Good Motoring
Dream car called Figo
H. Kishie Singh

ONE point seems to be an established fact. The Indian consumer is in favour of small cars. The B segment is the choice of most buyers. The first demand is met with affordable prices, where diesel is not available. The petrol engine is extremely frugal, giving close to 20 kmph. Add to this the gizmos found on higher-end models that are all available on these small cars.

A case in point is the recently introduced Ford Figo. Some of the features offered in the Figo were unheard of at this price. At first glance, the Figo impresses with its wide stance. A sure-footed muscular look that promises a solid and comfortable ride. It has an independent McPherson strut suspension upfront and semi-independent twist beam suspension, added by coil springs at the rear.

The tyres are 175.65R.14 radial and tubeless. Ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes at the rear are added features. The brakes have ABS and EBD. Front dual airbags are standard on the Titanium, which is the top-end of the Figo line-up. The steering is hydraulic power assisted. For passenger comfort, the AC is rated as the best in the class, and the extra large compressor cools fast, and is effective in up to 49 degrees C temperature.

Ford has taken cognizance of global warming. The boot space is a 284 litres. This, thanks to the fact that the Figo wheel base is 3mm more than the Fiesta. This also gives a huge passenger space in the cabin.

This longer wheel base also provides a superior ride over difficult and sometimes very different road conditions, which are a speciality of Indian roads. One great concern of car owners is the cost of running repairs and the cost of spares. Keeping this in mind, Ford engineers have designed key components and maintenance schedule to keep cost ownership as low as possible.

Items such fuel filter, fluid replacement, transmission oil, clutch fluid, drive belt and engine coolant must be changed regularly. Fuel filters are designed to last 60,000 km for petrol engines and 30,000 km for diesel engines. The timing belt does not need replacement till 1,20,000 km. Engine coolant has a life of 100,000 km. Under normal driving conditions, transmission oil is designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle.

The top three components that need replacement are horn, brake and clutch. To minimise replacement, a heavy duty horn was developed. The clutch has a unique durability cycle to cope with frequent clutch use. Heavy duty, long- lasting brake pads are standard equipment on Ford vehicles. Says Ford: "We have tried to be sensitive to repair costs for the consumer." The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning is superb. The HVAC unit has been revamped to keep the passengers cool in summer and warm in winter.

The car has been tested in extreme temperatures of up to 80 degree C and –40 degree C. With this level of engineering to back up, the Ford Figo carries a two-year or 100,000 km warranty. It is one of the best in this segment. The vehicle also comes with a two-year Road Side Assistant (RSA), a programme that Ford pioneered in India.

Ford has its finger on the Indian buyers’ pulse. Meaning, the company knows it is giving the consumer much more than the money it is getting. The service period has been stretched to 10,000 km. If 284 litres is not enough luggage space, the rear seat folds down to provide extra space. Other luxuries and safety features provided are blue tooth connectivity.

As you move off and attain a speed of 7 kmph, all four doors lock automatically. While braking at speeds of over 96 kmph, all four hazard blinkers are activated. The gear shift is remarkably slick. The petrol engine is 1200 cc, a first from Ford, and the diesel engine is the well-known 1400 cc Dura torque engine.

The only irritant is that there is no dead pedal for the left foot. The foot well area on the driver’s side is a big cramp, and the instrument panel is backlit in red. Red is not an easy colour on the eye, and will build up unnecessary fatigue for the driver.

Price? Petrol diesel LXi Rs 3.55,508 /- Rs. 4,54,597; EXi Rs 3,87,363/ Rs. 4,79,574; ZXi Rs 4,06,063/ Rs 6,04,141; Titanium Rs 4,49,541/ Rs. 5,37,508.

Readers will be delighted to know that the world famous automotive astronomer "Babuji Bakwaaskar" will be predicting the future for motorists. This week's prediction: Danger lurks around the corner. Wear helmet, fasten seat belts and check tyre pressure regularly.

Happy motoring.