The facelifted Ford Figo, which the Blue Oval brand says has been “extensively updated”, has arrived in South Africa.

While the outgoing range comprised as many as nine derivatives, the refreshed local line-up has been whittled down to five variants (three hatchbacks and two sedans, across two trim levels). Pricing starts at R181 300 and runs through to R205 700.

Interestingly, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has upgraded the Figo’s service plan from the original two-year/40 000 km arrangement to an extended four-year/60 000 km plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).

At launch, the range doesn’t feature diesel power (the pre-facelift hatchback could be had with a 74 kW/215 N.m oil-burner), with each of the five derivatives drawing its urge from a new naturally aspirated 1,5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine.

Dubbed the 1,5 TiVCT, this three-pot makes 88 kW and 150 N.m (the old 1,5-litre four-banger was worth 82 kW and 136 N.m) and can be mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission. The latter, exclusively available on the five-door Trend hatch, is a conventional torque converter gearbox that replaces the previous model’s PowerShift unit.

Two trim levels are offered at launch (no sign yet of the flagship Titanium specification; it's not yet clear whether Ford SA plans to bring this to local shores). The base Ambiente models run on 14-inch steel wheels and feature electric windows up front, tilt adjustment for the steering column, a Ford Audio unit (with an integrated display and four speakers), Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, a device dock, a factory-fitted immobiliser, dual front airbags and ABS with EBD.

Trend derivatives, meanwhile, boast dual-tone multi-spoke 14-inch alloys, remote central locking, a front seatbelt reminder, electric windows at the rear, a rear window demister, an anti-theft alarm, a gear-shift indicator (for manual models), electrically adjustable (colour-coded) side-mirrors, colour-coded exterior door handles, a chrome-effect grille and front foglamps. The Trend automatic is furthermore equipped with hill launch assist, while a new “White Gold” hue is available exclusively on the Trend models.

Inside, Ford says updates focus on the centre console and upper instrument panel, while new fabric inserts on the door panels and new fabric for the seats have also been added.

Pricing:
Ford Figo 1,5 TiVCT Ambiente Hatch: R181 300
Ford Figo 1,5 TiVCT Trend Hatch: R190 600
Ford Figo 1,5 TiVCT Trend Hatch 6AT: R205 700
Ford Figo 1,5 TiVCT Ambiente Sedan: R187 200
Ford Figo 1,5 TiVCT Trend Sedan: R196 000
Ford Figo

Original article from Car