Ford will soon be launching its latest budget car offering, the Figo, on a South African market that has recently seen the departure of such wallet-friendly favourites as the CitiGolf, Renault Clio Va-va-voom and Opel Corsa Lite.

Although it superficially bears a resemblance to the previous-generation Fiesta the Figo is, according to Ford, 85 percent new with body panels, grille, seats, fenders and in-car entertainment systems unique to the model. The car sits on a revised version of the previous Fiesta's platform.

A pair of 4-cylinder 1,4-litre powerplants have been earmarked for Figo models destined for South Africa: a Duratec petrol unit developing 62 kW and 127 N.m of torque and a 50 kW Duratorque diesel with 160 N.m on tap.

According to Ford India's vice-president of product development, John Lonsdale, the Figo's brief is to be the "best possible driving 5-door hatchback at a budget price".

Given the proven platform upon which the car is based and the Blue Oval's reputation for producing entertaining cars, the Figo looks as though it has the potential to lift itself above budget rivals that often forsake driving dynamics in the name of cost-cutting.

Ford has only divulged indicative pricing at present, but with the halo model potentially weighing in at less than R130 000 it looks as though the Figo will find a receptive audience here in SA.

You'll be able to read more about the Figo in a driving impression set to appear in a future issue of CAR magazine.

 

Original article from Car