Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo?

arjab · 8th March 2011, 16:17

Thought of starting this thread to gauge the views of fellow petrolheads:

We all know that the Figo is a good vehicle. Maybe, slightly old school design, but a vehicle which ticks all the correct boxes as far as value for money pricing, Space, nice looks, suspension, ride, handling etc are concerned.
It's even won our car of the year award.

The only box it doesn't seem to tick is the availability of a nice and punchy petrol motor - which brings us to the title of this thread.

Ford is using it's Fiesta diesel in the Figo. Ford has a lovely 1.6 L petrol in the Fiesta also. And Ford had a 1.6 L in the Fusion too.

So what prevents Ford from putting this engine in the Figo's commodious engine bay? Even if the price is dearer by Rs 40,000 am sure FORD will find enough enthusiasts as buyers.

I did dig around at other competitor dealerships just to get a "feel" of the 1.6hot hatch market. A certain German OEM sells around 10-15 units of its 1.6's on an average per month per dealer. The German's Czech cousin

is also not far behind.

The FIGO is almost a year old now.
Time to add some spice to the brand, get that "halo" car out on the roads, and make it more desirable?
Why not Ford?
Am sure with the chassis dynamics that the FIGO has, a 1.6Figo will be a sweet machine to drive.

Over to you guys

.anshuman · 8th March 2011, 17:11

I too feel Figo with the 100hp engine from the Fiesta will be be the best driver's Hatch. It already has the underpinnings of the Fiesta offering a very involving drive experience, it only lacks a punchy engine. But if Ford launches the 1.6 Dura-Tec engine in Figo expect it to be pricier as it won't be eligible for the excise concessions.

A variant with higher trim levels is required too.

KiloAlpha · 8th March 2011, 17:55

The Figo is sold in South Africa with a 90hp 1.4 litre petrol engine. I think this engine, with 15" alloys and a few extra features like special paint job, subtle body kit, and adjustable steering, will make an excellent "warm" hatch.

It won't cost Ford much to introduce this either.

Are you listening, Ford?

altius · 8th March 2011, 18:01

Figo would be the most affordable hot hatch with 1.6 engine, but I would guess Ford would be planning the 1.6 option for the upcoming Fiesta Hatch!

GTO · 8th March 2011, 18:29

How I wouldn't love to drive a Figo with that engine. It'll also be more fun to drive (lighter, no boot) than the Fiesta, and cheaper too. I'm guessing Ford hasn't *yet* introduced that engine as to:

- Avoid a fuel guzzler image. See what the 1.6 GTX did to the Palio. 100 monthly Figo 1.6 owners redline, and then whine about "8 kpl".

- To justify the Fiesta's current price difference.

A Figo 100 BHP will be more of a hot hatch than the VW Polo 1.6 (still not exciting enough) or the Punto 90 BHP (just not quick enough). And hey, going by the Figo's VFM pricing, it will well undercut these two.

What are you waiting for, Ford? Car is ready, engine is ready, customers are ready.

KiloAlpha · 8th March 2011, 19:54

OK, lets take the Figo 1.6 way out.

How about the 1.6 Zetec unit that saw service in the Euro-spec Mark 5 Fiesta (that the Figo is based on)? 120bhp anyone?

dot · 8th March 2011, 20:11

Ok, here is an outrageous thought. Figo's 1.2 Duratec is derived from Fiesta's 1.6 L duratec. So external configurations, engine bay requirements and tranny couplings may be similar to both the engines. In that case, is it possible to transplant Figo's 1.2 with a Fiesta's 1.6?

Nitronium · 8th March 2011, 20:16

Excellent though dot!

I'm also wondering the same thing. The overall cost of a transplant could reduce the price difference between the Figo and the Germans substantially.

dot · 8th March 2011, 20:19

Well, thanks. I was thinking of doing this on personal basis though.

dhanushs · 8th March 2011, 21:16

The next perfect enthusiast offering from Ford should definitely be the FIGO 1.6.

Ford has successfully made an impact in the hatch segment, and now, they just need to amp it up, with a 1.6 mill. May be in a year or so, it will happen, as the Figo needs to reinforce that fuel efficient image.

