one will be the best option considering my age is 27 yrs... | Reply
 Figo (11 March 2010 17:42) Reply to Ankit
Figo got - GFT IB5 gear box which is well proven and has been produced more than in million around the world. So, this car got a well proven engine and Gearbox. Apart from this many other components has been taken from Fiasta, icon and Fusion. So, Very good chance that it will be reliable vehicle. Howevere, I cannot comment on serving concerns. | Reply
 Borbala (10 March 2010 15:07) Reply to Ankit
Man, go for swift.. dont go for punto and kinto..they are failures...Good engine and bad car...that is Fiat.Swift is a global sensation..feel it..burn the roads. | Reply
 GP (15 March 2010 15:23) Reply to Borbala
Only two people can travel in Swift, or third person has to lie down on the back seat. | Reply
 Nitesh (10 March 2010 13:53) Reply to Ankit
Figo diesel, is for me. The engine is same as fiesta and its a proven engine.. Also the its value for money. More spacious than swift,Punto and Polo.. | Reply
 PM (10 March 2010 02:32) Reply to Ankit
Nothing beats a SWIFT in the feel factor. It may not have as good interiors as some other competitors, but exterior looks and the fact that it comes from the Maruti stable makes it the number one choice. | Reply
 Ramkisan (10 March 2010 15:01) Reply to PM
null | Reply
 milan (10 March 2010 01:58) Reply to Ankit
if you have more budget then go for chevrolet srv,else punto or i20!i am owner of an automobile website for indian auto companies so have spent my life researching automobile! | Reply
 Ankit Agrawal (11 March 2010 17:21) Reply to milan
no, i dont qant to spend tat much. my budget is 5 lacs. so i want to choose from swift, ritz, figo, polo, vista | Reply
 hauntingskull (09 March 2010 17:40) Reply to Ankit
I did all research on Hatch b4 buying it on 1st jan No looking Back. I bought a Punto Diesel Red. ppl just turn around to look at he car. Its very long hatch and very spacious inside too. only prob i have is im tall and its difficult to get out of car as its low seating. its givi3 gear n 14k\lt in city with 1,2 n 3rd geat drive and about 20k on highway this with ac on. all time. | Reply
 Gopi (09 March 2010 15:39) Reply to Ankit
Go Punto Ankit. you will never regret it. Dont believe what others say about A.S.S etc. It is decent enough and the vehicle drives like a dream. | Reply
 Vijay (09 March 2010 12:35) Reply to Ankit
Go Punto..The best hatchback money can buy! all these fords, suzukis and hyundais cant near it! | Reply
  • Rj (08 March 2010 16:37)
    i love this car, simply because of the boot space and brand name which we can trust Pros: Cheaper than old Swift , Superior finishing , good interiors. good to take elder people in the rear side as the leg space is more or less equal to indica ..Cons:less power than a swift but mileage is still the same :( .. big ? ? on After sale service and also Resale value will be worst. | Reply
  • Mandark (07 March 2010 12:16)
    No Car is a bad product. If it can take you from one place to another.Small Cars like Ford Figo, Hyundai i20, Hyundai i10, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA,Hyundai Getz, Maruti Alto, Volkswagen Polo are decent cars meant for every one. BUT Small Cars like Hyundai Santro, Maruti WagonR, Hyundai i10, Maruti Swift, Maruti Ritz, Chevrolet Beat etc are very flashy and meant only for the Younger Generation. | Reply
  • Suri (05 March 2010 19:23)
    Nothing seriously wrong with the looks of the FIGO. It's relative, for instance, I hate the looks of the Swift, especially its rear, as also the Dzire. Somebody else likes it. Let's not be harsh on Ford. Fusion failed because of wrong pricing. If Figo is priced correctly it should sell well. | Reply
 Amit (06 March 2010 11:58) Reply to Suri
You are ON DOT. I,too,do not like shape of Swift. Suzuki bringing all failed desisn to India. | Reply
 Janiter Muscat (10 March 2010 15:05) Reply to Amit
Wow..that s really a f****n comment. Call a spade a spade. Swift is one of the most successful cars of Suzuki. Come of ur Indian well, u Indian frog. | Reply
