New Ford Figo review, test drive

For entertainment, there’s the par-for-the-segment Bluetooth, USB and aux connectivity for music, and steering-mounted controls. On the top Titanium+ trim, Ford provides a programmable key (MyKey) which allows the driver to set the top speed and maximum audio volume. As mentioned, top trim cars get Ford’s Sync system. Usability-wise it's fine and even has the ability to connect to a few apps. However, the main highlight of the system is its ability to automatically use your phone’s network to alert emergency services in case of an accident. Talking safety, top Titanium + cars also boast a class-best six airbags! All but the base versions (driver’s airbag only) get two airbags as standard which is commendable.  Higher variants get ABS and EBD.

What is it like to drive?

The Figo will be available with three engine-gearbox combinations. There’s a 1.2 petrol with a five-speed manual, a 1.5 diesel with a five speed manual and a 1.5 petrol with a six-speed dual clutch automatic. We’ve sampled the diesel and petrol automatic so far and have come away quite impressed.

The diesel first. Well, unsurprisingly, it’s the same 1.5 diesel engine as on the Aspire compact sedan (the updated version of the EcoSport’s motor), but the good news is it hasn’t been dulled down for use on the hatchback. That means power is a solid 98.9bhp! As a result performance feels better than lower-powered rivals from the moment you set off. Responses are good right from idle with a gentle surge speeding things up at about 1,500rpm. Thereon there’s an even spread of power right until 4,000rpm. The engine’s not quick revving per se but remains responsive throughout, even in fifth gear. However, gearshifts are a touch notchy and aren’t suited to quick shifts. Driving in town we also noted the diesel car’s clutch to be well-weighted if springy in action.

Time to shift attention to the petrol automatic Figo. Again, like the Aspire this version uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The engine’s peak power of 109bhp helps make this the most powerful of the automatic hatchbacks in India. In town, the engine’s good bottom end responses help this version of the Figo build speed smartly. However, in slow-moving city traffic, you can feel the clutch engage so shifts aren’t super smooth. But once on the go, the gearbox settles into its rhythm and responds well to changes in throttle position. At light loads, the gearbox shifts at about 2,200rpm but drive hard and it will hold to about 6,300rpm. The gearbox has a Sport mode too. It won’t hold gear beyond 6,300rpm but lift off the throttle and the gearbox does well to downshift and bring revs right into the heart of the powerband. Those driving on hilly roads will particularly like the engine braking effect in this mode. Drivers also have the option to shift gears manually in Sport. However, there’s no Tiptronic here, only small ‘+/-’ buttons on the gear lever for this and that’s a bit of a downer. Performance on the whole is good and you won’t have much trouble getting to and maintaining three-digit speed over long distances.