ಫೋರ್ಡ್ ಫಿಗೋ 2012-2015 ಪೆಟ್ರೋಲ್ EXI

One of the largest automakers in India, Ford has introduced the 2014 version of its best selling hatch model Figo. The latest version is smart, yet stylish in comparison to other contenders in its segment. The company has rolled out this modified version with the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engine options for the customers to choose from. Among the petrol versions, Ford Figo Petrol EXI is one of the mid range trim and it is offered with smart features such as fastest cooling AC unit, Bluetooth connectivity, in-car Wi-Fi function, average fuel economy indicator and many other such aspects. At the same time, the manufacturer has introduced this latest version with two new exterior paint options such as Paprika Red and Mars Red while the exterior paints like Bright yellow and Colorado Red. This new version gets a minor tweak in terms of exteriors with freshened front bumper, redesigned fenders, and an eye-catching new radiator grille. The interior section of this hatch comes with some new features including smart programmable key less entry, intelligent central locking system, low fuel warning indicator and so on.

Exteriors:

This Ford Figo Petrol EXI is the mid level variant in this series and it is being offered standard set of features. The company has redesigned the front bumper and incorporated it with a slightly tweaked hexagonal shaped air dam. The radiator grille up front is treated with black color garnish and it comes fitted with a prominent company logo. The design of the headlight cluster remains same and it is equipped with halogen lamps and turn indicator. On the other hand, the company has re-treated the bonnet with expressive lines that brings a refreshing look to the frontage. The side profile of this hatch comes with new fenders that gives an eye-catching look to the side profile, while giving a wider stance to the frontage. The company has fitted these fenders with a sturdy set of 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers . The external mirror caps and the door handles along with the window sills have been garnished in black. When it comes to the rear end, this latest hatch comes with aggressively styled taillight cluster that comes incorporated with high intensity taillights and turn indicators.

Interiors:

The interiors of this particular trim have been retained from the outgoing version without much updates to the design. This hatch comes with all black interiors complimented by silver inserts given on the AC vents , instrument cluster, gear shift knob, dashboard and so on. The company has added some innovative features inside the cabin such as Bluetooth Audio unit, Average fuel economy indicator and so on. This low cost hatch is blessed with a fast cooling AC unit with 154cc compressor that keeps the cabin cool. The manufacturer is offering this four wheeler with in-built Wi-Fi unit that helps you and your family to stay connected to the world. The seats are pretty wide, well cushioned and they have been covered with good quality fabric upholstery. What really impressive about this hatch is its great leg space, thanks to the large wheelbase of about 2489mm. This small hatch also comes with a large boot storage capacity of about 284mm, which is quite good.

Engine and Performance:

This particular trim comes equipped with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with sequential electric fuel injection system . This engine comprises of 4-cylinders, 16-valves and makes a total of 1196cc . The company has built this engine on the basis of DOHC valve configuration that allows it to churn out a maximum 70.02Bhp of power at 6250rpm, while yielding 102Nm of peak torque at 4000rpm. This engine is paired with an advanced 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that sends the torque output to the front wheels and returns a decent mileage. The manufacturer claims that this petrol engine can return a mileage of 15.6Kmpl, which is tather decent.

Braking and Handling:

The company has blessed this hatch model with a proficient braking and robust suspension mechanism that determines the handling aspects. Its front axle is fitted with ventilated disc brakes, whereas the rear wheels have been equipped with solid drum brakes, which works excellently irrespective of weather conditions. On the other hand, the manufacturer has assembled the front axle of this hatch with an independent McPherson Strut type of system with dual path mounts. At the same time, its rear axle is fitted with semi-independent twist beam type of suspension system loaded with coil spring. The company also equipped a highly responsive power steering system that offers excellent assistance to the driver while maneuvering.

Comfort Features:

This Ford Figo Petrol EXI is the mid level variant in its model series and it is being offered with wide range of features. One of the highlights of this hatch is its infotainment and connectivity system that features CD/MP3 player, Radio, wiring to antenna base and supports AUX-In and USB sockets . This sophisticated infotainment system also comes with Bluetooth phone interface with audio streaming, SMS notification, full phone-book access, call logs, call swap, hold and mute function. The company incorporated number of utility based features inside the cabin such as inside rear view mirror, 12V power point, cup holders in front console, passenger vanity mirror on sun-visor and removable parcel tray. Apart from these, it comes with a stylish instrument panel featuring digital odometer and trip meter, low fuel warning, distance to empty, door ajar warning, headlamp on reminder and so on. The company is also offering this hatch with features including an AC unit with heater, power steering, anti-drip wiping, remote fuel filter opening, boot lid opener with electric function and front power windows.

Safety Features:

This mid range variant is being offered with decent safety features that offer good protection to the occupants. The list of features include 3-point seat belts for front and rear seats, lap strap for rear center passenger, a smart programmable key less entry, an intelligent central locking system and a laminated glazed windscreen. The company is also offering an engine immobilizer system that protects the vehicle from unauthorized access.

Pros: Improved new look, smart comfort features.

Cons: Safety aspects needs to improve, maintenance cost is high.