 Amit (06 March 2010 11:58) Reply to Suri
You are ON DOT. I,too,do not like shape of Swift. Suzuki bringing all failed desisn to India. | Reply
 PM (10 March 2010 02:34) Reply to Amit
I love it :) I know we have a fractured opinion here, but that's how SWIFT evokes emotions. Very strong like or dislike, nothing in the middle :) | Reply
 Ram (09 March 2010 12:59) Reply to Amit
Fiat Punto is the best designed Car. | Reply
  • SAURABH (05 March 2010 17:16)
    IT LOOKS RIGHT OUT FROM MID80-S. SOMETHING THAT MICHAEL CAINE WOULD HAVE USED IN "THE IPCRESS FILE/" IF IT WAS MADE IN 80s. OLD. OLD OLD. | Reply
  • Namresh Shah (05 March 2010 14:34)
    I think ford has tried his level best to come out with the best designed car | Reply
  • Amit P Karmalkar (05 March 2010 14:07)
    GOOD DISCUSSION. BUT I,TOO,FEEL THAT IN INDIA, WE ONLY KNOW TALK ABOUT MILEAGE. RARELY, YOU WILL FIND PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT QUALITIES OF ENGINE, SUSPENSION, SAFETY FEATURES ETC. YOU KNOW GUYS - WHEN YOU ARE INSIDE YOUR CAR, YOU SHOULD FEEL AS COMFORTABLE AS IF YOU ARE SITTING IN YOUR DRAWING ROOM SOFA. BY THE WAY - I HAVE FORD FUSION, DRIVEN ALMOST 20,000 KM.HAVE A GREAT DAY.AMIT | Reply
 Amit (09 March 2010 12:37) Reply to Amit P Karmalkar
Well said Amit. that is where people dont understand the value for Fiat Punto. | Reply
  • dzine (03 March 2010 14:05)
    common ford, you never learn from your mistakes, we need refreshing models. its 2010, but your design team is still stuck in 90s. Its like those girls who have a beautiful heart but not the looks. Look at those puntos, polos, i10, i20, even 6 year old swift looks fresh compared to this granny style ford. Ford has always brought ugly, old, designs to India and they continue to do so. Its time you wake up or change your design team | Reply
 Rach (09 March 2010 23:06) Reply to dzine
Do u know what Ford is, dzine. Quality wise, No. 1. They are forerunner of all the latest models you see on the road. Be learning more of Ford from Henry Ford's time and his invention. Thanks. | Reply
 umesh (05 March 2010 17:33) Reply to dzine
guys like you would always go for looks not substance ..c'mon grow up babay !! | Reply
 maverick (05 March 2010 17:18) Reply to dzine
dzine@ right said | Reply
 ontarioking (10 March 2010 15:20) Reply to maverick
Dont foolishly argue. Ford is notorious for its over priced spare parts. Besides, Ford is being obsolete at a rapid rate. GMC and Ford are struggling to keep up their appearances. The former has taken a nose drive and the latter is digging its own grave. Sorry guys, US brands are losing their grounds. I can understand ur US loyalty... Sorry, plain speaking is always unpleasant. | Reply
  • aman (03 March 2010 13:59)
    checkin | Reply
  • Adi (03 March 2010 12:19)
    I think its more like Ford Fusion from the Rear. I do not AGREE its based on a Fiesta Lineage. Overall this hatchback looks decent compared to Chevy's Beat/ Maruti's A-Star and the Overpriced Honda Jazz Please see. | Reply
 umesh (05 March 2010 17:37) Reply to Adi
dont know why everyone is against the look of fusion..its anyday better than a bulgeback swift or a 'trying to be agressive' look of i20 | Reply
 Karthi (09 March 2010 12:42) Reply to umesh
The italian beauty Punto looks the best..sexy machine | Reply
  • Rahul (26 February 2010 21:22)
    Just shut up everyone. You all are just shouting because this car is not a Toyota or Honda. Had it been a "Honda Figo" or a "Toyota Figo" you all would have said its the best car in the segment!!, my next car!!!, my dream car!!! etc etcINDIANS DON'T KNOW A SHIT ABOUT CARS. THEY ONLY KNOW ABOUT CAR BRANDS. THAT'S IT. and that's the reason Automakers fool Indian customers | Reply
 Prashant Singh Jaghina (06 March 2010 05:01) Reply to Rahul
hahahaha, a very nice comment. I agree. they can't think beyond some mileage cars like Altos, Zens, M-800s or a toy like Nano. or they will boast of some stupid technology imitated by Korean or Japanese car manufacturers as if these have been invented here in India. | Reply