I'm already dreaming a white Figo, with black tints, 15" alloys, CAI and FFE.

avishar · 8th March 2011, 21:32

The thing is most probably Ford will eventually come out with such an option but not now,because they already have to cope with such strong Figo sales.

Mustang is the best person to answer this query.

.anshuman · 8th March 2011, 21:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiloAlpha

The Figo is sold in South Africa with a 90hp 1.4 litre petrol engine. I think this engine, with 15" alloys and a few extra features like special paint job, subtle body kit, and adjustable steering, will make an excellent "warm" hatch.

It won't cost Ford much to introduce this either.

Are you listening, Ford?

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiloAlpha

OK, lets take the Figo 1.6 way out.

How about the 1.6 Zetec unit that saw service in the Euro-spec Mark 5 Fiesta (that the Figo is based on)? 120bhp anyone?

Any Engine size above 1200cc(Petrol) will attract same duty so for Ford the 1.6 Engine from the Fiesta makes most sense as this engine is currently sold in India. This will not only keep the production costs under check but will also help with already available technical support from Service centers and common spare parts will contribute to economies of scale.

xingamazon · 8th March 2011, 21:47

Please find my reasons why Ford is not thinking your way:
1. They dont want to spoil the chances of a premium hatches simimlar to the New Fiesta hatch that might be coming in sometime.
2. The placement of Figo is well planned to be only a VFM, they dont want to spoil placement plan for Figo by trying to make it a enthusiasts favorite, and adding the cost of the car. General mindset of aam admi is to value a car with the price of highest variant. E.g. no matter how much the price of the Jazz is reduced its still considered costly/ premium as thier costliest variant is way beyond middle class' reach.

avishar · 8th March 2011, 21:58

I agree with Xingamazon,if they do plonk in the 1.6 it will push up prices to a level which will be above figo's segment.

Also the new fiesta is coming,the old fiesta which will now be re christened as fiesta classic,so sales will be lower than now.So ford will not really be selling that many 1.6s anymore,and might phase the motor out altogether.

oxyzen · 8th March 2011, 22:17

Considering the current Market scenario the 1.6 Diesel will make more sense.
Power without the expense of FE. No more whining about 8kmpl.

