Exterior
& Interior Design / Features
It’s the looks that have got a
sporty tweak in the Ford Figo Sports Edition. Ford India is just getting better
at enhancing its sporty image with the beautiful Mustang being the icing on the
Ford cake. Now with the launch of the sports
edition of the Ford Figo, the company seems to be saying that it is getting
better at wooing the young at heart with looks and performance.
The Ford Figo Sports Edition has
a sporty grille, black inset on headlamp bezel and graphics on the sides and
rear with the letter “S” displayed loud and clear. The all-new black honeycomb
grille has brought alive the trademark trapezoidal grille in the Figo Sports
Edition. The sporty stance of this vehicle is further accentuated by the dual-tone
exterior with a black painted roof, all-new 15 inch black alloys and outside
rear view mirrors (ORVMs). Not to miss is the new rear spoiler, which adds to
the style quotient as well as ensures smarter performance from the car.
Performance
The new Ford Figo Sports edition
comes with two engine options, a 1.2-litre Petrol and a 1.5 litre diesel. The
sports edition only comes in the Titanium variant. We got our hands on the 1.5 litre diesel model.
Speaking of performance, though
the 1.5 litre diesel engine remains the same and the power and torque generated are like
in the other Figo models, yet the car with its tuned suspension and the bigger
15-inch alloy wheels opens up a new chapter in fun driving. The ride quality
remains top notch. The engine belts out 99hp and around 215 Nm of peak torque.
Though the car has got a wee bit heavier, fuel consumption has gone up a tad
more while the extra weight has done no harm in the car handling. The car
continues to accelerate reasonably well, though an automatic transmission
version too would have been an added choice for consumers.
We drove the vehicle from the
city of Ahmedabad to the splendid Salt Flats of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
The Flats are known for the salt that is produced here and of course the wild
asses that roam freely in this region. The blazing sun did not bother us a wee
bit as the powerful automatic climate control system ensured that the cabin was
cool as a mini refrigerator. Talking of the cabin, the Figo sports edition has
an all-black interior – from inner door handles to the centre console and not
to miss are the red stitching running across the edges, giving it a very
premium look. The steering is leather wrapped with red stitching on the inside.
Coming back to the Salt Flats,
how could we not resist from stepping on the gas pedal? Off it flew like a bird
in flight and handled perfectly. With
ABS and EBD at your beck and call, the Ford Figo Sports Edition is prompt when
it comes to braking and handling. The electric power assisted steering is quite
responsive too. The car is also equipped
with dual front driver and passenger airbags.
Verdict
The Figo has always been a smart hatchback from the Ford
India stable. Now with the sports edition, it’s not only got a lot sportier in
its appearance but is a lot more fun to drive.