Jun 29, 2010 11:51 PM
13374 Views
(Updated Dec 05, 2011 11:41 AM)
I own Maruti Alto LXi and Opel Corsa 1.4 GSi. As the petrol price is rising everyday, I decided to go for a diesel car. So in my list I had only Swift VDi and Ford Figo. In past I had not heard any good about Ford, so I was not really going for it. Swift on the other hand was a proven car etc. I had driven Swift also and it seemed fine to me but I did'nt even test drove Figo so I did'nt knew anything about it.
When I started checking about Swift, every dealer said that it was on 3 month booking period. I felt let down and started looking at Figo. Me and my bro. went to Saluja Ford and took test drive and I was pretty amazed by the the quality, ride, comfort, space and price. At that moment I decided to go for Figo. I booked Figo TDCi ZXI (Diamond White) for Rs. 25000.00 and sales man (Mr. Prateek) told me that it would take upto 25 days for car to come as I wanted the ebony (black) dashboard. Coral (red) dashboard was readily available.
The ZXI is almost top model but only does not have ABS, EBD and Airbags. Rest it has everything which top-end Titanium has. After 2 days of waiting I called Prateek and asked about the status lol. He said to wait for 25 days, but after only 6 days he told me that 1 car is available as a customer who booked it was not able to arrange the funds. So finally in just 7 days I got the car.
It had: Central Locking, Keyless entry, Bluetooth enable stereo with 4 speakers, Front only power windows, Power Steering, Proven 1.4 TDCI engine etc. I paid 500600 + 3500 (for extended warranty) + 9000 (insurance) and got the fully loaded car home. The car is amazing and driving conform is great, the drives are smooth and pleasant. As the stereo with 4 speakers comes with the car, I did'nt notice the diesel engine's noise at all and it just looked like I was driving slient Opel Corsa but yes, if you turn off stereo then there's some engine noise which is new for a petrol owner shifting to diesel.
I got the tank full and went to temple from home and next day I got alloys in it for 15k and upgraded the stock tyre from 175/65-14" to 195/60-14" with alloy wheels. Now the car was looking muscular and cool. Every bypasser was looking at car like it was something new came in town ;).
In night I read the owners manual carefully and it stated that for initial 1500 kms. it should be driven softly so that enigne etc. adjusts. I did'nt took car beyond 2000 rpm at anytime and kept it under 70 at all times. After driving 7 days and doing 676 kms. in 42.20 ltr of fuel which consisted of full AC driving in City and some idling of 15-20 mins. I must say that 16.01 kmpl is pretty good mileage for a new diesel car in the first fuel tank. Several diesel owners told me that after first service the car's mileage will increase.
The only disappointing points in the car is that it does'nt have Rear power windows, no fog lamps, and there's no temperature gauge. But in comparison to the other features the car rocks. I did'nt had to goto a accessory shop to get anything at all. The car had everything one wants in a car. Keyless entry, central locking, stereo, speakers, foot matts, mud flaps etc. All came with the car.
The build of the car is very very good. It just feels like I am driving big car and when its time to refuel it just gets full in 1400-1500 only. Alto used to get filled for 1300+ for a 35 liter and Figo is 45 ltr. Haha. After 2 days the price of petrol / diesel was hiked but I was worry free haha!
Everybody keeps on running for Swift, Indica etc. If you look at Figo you will forget Swift etc. Swift is 50000 expensive than Figo and you don't get anything in swift. To be frank the material used in Swift like fabric, plastic etc. is no match to Figo's fabric and plastic. Figo wins anyday over Swift. The spares/parts are equal or maybe less than the swifts. So instead of following the crowd, you should make your own road. I had to change everyone's mind in the house from Swift to Figo and I am glad that my decision was a wise one.
I am really satisfied with the car's performance and efficiency. The dealer was curteous enough to provide me test drive for 3 times lol. Yes I took 3 test drives with different family members and I must say that everybody was convinced. Also features like best-in-class AC makes your shiver in even 43 degrees. And there's always room in boot to store something as thats also best-in-class with 280 ltrs and that is very usable. I thought I would never say it but Ford has done it very well. They have provided a best car and best price at absolutely right time. It just could'nt get better that this.
I suggest if you're going for a hatchback diesel be sure to test drive Figo before you book yours.
UPDATE ON 05-DEC-2011 i.e AFTER 2 YEARS AND 30000 KMS. AND 4 SERVICES DONE:
This car is NOT recommended not becuase the car has issues but becuase the DEALERS are stupid. They are so non-sense. Ford is just trying to sell the vehicle and then forget. Though I am not having any type of issues in my car but whenever I take my car to dealership for the service they say we're voiding the car's warranty because you got Outside Alloys and Amplifier fitted into your car. Hence warranty is voided. They make my try to sign the CIS (Customer Information Sheet) in which all this crap is written but I don't do it. But then they threat me that It is noted in the system anyways.
My vehicle is not having any major issues just some niggling issues which any vehcile could develope after 2 years but the delarship relates those issues to my alloys and amplifier. I said them that tik tik sound is coming from roof they say it might be due to amplifier or alloys, then I am like OMG give me a break plz!!!
So in the end I would NOT recommend ANY FORD vehicle to ANYONE if you're going to upgrade anything. They are simply finding excuses to cancel the warranty by one way or another. I am going to sell my vehcile anyways after 3 years so I don't care much but I felt that you should know the after sales service of the ford.
Thank you.
