2010 Ford Figo

The Figo may not have the design flair of other B-segment hatchbacks and neither is it as modern as the competition

Published on Sep 24, 2010 07:00:00 AM

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With the Fiesta chassis as a starting point, we expected the Figo to have outstanding ride and handling. What we didn’t expect is how much of an improvement it would be. Ford’s engineers wanted to deliver a comfortable ride without compromising the fun-to-drive elements that characterise every Ford, which they have succeeded in doing.

The ride on the long-travel springs and finely tuned dampers is perfect. The suspension has the right amount of suppleness to absorb bumps without getting unsettled, and functions silently with no crashes or thuds. And this is at low, medium or high speeds. Having sophisticated suspension geometry and a long wheelbase pays dividends and straightline stability is hugely impressive.

Ford has reduced steering effort to make maneuvering at parking speeds a lot easier. The steering feels delightfully light at low speeds but up the pace or attack your favourite twisty road and the Figo steers very accurately; however, some of the ‘Fordness’ and feel of the steering system is lost. Nevertheless, this remains one of the nicest steering systems around and offers a purity of steering only achieved by hydraulic and not electric assistance.

Body control and chassis balance are outstanding as well and the Figo simply begs to be driven hard. It’s such a pity that neither engine option can fully exploit this wonderful chassis. The brakes, though pretty effective, need an extra shove on the pedal to shed speed quickly.