Ford Figo gets fresh face for 2013

Published Oct 24, 2012

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Given that the Ford Figo budget-beater has its roots in the old-generation Ford Fiesta, what you see here is basically a facelift of a facelift of a facelift.

But considering the level of competition in the budget segment, perhaps having more cosmetic surgery than a Hollywood (or Bollywood) housewife is not such a bad thing.

Just launched in its home market of India, the new Figo boasts numerous design changes, two new colours (Bright Yellow and Kinetic Blue) as well as some minor under-the-skin modifications.

As with most facelifts, the biggest changes are to the face, where you'll see redesigned headlights, a new hexagonal lower grille and narrower upper grille.

The rest of the design changes are limited to new wheel covers and alloy wheels as well as subtly tweaked taillights.

Inside the biggest news is the addition of steering column-mounted audio controls and the seats have been tweaked too - Ford claiming they offer improved lumbar support.

On the mechanical front, improved engine calibration is said to have made the engine more responsive, and some gearbox tinkering has made for easier shifting.

No other engine changes have been announced, so let's assume that it'll offer the same choice between 62kW 1.4 petrol and 51kW 1.4 turbodiesel engines.

The new Figo has just gone on sale in India at a starting price of INR 384 999 (R62 737).

Ford SA says the new Figo will arrive in South Africa imminently and promises to divulge more details shortly.

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