New Figo to be launched this year.
Ford India is reported to have halted the Figo hatchback's production at the company's plant in Chennai. According to online reports, the said plant dispatched only 151 units of the Figo last month, which in comparison to the regular (average) 1,500 units, points to either a very limited production or none at all.
However the company played down speculation of a production cease and said the Ford Figo "continues to be part of its portfolio and was also recently launched with updated interiors." Ford exports the Figo to some 40 global markets and with the successor not in sight, pulling the plug blindly would not be an option.
The next generation Figo, which is marketed as Ford Ka in Brazil, is based on the same platform as the current Figo, and will be made at the Sanand plant in Gujarat. It features a modern design, new interior, and an updated engine lineup, and is expected to launch a few months into the year.
In terms of engines, the new Figo will be offered with a range of petrol and diesel units. The latter shall be the 1.5-litre Duratorq engine as seen on the Fiesta, while the former would be a new 1-litre 3-cylinder engine, an Ecoboost unit without a turbocharger. In Brazil, the engine makes 85 hp and 107 Nm of torque. Both engines will come mated to a 5-speed gearbox as standard.
Also read: Ford Figo Cross rendered
The Fiesta-inspired interior will be a huge upgrade from the current Figo's, which can be described as plain at best. The platform (revised MK5) will also underpin the compact (sub-4 meter) Figo sedan, which will be launched this year, replacing the aging Classic.
As for its name, an earlier report said that both vehicles will have 'Figo' in their names, thanks to the good brand recognition the car has created.
