To be launched in 2015 alongside the Figo compact sedan.
Apart from the Ford Figo compact sedan that was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo, Ford is also readying the new Figo hatchback. Known as the New Ford Ka in Brazil, the next generation Figo has been spotted in Pune, Maharashtra. A visit to ARAI could be reason why the car was there.
The 2015 Ford Figo is based on the same platform as the outgoing car, while there may be a few changes in the engines department. The 1.5-litre diesel engine will be carried over from the Fiesta, but the 1.2-litre petrol unit (only used by the Figo) will be replaced by a fully-localized 1-litre engine (based on the EcoBoost but without a turbo).
This is the first time the car has been spotted in India, but the India-bound right hand drive version was caught in Brazil, too.
Talking about Brazil where the car debuted as Ford Ka (Left Hand Drive), it has made a good start, garnering over 7,000 bookings in the launch month of September. When it comes to India, Ford has plans to manufacture the Figo hatchback and the Figo sedan (sub-4m) at its second manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat, starting April 1, 2015.
Also read: India-bound Ford Endeavour revealed
The car is going to use the 'Figo' moniker as it has a high recall value, said an earlier report. Also, there's another product being readied for the Indian market, and that is the new Ford Endeavour. All three will be launched in 2015.
Competitors: Hyundai Grand i10, Maruti Celerio, Chevrolet Beat, Honda Brio, Tata Kite
Expected price: 3.5-5.5 lakhs
Expected launch date: April - June 2015
[Source: AutocarIndia.com]
