NOW that the likes of the Corsa Lite, VW Citi and Toyota Tazz have departed the scene, car shopping in the budget segment is no longer the equivalent of automotive antiquing. Even so, a void has been created in the segment that cries out to be filled by a cheap ’n cheerful offering in the mould of the exceedingly popular Citi. Can Ford’s latest budget offering, the Figo, display the same virtues that afforded the base VW a vice-like grip on the walletfriendly end of the market for so many years?
The Figo is not so much an all-new car but more a careful rework of a previous-generation Fiesta, which entailed adding some of the company’s “Kinetic Design” elements, namely swept-back headlamps and a trapezoidal lower air dam, to the nose of the previous “box shaped” hatchback. It’s a look that the Figo wears well, being both youthful and gender-neutral. Interior appointments, such as the pod-like air vents, will get a nod of recognition from those who’ve piloted the old Fiesta and, while there are none of the soft-touch accents featured on the previous model’s facia, fit and finish are impressive for a car of the Figo’s ilk.
Some testers commented that the driving position was a tad high for their liking and that the seats could do with some more side bolstering, but the height-adjustable steering is a plus and the cabin feels spacious for a car of the Figo’s dimensions, thanks to ample glazing and headroom. The Figo’s boot swallowed a respectable 240 dm³ worth of our ISO blocks and 704 dm³ with the single- piece rear seatback – unfortunately not a more versatile 60:40 split – folded flat.
Power is provided by a revised version of Ford’s proven 16-valve 1,4-litre Duratec petrol engine. It’s a keen-revving little unit that develops 62 kW at 6 000 r/min and 127 N.m of torque at 4 000. Granted, the engine is no ball of fire, propelling the Figo to 100 km/h from standstill in a leisurely 13,63 seconds, but it’s pretty much spot-on for a car that tips the scales at 1 072 kg. The power delivery is smooth and there’s none of the harshness that often afflicts small petrol engines in the budget class.
The combination of light weight and a small powerplant help the Figo to achieve an average fuel consumption figure of 7,9 litres/100 km, which should equate to a range of around 570 km between fill-ups. Although there isn’t a great deal of power at the top end, there’s enough on tap to ensure that motorway driving is not a harrowing experience and the car feels suitably nippy in an urban environment. A slick gearbox complements the powerplant very well and adds to what is perhaps one of the Figo’s most satisfying aspects – the drive.
All too often, manufacturers vying for a presence in the budget segment are so engrossed in the process of cost-cutting and poring over fittings that they forget to bestow their offerings with much in the way of drivability.
Those who have sampled the previous Fiesta will attest to that car’s nimble nature and thankfully it forms much of the Figo’s foundations. Ford has retained the Fiesta’s MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension set-up but has revised certain elements, for example, strengthening key points on the chassis and tweaking the rear dampers to provide a ride that is both supple yet suited to spirited driving. The steering has a satisfyingly precise feel with understeer only making its presence felt when really pressing on.Body roll is neatly reined-in and the ABS-assisted brakes are strong and easy to modulate, further adding to the grin-inducing feeling of wieldiness that lifts the Figo above many of its peers.
While most of the CAR team were impressed with the Figo’s balance of dynamic prowess and ride comfort, it was the standard specification that elicited many a cocked eyebrow and further nod of approval. In many cases the term “entry-level”, especially when regarding a budget car in the R110 000 price bracket, is often accompanied by such adjectives as “spartan” or “no-frills”. But opting for this base Ambiente-specification car, does not entail the feverish ticking of options boxes at the dealership to kit out your purchase. Among the car’s standard features are power steering, airconditioning, a radio/CD audio system with auxiliary connectivity, dual front airbags, central locking, ABS with EBD and a remote boot release from within the cabin.
TEST SUMMARY
It’s not often that a budget hatchback causes a stir in the CAR offices, but the Figo managed to do just that. Having sampled some budget offerings from India and China with decidedly iffy build quality and handling characteristics, it was a relief to see that the Figo has managed to retain the nimble handling and supple ride of the previous Fiesta upon which it is based, while feeling solidly put together. But it’s the level of specification available at this price point that had a number of us checking, and then doublechecking, the sticker price and equipment check-list.
When looking at the Figo’s logical rival, the R109 900 VW Polo Vivo Hatch 1,4, there’s simply no comparison in terms of standard kit. Needless to say, if the classy Polo Vivo can’t match it, the Figo has managed to emulate many of the previously segment-dominating VW Citi’s virtues.
Given its combination of generous specification, good build quality and entertaining dynamics in a package that is both familiar and popular with folks here in South Africa, the Figo represents seriously good value for money. If Ford can keep the pricing stable, the Figo may well be the first choice in this segment.