 Expat Indian (04 March 2010 17:41) Reply to Rahul
"INDIANS DON'T KNOW A SHIT ABOUT CARS. THEY ONLY KNOW ABOUT CAR BRANDS"........ care to drop your knowledge about "CARS"?? .... i am assuming that you're not Indian RAHUL??Fact of the matter is that this is old styling and old technology. The reason why WE INDIANS love the japs is because they are FAR superior in terms of technology.. correction... along with the Germans. Ford is best known for making the F-450 pickup trucks. EVEN the americans dont buy Ford.. | Reply
 Gopu (10 March 2010 15:27) Reply to Expat Indian
Hats off to you, Expat...Ask someone from US. Americans buy Ford pickups for countryside travels. They dumped GMC and Ford. German and Jap cars are very popular in US. I am a great fan of Jap brands..any objection??? | Reply
 Prashant Singh Jaghina (06 March 2010 04:53) Reply to Expat Indian
so Mr. Expat, would u please let me know what the hell do these Americans buy instead of ford!!! When u question Rahul's citizenship, and also when u brag ur Indianization (as ur profile name boats with great emphasis 'Expat Indian') I very much hope that u should have a belief in core Indian brands like Indicas, Indigos, Sumos, Logans or Scorpios instead of being sycophant of Japanese and Jerman brands. Try to learn a lesson that when u urself r nothing in the issues like Technologies, please for God's sake, don't crticise a globally reputed brand like FORDS. don't forget that Fords told the world (ur Japs and Germans) how to run a car. | Reply
 Rahul (07 March 2010 12:10) Reply to Prashant Singh Jaghina
@Expat Indian - Nah m not a Foreigner, i am very much Indian from Bombay. For your kind info if Americans did not buy Ford then how come its the 4th largest Automaker in the World? Do Americans buy Tata, Mahindra and PAL or Hindustan Motors Ambasaddor?I am sure General Motors and Ford know more about Cars then Maruti, Tata, Mahindra, Hyundai, HM, PAL.In the 1970s and 1980s, What the tag "Made in China" is now, It was "Made in Japan" earlier. In the past "Made in Japan" tag was considered Cheap and third grade like the "Made in China" tag now .Its only in the late 1980s the "Made in Japan" tag improved and meant Quality and Reliabilty
  • enigma (22 February 2010 23:38)
    oh ya and btw however dull this car might be.... Ford has such a stylish Lineup in US. why can't they launch one of their latest generation of Fusions and new fiesta here in india. You've gotto learn to launch the best models in fast growing markets first. | Reply
  • enigma (22 February 2010 23:37)
    oh ya and btw however dull this car might be.... Ford has such a stylish Lineup in US. why can't they launch one of their latest generation of Fusions and new fiesta here in india. You've gotto learn the best models in fast growing markets first. | Reply
  • enigma (22 February 2010 23:33)
    I got this word "shame" as word verification for posting this mssg, which i think is aptly applicable on Ford, so Shameful to come up with this. India is a country who is at cutting edge of technologies. Indians have become used to seeing the latest products and models launched here. Look at i10, i20, Cruze, Beat, A-Star,Kizashi,Altis, mercedes, Punto, Linea. Where does it stand against the hot hatches of this generation. Anything above 3.5 lakh price point and This car is going to fail. I think even the new santro will give a good fight to Low end Figo. Competition is out to kill each other and sadly that this car is going fail albeit with whimpers this time. (I feel sorry for Ford aficionados like me) | Reply
 Rahul (28 February 2010 22:35) Reply to enigma
null | Reply
 Roy (09 March 2010 12:39) Reply to Rahul
Punto will emerge as the true winner. Punto is selling a lot quitely without making any noise. It has surpassed the sales of Fiat linea within 6 months of its launch. Go punto | Reply
 Gireesh (10 March 2010 23:10) Reply to Roy
Dear Roy Punto charm is over .. both punto and lenia is just selling 2500 cars per months ...
