South African auto website IOL has received confirmation from the Ford's subsidiary on the new Figo's launch. The vehicle will launch in the country next year with at least one diesel variant.
Indian Autos Blog has been told by multiple sources that the Figo twins will be made at Ford India's upcoming plant in Sanand, Gujarat. The plant will not only make the cars for domestic demand, but will also export them widely. Ford exports the Figo from its Chennai plant at the moment to some 40 countries. South Africa and Mexico are the two biggest export markets for the entry level hatchback.
The Figo is not the market leader in the B-Segment of South Africa, but the 1.4L Ambiente was South Africa's best selling car variant in 2013.
Ford India will launch the next generation Ford Figo hatchback, and a sub-4 meter sedan based on it, early next year. The new Figo twins borrow looks from the new Ford Ka which is being primed for a Brazilian launch by the end of August. Ford also showcased a concept sub-4 meter Figo sedan at the Auto Expo this year, the production version of which could augment the South African lineup in the future.
The Ka in Brazil is announced to receive a naturally aspirated 1.0-liter three-cylinder Flex fuel engine capable of 85 hp and 107 Nm of torque. A larger 1.5-liter 111 hp engine is also reported to be in the offing. For the Indian model, expect the same engine to be utilized (sans the Flex-fuel capability) alongside the 1.5-liter diesel engine that serves on the EcoSport and Fiesta.
Competitors - VW Polo Vivo, Nissan Micra, Renault Sandero, Toyota Etios, Hyundai Grand i10, Suzuki Celerio, Chevrolet Beat (Spark)
Expected price in India - INR 4-6 lakh ex-showroom
Ford Ka/Figo - Image Gallery
[Source - Iol]
