[dhanushmenon]

What a write up man! Very well articulated, aptly spaced and beautifully written. Many thanks for bringing out your experiences.

I have owned a Figo in the past. Same first gen, same TDCi, same Titanium version with the same red colour. What a wonderful handler she had been. I still miss the fun I used to have driving the Figo. Push her into any corner and she used to happily oblige. I am sure that her handling characteristics and the fun, engaging drive are factors that will have you hooked on too. However, I had to sell her off in 2016. See, my wife doesn't drive. So eventually, it so happened that there was my bike, Figo and an XUV with only one person who could drive it. With my work not allowing me to travel so often, it was more like an injustice to the vehicles to whine within the garage. So, with a very heavy heart, I bade goodbye to the red devil Figo at 1,06,000 kms in close to six years of usage. And I have missed her ever since.

The ownership report that I penned in long back.

Every time a red Figo crosses me, my heart pauses for a second. Well, some things, you can't equate it with words. Your thread and the splendid pics brought back a lot of fond memories. So, I hope you would kindly excuse me to post a few pics of my ride of the past.

[asit.kulkarni93]

Originally Posted by wantarangerover

I have driven the Figo 1.4 of my friend, and it is indeed a great chassis and steering combination albeit with an underpowered engine.

Thanks wantarangerover. I totally agree with you on the pointers with respect to the chassis, engine and steering feedback. The remap on my car has enhanced the engine characteristics but it does not match the 1.5 TDCi's performance. Considering the success Ford has experienced in the last few years with the Aspire and Ecosport, they should consider bringing in newer cars to fill the gap between the Ecosport and Endeavour. Although this Mahindra JV has crushed all the hopes.

Originally Posted by dhanushmenon

What a write up man! Very well articulated, aptly spaced and beautifully written. Many thanks for bringing out your experiences.

Thank you for your kind words. Loved the Alloys on your Figo, makes the car look amazing. Your pictures made me realise that the Figo is very photo-genic and you don't have to choose an angle to get the right pic. The design is impressive from all angles. I can understand how much you miss your Figo. There are times throughout the week when I drive our Laura and I am happy but when I get back to the Figo, I feel at home. As the Ford tagline goes- Family wale feeling.

[armaan_singh]

Looks fantastic ! Wishing you many more happy miles on her.

I think Delhi NCR folks will agree with me here, that because of our NGT rules which say that we cant a drive a diesel car more than 10 years old ; this has really ruined the the experience for many of us. Not only can we not buy these beauties, but neither is it sensible to buy a new diesel vehicle given the abysmal resale prices after 4-5 years.

I think a move to MH should be on the cards !

Happy motoring and do post a review of your Laura.

[vnabhi]

What a detailed review of a gem of a car, @asit.kulkarni93! It's good to read how elaborately you have brought out the strengths and weaknesses of the old-gen Figo. I agree with all of them.

I have a 1.4 tdci Titanium in the household from Oct 2012, though it was being used by my daughter in BLR till last year. It is back with me as she's taken a break from work for pursuing MBA. I have been driving it on and off to keep it running, but I've been using my Fiesta 1.6 more, owing to the wide power band it has. It trumps the Figo on both low end and high end grunt, and is consequently more fun to drive.

I've been restraining myself from switching to a new Ford for the very same reasons you and others have elaborated. So I'm going to keep both Fords as long as possible. They don't make 'em no more!

[asit.kulkarni93]

Originally Posted by armaan_singh

Looks fantastic ! Wishing you many more happy miles on her.

Thanks armaan_singh. I sympathise with Delhi-NCR folks. A schoolfriend of mine had a 2009 Fiesta Diesel which was really well kept but had to send it back to his family in RJ because of the NGT issue. He had to replace it with a petrol Honda City because of the NGT issue. Maharashtra's overall used car market is pretty good and diesel vehicles tend to retain their value. Yes, the Laura's review should be in a day.

Originally Posted by vnabhi

What a detailed review of a gem of a car, @asit.kulkarni93! It's good to read how elaborately you have brought out the strengths and weaknesses of the old-gen Figo. I agree with all of them.

