ഫോർഡ് ഫിഗൊ 2012-2015 ഡീസൽ എൽഎക്സ്ഐ

Ford India, one of the popular automakers in India has officially launched the facelifted version of its best selling hatch model Ford Figo. This compact hatchback is being offered with intelligent features along with advanced equipments, which makes it an ideal option for the car buyers in India. The company updated the entire model series and introduced it with two new colors, which are Mars Red and Paprika Red. At the same time the manufacturer has discontinued the Colorado Red and Bright Yellow color shades. In terms of technicalities, the company has tuned the petrol engine, while keeping the diesel engine unchanged. This particular model is available in numerous trim levels out of which, the Ford Figo Diesel LXI is the base diesel version and it comes with several new aspects. This particular model is powered by a 1.4-litre Duratorq diesel power plant that has the reputation of delivering a reliable performance. The company has made quite a few changes to the exteriors, which include the front radiator grille, sculpted side panels and to the slopping roof line that gives it a refreshing new look.

Exteriors:

The exteriors of this facelifted version have been nicely framed with some additional new aspects to give it a sporty look. This latest version comes with a hexagonal shaped radiator grille in the front is redesigned, while the headlight cluster remains to be the same. The upper grille is comes fitted with a chrome lining along with the prominent company logo in the center that enhances the appeal for brand Ford. The sporty bumper has been retained from the outgoing model, which houses the redesigned grille. The front windscreen of this hatch is slantingly fitted and it is accompanied with intermittent wipers. Getting over to side profile, this hatch comes with well sculpted side panels, which are fitted with the non-body color ORVMs and door handles. The company has garnished the window sill lining in black color that gives it a bit of sporty appeal to the sides. Currently, the manufacturer is offering this particular trim in a total of eight attractive body paint options such as Mars Red, Chill, Diamond White, Blue, Paprika Red, Sea Grey, Moon Dust Silver and Panther Black. The exterior dimensions of this hatch remained unchanged and it comes with the same length, width and height like the outgoing version. Its length is measured at around 3795mm, width at 1680mm, while the height is at 1427mm, which is decent. Its ground clearance is calculated at 168mm, which is quite good for this small hatch.

Interiors:

The interiors of this refurbished version have been retained from the outgoing model without much change to its interior design or color scheme. Despite being the base variant in its series, it comes equipped with some basic set of features that can take good care of the occupants, while maneuvering. It comes with features such as a day/night interior rear view mirror that helps in having a view at vehicle movement behind. The company equipped this trim with a proficient manual air conditioning unit with heater that monitors the air temperature inside the cabin and keeps the occupants chilled. The leg space inside the cabin is very good, thanks to the large wheelbase of 2489mm, which is more than any other hatchback in the segment. The seats inside the cabin are quite comfortable and they have been covered with good quality fabric upholstery. The company equipped some of the noticeable features inside the cabin such as 12V front power outlet , central console with cup holders and foldable grab handles with coat hooks in the rear cabin. Also there is an instrument panel that features distance to empty indicator, digital odometer and tripmeter , low fuel warning, water in fuel indicator and headlamp on reminder.

Engine and Performance:

The manufacturer is offering this base trim with a 4-cylinder, 1.4-liter common rail diesel engine that comes with 1399cc displacement capacity. This diesel motor is capable of churning out a maximum power of 68bhp at 4000rpm, while generating a maximum torque output of 160Nm at 2000rpm. This power mill is paired with a high performance 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that provides smooth shifting of gearbox, while distributing the torque to the front wheels. This engine is built on a highly reliable SOHC valve configuration and its alignment with common rail fuel injection system will prove helpful in improving the power while facilitating in reduction of power loss.

Braking and Handling:

This refurbished hatchback comes with a proficient combination of an independent McPheron strut with dual path mounts fitted to the front axles and semi-independent twit beam type of suspension at the rear axle accompanied with coil springs. This will enable the hatch to absorb all jerks caused on uneven and rugged roads. As far as braking system is concerned, the company fitted the front wheels with ventilated disc brakes , while assembling the rear wheels with drum brakes. On the other hand, this base variant comes with a hydraulic power assisted steering system, which is highly responsive and offers precise response irrespective of speed levels.

Comfort Features:

This base version is blessed with quite a few comfort and convenience features that are good enough to take care of passenger needs. This hatch comes with a list of features including an air conditioning unit with a heater, power steering system 3-speed intermittent wiper and so on . Other features of this base version includes a remote fuel lid opening , an Anti drip wiping and an advanced instrument cluster. The company also blessed this small car with wiring to antenna base, which will help the owners to install a music or radio system inside the cabin.

Safety Features:

The Ford Figo Diesel LXi is the base level variant in the series and it is being offered with pretty basic features. This hatch comes with 3-point seat belts for rear and front seats that keep the passengers firmly in position. Also it comes with a lap strap for back center passenger. This base level variant also comes with a laminated glazed windscreen that works as an additional safety feature. Apart from these, this base version is blessed with powerful halogen headlights , dual horn, high intensity tail lamps , and turn indicators and so on.

Pros: Exciting new paint options, slightly improved exteriors.

Cons: Safety features are poor, price can be more competitive.