8th March 2011, 16:17	#1
arjab Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: MAA/CCU Posts: 1,424 Thanked: 5,463 Times View My Garage	Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? Thought of starting this thread to gauge the views of fellow petrolheads: We all know that the Figo is a good vehicle. Maybe, slightly old school design, but a vehicle which ticks all the correct boxes as far as value for money pricing, Space, nice looks, suspension, ride, handling etc are concerned. It's even won our car of the year award. The only box it doesn't seem to tick is the availability of a nice and punchy petrol motor - which brings us to the title of this thread. Ford is using it's Fiesta diesel in the Figo. Ford has a lovely 1.6 L petrol in the Fiesta also. And Ford had a 1.6 L in the Fusion too. So what prevents Ford from putting this engine in the Figo's commodious engine bay? Even if the price is dearer by Rs 40,000 am sure FORD will find enough enthusiasts as buyers. I did dig around at other competitor dealerships just to get a "feel" of the 1.6hot hatch market. A certain German OEM sells around 10-15 units of its 1.6's on an average per month per dealer. The German's Czech cousin is also not far behind. The FIGO is almost a year old now. Time to add some spice to the brand, get that "halo" car out on the roads, and make it more desirable? Why not Ford? Am sure with the chassis dynamics that the FIGO has, a 1.6Figo will be a sweet machine to drive. Over to you guys
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 17:11	#2
.anshuman Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Good-Gaon Posts: 7,763 Thanked: 11,064 Times View My Garage	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? I too feel Figo with the 100hp engine from the Fiesta will be be the best driver's Hatch. It already has the underpinnings of the Fiesta offering a very involving drive experience, it only lacks a punchy engine. But if Ford launches the 1.6 Dura-Tec engine in Figo expect it to be pricier as it won't be eligible for the excise concessions. A variant with higher trim levels is required too. Last edited by .anshuman : 8th March 2011 at 18:39. Reason: typo
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 17:55	#3
KiloAlpha Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Cubicle Posts: 1,605 Thanked: 3,002 Times	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? The Figo is sold in South Africa with a 90hp 1.4 litre petrol engine. I think this engine, with 15" alloys and a few extra features like special paint job, subtle body kit, and adjustable steering, will make an excellent "warm" hatch. It won't cost Ford much to introduce this either. Are you listening, Ford?
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 18:01	#4
altius BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 240 Thanked: 101 Times	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? Figo would be the most affordable hot hatch with 1.6 engine, but I would guess Ford would be planning the 1.6 option for the upcoming Fiesta Hatch!
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 18:29	#5
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,518 Thanked: 300,704 Times View My Garage	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? How I wouldn't love to drive a Figo with that engine. It'll also be more fun to drive (lighter, no boot) than the Fiesta, and cheaper too. I'm guessing Ford hasn't yet introduced that engine as to: - Avoid a fuel guzzler image. See what the 1.6 GTX did to the Palio. 100 monthly Figo 1.6 owners redline, and then whine about "8 kpl". - To justify the Fiesta's current price difference. A Figo 100 BHP will be more of a hot hatch than the VW Polo 1.6 (still not exciting enough) or the Punto 90 BHP (just not quick enough). And hey, going by the Figo's VFM pricing, it will well undercut these two. What are you waiting for, Ford? Car is ready, engine is ready, customers are ready.
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 19:54	#6
KiloAlpha Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Cubicle Posts: 1,605 Thanked: 3,002 Times	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? OK, lets take the Figo 1.6 way out. How about the 1.6 Zetec unit that saw service in the Euro-spec Mark 5 Fiesta (that the Figo is based on)? 120bhp anyone?
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 20:11	#7
dot Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ban Chang Posts: 1,681 Thanked: 732 Times	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? Ok, here is an outrageous thought. Figo's 1.2 Duratec is derived from Fiesta's 1.6 L duratec. So external configurations, engine bay requirements and tranny couplings may be similar to both the engines. In that case, is it possible to transplant Figo's 1.2 with a Fiesta's 1.6?
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 20:16	#8
Nitronium BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 407 Thanked: 93 Times	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? Excellent though dot! I'm also wondering the same thing. The overall cost of a transplant could reduce the price difference between the Figo and the Germans substantially.
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 20:19	#9
dot Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ban Chang Posts: 1,681 Thanked: 732 Times	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? Well, thanks. I was thinking of doing this on personal basis though.
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 21:16	#10
dhanushs Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 4,282 Thanked: 10,179 Times	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? The next perfect enthusiast offering from Ford should definitely be the FIGO 1.6. Ford has successfully made an impact in the hatch segment, and now, they just need to amp it up, with a 1.6 mill. May be in a year or so, it will happen, as the Figo needs to reinforce that fuel efficient image. I'm already dreaming a white Figo, with black tints, 15" alloys, CAI and FFE.
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 21:32	#11
avishar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: kolkata/bangalore,india Posts: 2,901 Thanked: 4,143 Times	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? The thing is most probably Ford will eventually come out with such an option but not now,because they already have to cope with such strong Figo sales. Mustang is the best person to answer this query.
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 21:47	#13
xingamazon Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 1,400 Thanked: 121 Times	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? Please find my reasons why Ford is not thinking your way: 1. They dont want to spoil the chances of a premium hatches simimlar to the New Fiesta hatch that might be coming in sometime. 2. The placement of Figo is well planned to be only a VFM, they dont want to spoil placement plan for Figo by trying to make it a enthusiasts favorite, and adding the cost of the car. General mindset of aam admi is to value a car with the price of highest variant. E.g. no matter how much the price of the Jazz is reduced its still considered costly/ premium as thier costliest variant is way beyond middle class' reach.
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 21:58	#14
avishar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: kolkata/bangalore,india Posts: 2,901 Thanked: 4,143 Times	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? I agree with Xingamazon,if they do plonk in the 1.6 it will push up prices to a level which will be above figo's segment. Also the new fiesta is coming,the old fiesta which will now be re christened as fiesta classic,so sales will be lower than now.So ford will not really be selling that many 1.6s anymore,and might phase the motor out altogether. Last edited by avishar : 8th March 2011 at 22:05.
	() Thanks

8th March 2011, 22:17	#15
oxyzen Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 1,051 Thanked: 395 Times	Re: Horses for Courses - A 100 bhp Figo? Considering the current Market scenario the 1.6 Diesel will make more sense. Power without the expense of FE. No more whining about 8kmpl.
	() Thanks