FORD KA+ from Brazil to be launched as FORD FIGO ASPIRE in India

Unveiled as a concept, right ahead of the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo, the Ford Figo’s production version was launched in Brazil as KA plus Aspire sedan earlier this year. Based on the company’s ‘One Ford strategy’, the hatchback comes equipped with premium features and has a fresh new design. The Ford Figo Aspire (Figo, which means cool in Italian) will hit the Indian shore by the early or mid 2015. While the Figo sedan is a completely new product replacing the Classic, the new Figo will be a copiously modified variant of current generation Figo. The 2015 Ford Figo will be manufactured at the American automaker’s new facility in Sanand, Gujarat.

Exterior

The Ford Figo sedan will captivate the attention of car enthusiasts with its chrome garnish design and style. Trapezoidal grille, blacked out and sharp headlamps with daytime running LED lights, chrome strips on rub rails and sides, dual tone alloys are some of the attention grabbing features. The lower section of front bumper features air intake in addition of dynamic fog lights. Rear profile has impressive styling which comes with a new lighting pattern. The other Ford Figo Sedan Features include 8-spoke and 17-inch alloy wheels(titanium trim) with tubeless radial tires, a large rear windshield with a stop light at center, indicator integrated ORVM covers, power adjustable external wing mirrors, large doors with a huge glass-area, shark-fin radio antenna, and more.

Ford Figo

Interior

Ford Figo sedan is equipped with features such as satellite navigation, an updated infotainment system and the new SYNC technology as found in the new Ford Fiesta.  Highlighting features include Ford’s SYNC audio system, AppLink smartphone integration, Emergency Assistance, audio system with AUX-in, USB support and Blue S technology (Bluetooth connectivity), rear power outlet, height adjustable driver seat, steering mounted audio controls etc. This new AppLink system supports voice activated commands allowing the driver to dial and answer calls, use apps from the connected smartphone, navigation, music, etc without taking hands off the steering wheel.

Ford-Figo

Sedan will have electrically adjustable power-fold mirrors and an innovative and eye-catching device dock which can easily integrate into the in-car entertainment system to store, charge and mount devices such as MP3 players, cell phones and satellite navigation systems. The illuminated instrument panel houses features like distance to empty display, a digital tachometer, headlamp-on, low fuel warning lamp and an electronic multi-tripmeter. The mirrors’ flexible architecture prevents them from being broken off if bumped by another car or motorbike. Cushioned seats are integrated with head restraints. These seats are covered with fabric upholstery and provide enough leg space and shoulder room for minimum five passengers.

Engine & Performance

The upcoming Ford Figo is expected to come with three Engine options, 1.2 L Petrol, 1.0 L Eco Boost Petrol and lastly 1.5 L DV5 Diesel Engine.  The 1.0 L engine comes with 3 cylinders and 12 valves with a displacement of 999 cc. This engine is capable of producing 123 BHP at 6000 RPM while generating Max Torque 170 Nm at 4500 RPM. The 1.2 L Petrol comes with 4 cylinder and displacement of 1196 cc. The engine is installed with SEFI (Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection) fuel tech which helps in delivering Max power of 70 BHP at 6250 RPM and Max Torque of 102 NM at 4000 RPM. The 1.5 L diesel DV5 engine comes with 4 cylinders and 16 valves with a displacement of 1498 cc. With direct fuel injection, this engine can climb max power of 89 BHP at 3750 RPM and max torque of 204 NM at 2750 RPM.

While the diesel version will be coupled to a five-speed manual transmission gearbox, the petrol variant will be mated to five-speed manual or CVT gearbox. This new engine technology features Dual-command Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TiVCT), which varies the intake and exhaust valve timings independently. It is yet to be known; if this or a similar engine would also power the sub-4m version to be introduced in India next year.

Handling & Safety

McPherson Strut is used at Front in combination with coil springs and anti roll bars, while at the rear is fitted with Torsion Beam. This suspension system is further assisted by twin shock absorbers, which are filled with gas and oil. Robust suspension will deal with all the ridges on road while improving the overall stability of vehicle. The disc brakes are installed in front wheels while we will have the drum at rear.

As for safety concerned, the sedan will have engine immobilizer system, dual front airbags, and seat belts with pre-tensioner with load limiter, central locking system, Antilock braking system, Electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front airbags, child safety locks, door ajar warning, intelligent rear defogger, drive away locks, programmable keyless entry, side and front impact beams makes it a more compelling deal.

An Aerospace engineer by profession, Bob has a deep passion for automobiles. He started blogging on automotive stuffs since 2010 and still has the same drive for the automobiles. Feel free to contact him using the "Contact Us" form.Add Bob on FB