Dubai - MENA Herald: Ford sets the new benchmark for compact sedans in the Middle East with the introduction of the new 2016 Ford Figo this week across the region.
The compact sedan Figo delights consumers with its inspired design, smart technology, advanced safety features, world-class quality and powerful, efficient engines.
“The new Figo proves that you don’t need to sacrifice quality, design or functionality to have an affordable, powerful compact car,” said Kalyana Sivagnanam, Vice President – Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford Middle East & Africa. “Figo is the ideal urban mobility vehicle, built to our high global standards, and offering more quality and advanced technologies than one would expect for the money.”
Figo will be offered in three trim levels: entry-level Ambiente, mid-level Trend and top-of-the-line Titanium. Figo will come in both 4-door or 5-door configurations and offer a choice of a 1.2L or 1.5L petrol engine.
Sophisticated and smart technology
Reflecting the growing need for consumers to stay connected at all times, the Figo features exceptional smart technologies that help customers integrate their car more easily into their digital lives.
MyFord Dock, a first-in-class feature, offers drivers a unique solution for storing, mounting and charging mobile phones, MP3 players and satellite navigation systems, and for integrating these devices into the car’s entertainment system. When not in use, the dock can be closed out of sight.
Consumers looking for even greater technological integration can choose a Figo equipped with SYNC™, Ford’s advanced in-car connectivity system. SYNC allows drivers to control their phone and entertainment hands-free using simple voice commands.
To encourage responsible driving, the new Figo features Ford’s MyKey technology. MyKey lets owners program keys with restricted driving modes that encourage good habits, such as increasing seat belt use, limiting vehicle top speeds and regulating audio volume.
“With MyKey, Figo owners can set sensible restrictions for drivers with less experience,” said Sivagnanam. “For instance, they can activate a maximum speed limit, or a persistent seatbelt minder that mutes the audio system volume and continues to play a chime until front-seat occupants fasten their seatbelts.”
Safe and in command
Designed from the ground up to protect occupants in the event of a collision, the Figo features a robust passenger cage created from high-strength steel, and first-in-class standard driver and passenger airbags across the range. Also for the first time in a compact sedan, the Figo offers up to six airbags – including side and curtain airbags – for an extra level of protection in the front and rear compartments.
While on the road, the Figo helps instill confidence with available driver-assist technologies that take the stress out of driving. When setting off on a steep slope – whether uphill or downhill – the segment-first Hill Launch Assist feature holds the vehicle for up to three seconds as the driver’s foot moves from the brake to the accelerator.
During sudden maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program keeps the driver in command, braking individual wheels as needed to keep the vehicle on course. An Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution also helps drivers to stay in control, preventing wheel lockup and maintaining stability while braking.
Elegant and efficient design
Complementing the Figo’s smart and safe innovations is a striking, elegant design that set it apart from competitors. A bold trapezoidal grille and elongated headlamps give the Figo a substantial yet sporty presence on the road. Chrome highlights and fine details in the headlight design also add an unmistakably premium touch for discerning car buyers looking to make a statement.
Keeping the customers in mind, the design is as functional as it is modern and elegant.
The swept-back lines of the windshield and A-pillars, which help to give the Figo its dynamic appearance, are the result of close to 150 hours of wind-tunnel testing and extensive digital modelling to enhance aerodynamic performance. The result is better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise.
A speed lip under the front of the car further enhances aerodynamic performance by deflecting air away from the underbody, where components can create significant drag, and the side mirrors have optimized to minimize drag and reduce wind noise. At the rear, sharp, clean edges on the deck-lid and tail lights help the Figo to slip smoothly through the air, reducing turbulence behind the car to reduce drag.
The aerodynamic design even helps to keep occupants cool, as airflow through the grille is directed to heat exchangers to improve air conditioning performance.
Intelligent interior
The sophisticated and stylish exterior of the Figo is matched by a modern interior that delivers an extraordinary experience for a compact car. Intelligent and careful space management creates a surprisingly roomy cabin emphasizing quality, comfort and convenience.
All occupants will notice exceptional levels of craftsmanship, with colours and materials carefully selected by Ford designers to create a refined and premium environment.
Thanks to a powerful automatic climate control system, passengers can enjoy the interior space in even greater comfort.
The Figo also offers no fewer than 20 smart storage spaces and convenience features to ensure the driver and passengers never need to leave anything behind. Some highlights include:
- Bottle holders in both front doors that can hold a 1.5-liter and a 1.0-liter bottle at the same time, with room left over for an umbrella
- A cavernous boot with 359 litres of luggage space, enough for a family getaway
- A bag holder in the boot that keeps bags upright to help you carry groceries home safely
- A large glove box big enough to fit a laptop that also features a convenient pen holder
- Three cup holders for front seat occupants, and a convenient bin for rear passengers at the back of the centre console
- Seat-back pockets that can hold newspapers and magazines for rear-seat passengers
- A handy tray with a rubber mat, ideal for holding a mobile phone or sunglasses
- A convenient coin holder that can be used to keep valuables out of sight
- For the ultimate in security, a secret side compartment, only accessible when the driver’s door is open, that can be used to store valuables
Fun-to-drive spirit
True to Ford’s commitment to delivering a fun-to-drive experience, the Figo has been designed and engineered to offer precise, agile and responsive steering, and stable, predictable handling.
This performance is made possible by Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), which provides lighter steering effort at low speeds – for parking and in-city maneuvering – and heavier, more precise feel at high speeds for greater stability and confidence on highways. By replacing the belt-driven hydraulic pump of a traditional power steering system with an electric motor, EPAS makes for a quieter vehicle with fewer components drawing engine power – which helps to improve fuel economy.
“A key goal in engineering any vehicle is to deliver driving dynamics that reward the expert and flatter the novice, and the Figo is no exception,” said Sivagnanam. “Whether in city traffic, on winding mountain roads or on a high-speed dual carriageway, the Figo delivers a driving experience that helps keep drivers confidently in control.”
A choice of two responsive, reliable and economical engines takes the Figo’s efficiency and fun-to-drive promise even further. A refined and sophisticated new 1.2-liter Ti-VCT petrol engine is optimized for both maximum power delivery and real-world efficiency, and puts out 88 PS (64.7 kW) of power, and 112 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm, with fuel economy of 19.6* km/L
For the ultimate combination of performance and fuel economy, the Figo can also be equipped with a 1.5-liter Ti-VCT petrol engine, offering an impressive 112 PS (82.3 kW) of power and 136 Nm of torque @ 4,250 rpm, with fuel economy up to 18.3* Km/L.
“From the beginning, we designed the Figo to be a world-class vehicle that customers will be proud to own, with features, quality and performance beyond what they would expect from a compact sedan,” concluded Sivagnanam. “By listening to the needs of our customers, and drawing on our global product development capabilities, we’ve created a car that truly raises the bar in its segment.”
