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3-pot Ford impresses on many levels
When the Ford Figo arrived for its road test I thought it was a Fiesta. Not being that Ford well-informed I mistook it as a Fiesta . . . until I ambled around the car.
Well, I was not far out, it is a ‘toned-down’ Ford Fiesta. As a 4-door it’s not as eye-catching either, but the classic looking and restyled honeycomb grille, those new fog lamp surrounds adding to the show. Also new are the tougher looking two-tone multi-spoke 14” wheels, while delicate changes at the rear include a new bumper.
There are mild interior improvements around the centre console and upper instrument panel while fabric door inserts are new as is more modern seat fabric offering a classier aspect.
Standard items include electric front windows, immobiliser, power assisted steering, Ford Audio and Bluetooth. Ford’s Device Dock in the console is there to facilitate connection and powering smart phones. Also in place are driver and passenger airbags, ABS brakes with EBD. The Trend has other features including remote central locking, power rear windows, rear window defroster and anti-theft alarm among others.
The biggest change is the 1.5-litre 3-cyilnder petrol engine with aluminium block and cylinder head to reduce weight and the fitting of a dual-stage variable oil pump to assist in reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Another feature is the twin 4-valve independent variable camshaft timing, which offered such a fine engine feel during testing -- well camouflaging the vibrations of a typical 3-pot engine.
Power and torque outputs are also well taken care of by the handy 5-speed transmission offering good engine performance throughout the rev range.
For those unfamiliar with the manual box Eco Mode, it has a shift indicator to inform drivers of ideal gear-change points up or down, to reduce fuel consumption.
QUICK TEST: Ford Figo 1.5 TiVCT Trend
Engine: 88kW 150Nm 1498cc turbo petrol I3
Drive: 5-speed manual FWD
TESTED (1500m ASL):
0-100km/h: 11.3 sec
0-160km/h: 31.2 sec
400m: 17.2 sec @ 133km/h
80-120km/h: 12.1 sec
CLAIMED:
Vmax: 175km/h
Fuel: 8.0 l/100km
CO2: 134 g/km
Warranty/Service: 4y 120K/4y 60Kkm
LIST PRICE: R187K
RATED: 78%