Ford Figo 1.5 Trend AT Hatch

The Ford Figo is an attractive ownership prospect at this level. Ford has a couple of tricks up its sleeve compared with most of its Oriental rivals and those trick bits are most important. The first is the upgraded 1.5 three-pot motor and the second is the suspension.

First the 88kW/150Nm motor. At start-up and idle, it sounds disarmingly gruff – almost like a restrained diesel, possibly as a result of its high compression ratio – but once on the move, it smooths out and delivers surprising punch and a rather pleasing thrum that’s only intrusive if the accelerator is pressed through the floorboards. Indeed, it lopes along the motorway at an indicated 130km/h with disdainful ease and appears to have more to give if so desired.

Keeping up at the traffic lights is absolutely no problem either but it’s the fact that the motor delivers its juices without feeling as though its neck is being wrung that makes it appealing by the standards of the class. Top speed is listed at 175km/h and the 0-100 dash should be seen off in around 11.4s. Combined fuel consumption is listed at 6.5l100km but the real world yielded 8.13l/100km, reflected as 12.3km/litre in the instrument cluster digital display, an Indian anomaly by the way.

This positive assessment has so far ignored the fact that that this test unit sported a 6-speed auto gearbox, normally a recipe for lethargy at this level but not so here which all goes to prove that displacement still has advantages. For the record, many of its competitors concede up to 500cc. The box steps off the mark smoothly and for the most part shifts in a jerk-free manner and does not give the impression that slippage is holding back the engine.

As might be expected at this level, there are no steering-wheel-mounted controls but in S mode, a rocker switch on the side of the lever allows for manual inputs, up or down the range. For anyone spending lots of time in dense traffic, this has to be the transmission of choice, not something I’d say too often as far as small cars are concerned.

Talking of steering, the Figo provides power assistance to just the right degree which means there is some feel present and the effort level feels just fine. Braking, complete with ABS and EBD, is provided courtesy of discs up front and drums down the back but despite this, there were no issues scrubbing off speed.

As for ride, the Figo is set up on the firm side which means roll control is good and directional changes lack drama but despite the underlying stiffness, there’s sufficient pliancy built in to ensure that acceptable levels of comfort are delivered even on broken surfaces. By the standards of the class, ride, road-holding and handling are good.

Inside, the ambience probably matches just what could be expected at this price level. The dashboard takes up quite a large area and thankfully, heavy graining relieves the perceived hardness and elsewhere, “painted metal” strips help lift the blackness. Within the dash, a central radio installation which incorporates phone connectivity is to be found and below that, simple and easy-to-use air con controls reside as does a 12v power point. Instrumentation is housed in a triple-cluster display that includes a speedo, rev counter, digital panel and fuel gauge, but no temperature gauge. The polyprop steering wheel has no controls incorporated while the front doors offer decently-sized but unlined pockets. Two front airbags are hidden up front.

The front seats are generously proportioned and are swathed in a decent quality but synthetic-looking black cloth relieved by silver patterned inserts. Under-thigh support is notably good as cushion depth is not skimped. Down the back, the space is surprisingly good for the class thanks in part to scalloped front seat backs and decent head clearance. Boot space is tight at 256 litres but can be substantially increased if the rear seats are not occupied.

This titivated Figo proved to be something of a surprise as far as driving qualities are concerned. The three-pot engine has enough in reserve to allow for easy open road cruising and it forms a convincing combination with the excellent auto gearbox. Ride too is good as is cabin space, so the latest small Ford presents a convincing case for itself for those looking for a set of wheels that sit one notch above entry level.

Article & Photos: Richard Wiley