Ford India officially launched the Ford Figo announcing pricing for the much anticipated new compact car.
"Our dealers are excited, customers are waiting and the new Figo is now ready to hit the streets," said Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia, Pacific and Africa. "From the start we wanted to offer all the features of a B-Segment
car at a Sub-B price. We've accomplished that with Figo."
Four different Ford Figo models - LXI, EXI, ZXI and Titanium - will be available with different trim levels and designed to suit a variety of consumer tastes. All models also will be available with a Duratorq diesel engine option.
Aggressively priced, the new entry-level
Ford Figo Duratec LXI, equipped with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, will be priced at Rs. 3,49,900. The entry-level model also can be equipped with a 1.4-litre Duratorq diesel engine that will be priced at Rs. 4,47,900.
Pricing for the EXI model will start at Rs. 3,81,900 for petrol and Rs. 4,72,900 for diesel variants. The ZXI models are priced at Rs. 3,99,900 for petrol and 4,96,900 for diesel and the top-of-the-line Titanium at Rs. 4,42,900 for petrol and Rs. 5, 29,900* for diesel model. The standard engine for all models is the 1.2-litre Duratec petrol engine. Duratorq 1.4-litre diesel engines are available on all models.
"We have kept our promise and priced all four
Ford Figo models very competitively to emphasise Ford's commitment to this huge segment of the growing Indian automobile market," said Michael Boneham, president and managing director of Ford India. "We are committed to setting new benchmarks with Figo in this segment. Figo offers more features, interior space, technology and durability than other vehicles at this price in the segment."
Beginning with an excellent foundation that includes a proven structure and chassis, both interior and exterior styling follows the global kinetic design elements that help harmonise the car with other models in the global Ford lineup.
Modern, sleek styling turns heads:On the exterior, the tri-plane front end, distinct fenders and a "comet tail" side treatment that starts at the front fenders and carries through the doors into the quarter panels combine to give the car a sporty and aggressive appearance and develop its unique personality. The car's large headlamps have a dynamic shape that helps define the element of speed and agility for the Figo.
The personality that Ford Figo expresses on the outside carries over into the interior of the vehicle.
Inside, a free-flowing instrument panel greets the driver. Seating comfort is enhanced with a design specific for Figo that is all-new and includes fabric seat inserts with a specific bolster and trim pattern.
All models feature a black-themed interior highlighted with red or blue accents. Door panels on the up-level models include cloth inserts with distinctive red colour matching the seat pattern. On ZXI and Titanium models, consumers also will be able to choose a coral red coloured instrument panel option. The bold colour themes are inspired by India's colourful traditions and taste. The Titanium model is extensively equipped and includes Anti lock Braking System and standard driver and passenger airbags.
Other features included on the ZXI and Titanium models include dual-cluster instrument gauges for speedometer and tachometer, vanity mirror for the front seat passenger, power-adjustable rear view mirrors for both passenger and driver. The interior of both models also includes extensive use of bright or polished aluminum trim on the door pull cups, console and around the gauges.
Generous front seat travel, at 210 millimetres, comfortably accommodates nearly every driver.
The rear seat is designed for three adults and can easily fold down to offer generous storage. Combined with the 284 litres of storage capacity in the trunk,
Ford Figo has more available storage than any other vehicle in its class.
Among the many standard interior features is a heater and air-conditioning system designed to provide best-in-class performance for a range of temperatures from -10 to 49 degrees Celsius.
Other smart features include Lane Change Indication that flashes indicators three times, eliminating the need to hold the stalk. Hazard deceleration alerts trailing drivers when vehicle speed rapidly decreases. The hazard lamps automatically flash when vehicle speed suddenly decreases to below 96 kilometres per hour.
Ford Figo Features:Ford Figo offers two fuel-efficient engines for the Indian market. A new 1.2-litre petrol engine delivers 52.44 kW (71.35 PS) @ 6250 rpm and 102 Nm (10.4 kgm) @ 4000 rpm. Ideally geared for Indian traffic, fuel efficiency for the 1.2-litre is 15.6 kilometres per litre. The proven, class-leading 1.4-litre Duratorq diesel engine also will be available for Figo with outstanding fuel efficiency of 20 kilometres per litre. Horsepower is rated at 50.72 kW (69 PS) @ 4000 rpm. Torque is equally impressive with 160Nm (16.3 kgm) at 2000 rpm.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard equipment on both engines. The clutch has been designed for low effort due to frequent application for shifting in high traffic found in the Indian market.
Zero to 100 kilometres per hour performance is 15.5 seconds for the petrol engine and 15.8 seconds for the diesel variant.
Based on Ford's proven global small car architecture,
Ford Figo has been thoroughly tuned for Indian drivers. With the longest wheelbase in the B-car segment at 2489 millimetres, chassis dynamics have been optimized with new steering and suspension components.
The standard power-assist steering system is tuned to require less effort for parking and tight traffic maneuvers and offers precision and agility at higher highway speeds. An anti-lock braking system is offered on the Titanium model.
Service for the new
Ford Figo also has been enhanced. Ford India recently announced the opening of 28 new dealerships in India, bringing the total number of Ford outlets to 164 facilities in 97 cities. Nearly 50 facilities feature Quick Service, a new servicing process that is designed to quickly perform routine maintenance in less than 90 minutes.
As part of the initial pricing, all Figo models will be covered with Roadside Assistance for two years. Additional extended warranty plans and total maintenance options will be available to the consumer. Combined with service intervals that are among the longest, and high-durability parts that are competitively priced, Figo is among the leaders with a standard scheduled service plan of five years or 100,000 kilometres.
"Given where the Sub-B segment has traditionally been in terms of content, space and price, we feel Figo will open new opportunities for consumers looking for a better choice," Boneham said. "When you look at all the features, generous interior proportions, styling and fuel efficiency, all Figo models are extensively equipped and truly a bargain at these price points."
Source: Ford IndiaRelated Books:The Story of FordThe Model T Ford
Skoda's new small car is anticipated in India, by December 2012. The car will be priced between Rs. 4-5 lakh and will be placed below Skoda Fabia. Skoda had launched a new Fabia Greenline at the Delhi Auto Expo for the Indian market which is also on the cards.
Style wise, the 