  • RA (21 February 2010 15:21)
    i say do not base your opinion on the car just by seeing a few photos25th of feb the car would be i display at most of the showrooms. please visit | Reply
  • Chitts (16 February 2010 21:54)
    Ford Fusion was a great car with features but badly marketed and priced by Ford. 4 years back who gave vertical adjustment for drivers seat, ABS, rear wipers in basic models, good leg space, folding rear seats, 4*Power windows, adjustablle OVRMs and a SUV look. One needs to drive it once to get a feel of it . | Reply
  • tyler (16 February 2010 21:02)
    what a bad design | Reply
  • RAJ (15 February 2010 20:50)
    http://www.autocarindia.com/firstdrive/ford-figo ..... dis is wat's called review | Reply
  • Swapnil (15 February 2010 20:44)
    Is dis called first drive???? wer's tech spec????? | Reply
  • Shashi (13 February 2010 18:56)
    Whats there in the car to test. Its the same sole, exterior body and rest component of the old Fusion (India) combined with the running 1.4 Duratorq powertrain. Just they had to fit in the engine. Its just bull shitting that these Marketing guys are doing with the zigwheels.com to sell their mediocre cars. There is nothing great in the power train as that is higher displacement, with lower bhp, lower mileage relatively compared to FIAT Multijet technology | Reply
 KCB Gupta (14 February 2010 18:01) Reply to Shashi
Shashiji, I do not agree with you. Figo from Ford stables is a great car. A lot is expected from this beauty allround the world. It is the next serving from Ford after the stupendously successful Fiasta, which got the best European car | Reply
 KCB Gupta (14 February 2010 18:04) Reply to KCB Gupta
A correction in my previous reply.Regret for the inconvenience.Shashiji, I do not agree with you. Figo from Ford stables is a great car. A lot is expected from this beauty allround the world. It is the next serving from Ford after the stupendously successful Fiasta, which got the best European car label based on its fuel consumption/maintenance free/cost perameters. | Reply
 Harikrishna Pillai (15 February 2010 18:50) Reply to KCB Gupta
Ford Figo is another cosmetically changed version of Ford Fusion which had a very bad sales in Middle East (Muscat)
  • umesh (10 February 2010 18:27)
    Why blame only the Ford for the redisgned Fusion kind of lok for 'Figo'? Maruti infact launched the same design of versa as Echo but no one on this board is complaining. Its time we should look at the product on its merits and not the company name. | Reply
 Sidh (19 February 2010 00:17) Reply to umesh
Maruti Echo......Is horrible...maruti did not bother to change the head lamps as was done by Hindustan motors for four decades in the name of R | Reply
  • Suresh (10 February 2010 13:28)
    this guy adil jal who ever should stop writing about cars ...3 pages and nothing told about what matters... | Reply
 Aromal C (15 February 2010 13:12) Reply to Suresh
Thats the right comment about this article which describes nothing about the car. | Reply
  • santosh goutam (10 February 2010 13:22)
    has ford happen to see the GM Beat EVER,,,,,which tells the indian market that they are serious and the ford figo seems to be a joke, cant complain india seems not a part of their business strategy..... | Reply
 RABINDRANATH KUYANDATHIL (26 February 2010 20:29) Reply to santosh goutam
santosh,is it not that beat is loaded with the same spark engine?do beat has same wheelbase as figo?does beat has same good rear end.ford has these all what i hv mentioned.wheelbase is more important than design.its the safetly of the paasenger.look into the tecnical details. | Reply
  • Rehan Conyers (09 February 2010 22:59)
    Ford's new addorable little darling looks worth a billion bucks and I am totally in love with its fun loving features.I personally believe that that it has the potential to grab it's title in the segment.FORD MOTORS,excellent work guys,keep it up and hope to see the new next-generation Ford Fiesta soon.I bet it'll have a similar nose to the Figo. | Reply
  • ruby (09 February 2010 22:32)
