Figo 1.2Exi Petrol. Review on Ford Figo

After numerous trials of most cars decided on the Figo as the overall package offered was the best.

Dealer - Metro Ford Bangalore

Getting a test drive and booking the figo was a walk in the park. After that the nightmare starts! false promises made by the dealer, stories about the car reaching the yard and then the car not being unloaded and some more tales!

Finally after an agonizing 15 days after booking the figo we got delivery on 31st March. As usual the delivery wasn't smooth but rushed through filled with tension and surprises. More on this later. Enough about all this now lets get back to the car itself. The version I have is the 1.2 Exi petrol that pumps out about 70 bhp. On road price in Bangalore 4, 52L - No freebies, NO discount. Mats + mud flaps + 3rd year extended warranty also included.

Promised time of delivery 6pm actual time of delivery 9.30 pm. Around at 9Pm the car reaches metro ford. Finally I get to see my car for the first time. My car had done exactly 16KM on the ODO! I got the Good year GT3 tyres. Some also came with apollo.The car had the low fuel warning light. AT shell she drank exactly 35.5L of fuel. SO I guess the car had about 9L in the tank during delivery.

Things I like about the car.

Handling and steering.

From the time I test drove the figo I really liked the way it handles. The Figo comes with Hydraulic power assisted steering which gives plenty of road feedback to the driver. The car Handles really well. From the inside the car doesn't feel like a hatchback. Gives you a big car feel.

The Aircon

The aircon on the figo has to be the best aircon in this segment. Even with the blower set to 1 (lowest setting) it chills the cabin within a couple of minutes and this is on a typical hot summer afternoon in bangalore.

Space

For a hatchback this car is quite spacious on the inside. The boot is the best in the segment 284L. Even for someone as tall as me. I'm 6ft there is enough leg loom at the back. But if the driver is also 6ft tall them its going to be a tight fit!

Dashboard -

The dashboard looks really neat and well done with a sliver finish. The Aircon ducts can be fully closed or opened when you need them. This is useful feature if you often travel alone like I do.

Visibility -

The car has almost 0 blind spots! It really gives you confidence when you drive. Rear visibility is again amazing. Unlike the Ritz which has horrible rear visibility and some blind spots.

Over all Fit and Finish.

I cant say that the figo's fit and finish is the best in the class or outstanding. The fit and finish is just above average. It is better than the swift but its not outstanding. But then again for a car in this price range its pretty good. The doors seem very thick and close with a proper thud! Its not flimsy like the swift or other maruti cars. The Build quality seems solid and hopefully shouldn't rattle as much as the swift. Overall build quality is better than the

swift and ritz.

Headlights -

Compared to a swift and ritz the figos headlights are way better. This could be just a feeling but then again this is what I observed.

Goodies!

As standard this version comes with

Day and night rear view mirror.

keyless entry

Music System (MP3/CD/FM) player + 4 speakers

Both of which are very decent. The Music system on the figo is really good. Speakers sound ok and doesn't sound cheap. I was playing a CD and even on bad roads the music did not skip or pause. The Ritz and swift doesn't come with anything.

What I don't like

Engine and 1st, 2nd gears-

On paper it claims to have 70bhp. But start driving this car and you wonder where the horses suddenly went? The moment you start moving you need to shift to 2nd. this means a lot of gear shifts in heavy city traffic conditions.

The Engine does feel a bit weak and rough.

Here is where the Ritz and swift kicks the figo! The K-series from Suzuki is miles ahead better.

Ride Quality -

The suspension is on the stiffer side. The ride quality is quite bumpy. I tend to like softer suspensions.

No Power Windows in the rear

This is one a major one for me! I know the rear window doesn't roll down fully but they should have given power windows.

Cost cutting?

No real bumpers?

The car doesn't have a bumper as such. The AC condenser or the radiator is very close to the front grill. I suspect that even a small impact at 20km can cause heavy damage to the car.

again cost cutting?

Rear Headrests -

For those long distance drives anyone sitting in the back is going to be tortured! Lack of rear headrests is a big thumbs down!

Plastic Around the handbrake -

while booking the car they only had the titanium in the showroom which had the plastic around the handbrake. This doesn't serve any practical purpose but the interiors looks better with it.

All the Lxi, Exi, Zxi don't come with plastic around the handbrake.

Overall the figo is great value for money. Offers better O.E accessories than any other car in the segment.

Now the most important part for Indian's F.E?

I still don't know how much F.E the car is giving but by the DTE I guess its around 11 in the city with A.C on all the time.

Would I recommend the Figo ?

Definitely yes! Practical no nonsense hatchback.

Would I recommend Merto Ford Bangalore?

No ways! After all that they did? Please go to Lathangi!

During the time of delivery the car was very dirty on the inside. Very unprofessional. Please go to Lathangi ford.

Milage update

Car did 652KM before I refueled. Filled in 38L (full tank)

Thats about 17.15 Per litre of petrol. This was on the highway with 4 adults and lot of luggage. AC usage was about 30%.

Maintained speeds of 80-90KM through most of the journey