Ford has started testing the next-generation Figo hatchback and compact sedan in India. We were first to see the Figo hatchback being tested in Pune last year. Now, the carmaker has started testing the compact-sedan as well. Partially undisguised test-mules of both the Ford Figo hatchback and the Figo compact sedan have been spied in Udaipur recently.
Mechanically, the new Ford Figo hatchback and compact sedan use the same platform as the Ford Fiesta sedan. In terms of engines, the new Figo hatchback could draw power from Ford’s 1.2-litre petrol engine, and the 1.5-litre DV5 turbo-diesel engine. There is also a possibility that a new 80bhp, 999cc petrol engine, likely to be derived from the 1.0-litre EcoBoost but without the turbo, could become part of the engine lineup as well.
The new Ford Figo hatch will replace the current-generation Figo, and will compete with the likes of the recently-updated Maruti Swift, Nissan Micra and the Hyundai Grand i10, and is expected to be priced competitively due to heavy localisation right from the start of production.
The Figo compact sedan will replace the Fiesta Classic and will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze and the soon-to-be-launched updated Swift Dzire compact sedan.
Apart from the India-bound Figo hatchback and compact sedan, the South American market is expected to get a Ford Ka+ sedan which will be largely based on the Figo twins.
For India, the Ford Figo hatchback and compact sedan are expected to roll out from the all-new Ford facility in Sanand, Gujarat. Ford is also readying the next-gen Endeavour SUV for India which is also expected to launch later this year.