    I think FORD has gone mad. Cant they see the competition?? Looks does matter!! Where it stands near Swift or Punto? Simply Obsolete!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | Reply
  • Manimaran (08 February 2010 16:33)
    pl check this out http://www.flickr.com/photos/fordapa/tags/fordfigo/show/ | Reply
  • ap (07 February 2010 13:42)
    it is an outdated( 2007) old version of the ford fiesta one sees in europe. which is good, but a model which has stopped production in europe.why couldn't they launch this in the new ford fiesta avatar one sees in europe which is awesome. seems they are running down production the old european fiesta model in india. | Reply
  • Ramana (06 February 2010 21:07)
    The review does not say how the feel of the drive compares to the sporty Swift or if it has any drawbacks. In addition to price, fuel efficiency will also be a big factor in its success/failure | Reply
  • subash (06 February 2010 18:59)
    If Suzuki Swift is the benchmark in petrol and diesel, i personally feel Figo has failed to live up to the expectations from whatever has been written in this article. The article itself waxes eloquent on sweet nothings!! There is no talk on the mechanicals, suspension, power train, boot space, interior design and space utilization, safety features and accessories!! What sort of review is this...?! | Reply
  • himalaya (05 February 2010 22:42)
    Figo will be a success in India if it is priced on the same lines as Beat. Who will buy Figo? The middle aged family man who wants a bigger and safer car, and I may add that majority of Indians who have money to buy cars come in this category. The young are likely to go for Beat and other such smaller cars of Maruti and Hyundai. If Figo is not priced low, it will sink without a trace in India. Simple as that. | Reply
  • raj (05 February 2010 16:36)
    Not just a ok kind of car, but a very poor review. The boot looks to be spacious but there is no talk about interiors mentioned. Not confident that this would complete with the likes of Fiat Punto, Volkswagon Polo, or even Maruti Swift/ Ritz. or even Beat !! | Reply
  • tojoe (04 February 2010 13:03)
    Price it the like the beat you have a winner..or it will be back to square one. | Reply
  • Amit Roy (04 February 2010 12:16)
    Thefirst look of FIGO gave me an impression of FUSION. Though I like Fusion very much, I was disappointed with the FIGO. When U know that ur one of products, i.e Fusion is a big failure in the Indian Market, why on earth would U design ur new launch on the old paltform? It seems, they have lot of unsold Fusion left with them and so they are trying to make full use of the old product by giving some cosmetic changes to it's outer look. but then again, Fiesta also is on the same platform. If U convert Fiesta into hatchback, it will exactly look like Fusion or Figo. Don't think, Ford will be able to survive as far as Figo is concerned. Little let down!!!!! | Reply
 RUmapathy (05 February 2010 13:18) Reply to Amit Roy
Fusion is not a failure-It is similar to Maruthi Baleno -the most underestimated and under rated good car-With all glitches removed by Ford Design team Fusion is worth the value and is not any more a CONfusion. Figo will come out to be one of the best if priced properly unlike Fiesta or Fusion | Reply
 John (05 February 2010 14:13) Reply to RUmapathy
I agree to the underestimation. I had this Baleno sometime back and i felt it was a very good car that gave me least trouble. The Fusion too was a good concept had it been a 4x4 for that price. But both these failed thanks to their marketing dept. | Reply
 san shah (10 February 2010 16:09) Reply to John
yes, FUSION could have been one of the bestsellers at say Rs.5 lac for base version. ditto for honda JAZZ. hence, FIGO has to be lower then BEAT/POLO otherwise it may not sell even 100 cars per month after 6 months. in fact, honda can stun the competition by pricing it around Rs.5 lacs, which will kill Dzire, all Skodas, and most other B /C segment cars at one go, is honda listening?
