New Ford Figo twins to get new 1.2 petrol

While it was widely believed that next-generation Ford Figos would feature a derivative of Ford’s award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, sources within Ford have confirmed that the cars will come powered by a new 1.2-litre petrol engine instead. The EcoBoost was proving to be too expensive for what is considered a cost sensitive segment. The new 1.2-litre petrol engine will feature four valves per cylinder, and could also get variable valve timing.

The engine is expected to better the current Figo’s 1.2 unit on both power and efficiency. The other engine on offer will be Ford’s 1.5-litre DV5 turbo-diesel. Ford has started testing the new Figo in both hatchback and compact sedan forms in India.

Going by the spy pictures, the new Figos are likely to be available in trims that will be spaced out in a wide price bracket. While some of the cars — most likely the base trim — come with weedy, small tyres, a black grille and door handles, the other trim comes with alloys, chromed grille, and wing mirrors with turn indicators. The Figo compact sedan is due for launch first, and is expected to be here by around June this year. The car will take on the Tata Zest, Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze and the Maruti Dzire, and will replace the Fiesta Classic in the American carmaker’s sedan portfolio here in India.

While Ford has officially confirmed that Indian markets will be getting the Figo hatchback and compact sedan, there have been sightings of the standard-length Figo sedan being tested as well. In all probability, it is likely that Ford will be exporting the sedan model from India too. It is already confirmed that the hatchback and compact sedan will be exported from here. Whether Ford eventually launches the sedan model here remains to be seen.

Both Figos will be rolled out of Ford’s new manufacturing plant at Sanand, Gujarat. The cars will be launched in India with a high level of local content, and this promises competitive pricing.