  • Jitendra (04 February 2010 12:16)
    Not good. No pics of the car internals. External looks of the car are out since ages. What I wanted to see was how the interiors are. | Reply
  • Engima (04 February 2010 11:25)
    Boy, Such a bland design. Ford still thinks india is country of Elephant, Mahouts and Snake charmers.They forget that india is a country at the edge of technologies which produces the best of designers, Engineers, software experts doctors and business man. All the car companies like to launch their best of the products first in india. Look at i10 and i20, Look at Cruze and Beat, look at A-Star and Kizashi and look at Altis and mercedes.Sad to say Ford did not understand a thing from its past expereinces. This car is going to fail unless they price it below 3.0 Lakh. If they price is above 3 lakh, Hyundai i10, Chevrolet Beat, A-Star and swift are going to kill this. | Reply
 amit (08 February 2010 13:51) Reply to Engima
yes , absolutly currect , if they should matained the price within 3 lack , else very difficult to counter i10,swift, beat,phunto. | Reply
 Joney (02 March 2010 17:04) Reply to amit
can u confirm about the actual price of this car | Reply
 JP (07 February 2010 04:25) Reply to Engima
This is a great product - seriously - Enigma your angry words do not run true to what I know about Ford - Ford has a lot of respect for the Indian market. This car is not for the doctors and business men of India. It is for the regular citizen looking for a little fun while maintaining their budget. I've driven this car - it's a great little vehicle. | Reply
 Sai (09 February 2010 17:31) Reply to JP
Ford has to be respectful towards India because it is a matter of their survival. But the sad thing is they have run out of ideas and dont have good products in their stable. | Reply
 JP (11 February 2010 01:28) Reply to Sai
I think it's more that. What you say a be said of any company - indian or foreign. Ford has always been respectful of the Indian Market - think back to Escort, etc. They've been in India lonnng before companies like Hyundai and VW..
  • gautam (04 February 2010 10:45)
    The car looks like the Ford Fusion, which bombed. Ford better get some new and better models. | Reply
  • Vikram Chopra (04 February 2010 10:40)
    You have not mentioned anything about the interior space, suspension setup, etc. I doubt if you actually saw the car, much less drove it. Seems you pasted photos from the press release for the sake of "BREAKING NEWS". | Reply
  • Saurabh (04 February 2010 01:36)
    This is built on old platform and looks are a combo of lest generation and present generation European fiesta. So basically its a and old product with a bit of mascara and lip gloss thrown in. Ford has been selling two generations old fiesta as Ikon. It needs to get in latest products or it will it find the going very tough when guys at Hyundai, Suzuki and Honda are getting latest products in. | Reply
  • John (03 February 2010 20:14)
    How'd anyone say this's an attractive car? GM's BEAT would beat this down! | Reply
  • Omkar (03 February 2010 14:36)
    the front looks bad, simply bad. The rear though looks good and solid. I feel ford has drawn clues from design of Hyundai cars in India, and tried a similar look on the front. But the truth is ALL hyundai cars look bad to majority of customer, they sell because Indians dont have better options.Ford should seriously work to change the front look of the car. VW Polo's front is very good. | Reply
  • Prasad (02 February 2010 20:46)
    Ford should learn from GM look at Beat | Reply
  • AJ (02 February 2010 19:29)
    I am a little surprised at the praises heaped onto the car. I cant speak for the performance, but surely you have to admit, the styling isn't quite as contemporary as you make it out to be to be. And, since when did this become their global front look? The US version Ford Fusion is an example of their current styling, as far as their front goes. Ford makes some really good looking cars. I need not mention the Mustang, which is well known. but the stuff like the Fusion, etc are good examples. I dont know why they are being so bland here. The front of teh Figo is more aligned with their Indian models like the Fiesta | Reply
 Aniket (03 February 2010 13:45) Reply to AJ
Bcoz they want to offer good interior and boot space less maintenance etc | Reply
  • ravi (02 February 2010 18:33)
    ford has good cars , with good price and features. the problem is that cost of spares and maintainence is very expensive.it appears they make up the price of the car in the sale of spares . also the quality of chrome in the car especially the ford logo and name/ model insignia is cheap and fades out within a year. you can see a lot of ford ikons with blackened name and model plates. they are cheap plastic with plating that fades out fast. | Reply
  • danish (02 February 2010 16:58)
    i think that ford haven't understand the indian car market. they have very good modoles wich can be most prefferable by indians. like New Falcon, teretory............. | Reply
  • K Ramana Prasad (02 February 2010 16:48)
    Fuel efficiency, price and service quality are the key factors which will make or break this Figo | Reply
 Vaibhav Arora (02 February 2010 17:24) Reply to K Ramana Prasad
It is applicable to every product | Reply
  • prathap (02 February 2010 15:32)
    it looks lik fusion | Reply
  • prathap (02 February 2010 15:30)
    not lookin good..........................they r trin to enter the hatchback market in india...... try wit anyother good modelslooks lik fusion | Reply
  • V (02 February 2010 14:52)
    Have to wait and see, after sale service is a very important aspect for this category. We have seen some real good products go waste ... you know Fiat !! | Reply
 Sandeep (09 March 2010 13:01) Reply to V
Fiat has risen from the ashes. Punto and Linea are big hits. Go and Check out how they provide service now.Excellent! there was a fiat free service campaign which happened last weekend, where they had Fiat Engineers from ranjagoan plant talk to customers and get their feedback. Very interactive and I fully appreciated it. | Reply
  • Chris Lobo (02 February 2010 13:36)
    Looks like car from 2005-2006. Expected better from Ford. | Reply
  • manju (02 February 2010 13:20)
    it looks like hundai i 10 | Reply
 cazzo (06 February 2010 18:08) Reply to manju
ha ha ... manju... kunju | Reply
 Christina (03 February 2010 17:29) Reply to manju
hey Manju..you're one Kunjuuu | Reply
 vaibhav arora (02 February 2010 17:25) Reply to manju
Ya..from the front side... | Reply
  • Rahul Shah (02 February 2010 11:05)
    dont think that the Ford has given the completely new car to india. This car is called as Fiesta in some countries and its been outdated there and thats when this car is launched in India. However they have launched a new variant of fiesta which is really cool and can compete with Mazda 2, Jazz in an international Market. | Reply
 naveen (03 February 2010 09:54) Reply to Rahul Shah
Rahul Kant ...who told u this that fiesta..have u seen that car..both are all together diff cars...go and check on net..figo is designed for indian market ...with new features...it is best in performance..design..look...check the new interior of figo..u feel understand what i am saying.. | Reply
 Tarun K (03 February 2010 19:50) Reply to naveen
Rahul is right, it is similat to 2007 Ford Fiesta Zetes-S, which was launched in UK. So, saying that figo is a new design is nothing but farce.@Naveen..dude dont get excited, i think u never been to UK or Australia so dont come to any conclusion. it seems u r car dealer or some one frm Ford. Hold on your horses before commenting, ur knowledge about cars is limited. | Reply
 Rajani (03 February 2010 12:08) Reply to naveen
Rahul is correct - it is the OLD model Fiesta that is here in Melbourne Australia. I have one in my driveway (German built bought new in 2007)and except for colour it is the SAME. The NEW model here is amazing looking - but Ford had to send the old tooling somewhere so picked India...sorry guys. | Reply
 mohan (04 February 2010 07:05) Reply to Rajani
Hey... if you peoples are enjoyed this cars in UK .. OZ , let indain peoples also enjoyed with this product here.i know you peoples not at all having a hands on experience on this new product
 Ashu (04 February 2010 09:11) Reply to Rajani
wat d heck is this "sorry guys" rajani??r'nt u an indian?? sorry to tell u dat u r an ill mannered gal with a typical illiterated mentality.
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