Thank You sir. You Fiesta's ownership review makes me want to pick up a Fiesta 1.6 just for the weekend drives or maybe plonk a 1.6 in my Figo once I find a replacement. Among the new Fords, I guess the Ecosport is still pretty good but you really can't enjoy it around the corners like the old Figo/Fiesta. For its size, The Endeavour 3.2 was pretty fun to drive too.

[Amsdoc]

Absolutely!

Love the 1st gen Figo. I am on my second one now. Sold the diesel but still have the Petrol. Definitely underpowered but really built well and is great for the city. In fact we have decided to run it until it runs no more. Ours is a 2010 petrol with 50K on the odometer. No issues whatsoever till now.

I think the Figo was based on the mark 5 Fiesta from Europe and looked very similar to it as well apart from the front end and not the Focus. I have always enjoyed the European Fords and have owned quite a few. A 1.8 L petrol Escort(UK), 1.8 TDCI Focus(UK), 1.6 Fiesta saloon(Ind) and the 2 Figos. Each one was a joy to drive with impeccable handling and dynamics. Shame that with the JV we will probably lose all those characteristics.

[asit.kulkarni93]

Originally Posted by Amsdoc

Absolutely!

Love the 1st gen Figo. I am on my second one now. Sold the diesel but still have the Petrol. Definitely underpowered but really built well and is great for the city. In fact we have decided to run it until it runs no more. Ours is a 2010 petrol with 50K on the odometer. No issues whatsoever till now.

I think the Figo was based on the mark 5 Fiesta from Europe and looked very similar to it as well apart from the front end and not the Focus. I have always enjoyed the European Fords and have owned quite a few. A 1.8 L petrol Escort(UK), 1.8 TDCI Focus(UK), 1.6 Fiesta saloon(Ind) and the 2 Figos. Each one was a joy to drive with impeccable handling and dynamics. Shame that with the JV we will probably lose all those characteristics.

Totally agreed. The European fords are much better. Back in 2008, When I was in school in Bahrain, A family friend was given a Focus by his office as his designated Nissan Tiida went to the service centre for accidental repairs. He loved the Focus so much that he was 2 days late to pick up his Tiida. I would say you were lucky that you got to enjoy those Amazing fords.
Good call on retaining the petrol Figo. Anyway you won’t get a good price for it and if the vehicle is trouble free, it makes complete sense to retain it as they don’t make them like they used to.

[nitrogary]

Lovely review Asit. I read it again and again

I am delighted that you are happy with the car and it was a privilege to have sold it to such a caring and enthusiastic buyer! Plus you get the pleasure of getting to see it occasionally at our meets. I have also spotted you regularly in Kothrud area.

That is the first car which satisfied the enthusiast in me completely. I love under-rated engines and this one is just so good. Even if it is 8 valve (2 valve per cylinder) it is wonderful and never feels strained. The torque comes from way down and in city driving it is wonderful. The chassis is mature and gives excellent feedback without compromising the comfort. A large amount of this goes to the fact that there are no seat covers that we installed and hence the seating wasn't compromised.

I have had some really memorable trips in this car. I was working in Nashik at the time and my first drive in the car was Pune to Nashik in the night as well as torrential rain with bhpian Swapnil Awate. There was one particular corner - the first unhill left at Khed ghat (hope I'm right) was so sweet that our eyes lit up. Never have I entered a corner with so much ease, carrying so much speed.
We reached in like 4.5 hours (back then, the road was 2 lane without a divider) and it exceeded all expectations.

Another trip which I did was a non stop drive (just 1 fuel stop including bio break) to Bangalore. It was Dussehra that day so the roads were empty. I never needed to exceed any speed limits. Left at 5 am and reached outskirts of Bangalore at 2PM. 2 hours in Bangalore traffic haha

Many trips to Goa, Mumbai, Nashik and other nearby places followed and I achieved my target of covering 75k km in 5 years in the car. After I got the Superb, my wife happily used the Figo for about 20k km until you got it.

That car has a special place in my heart. I love it and at times we do miss it too. I'll see if I can find pics of some memorable trips.

Wish you many carefree miles ahead and happiness for you and your family with the car!

[swapnil.awate]

Hi Asit, nice review!

I was privileged to travel with nitrogary in his first drive from Pune to Nashik. A vivid memory of that trip was, every milestone of the journey was achieved earlier than expected and effortlessly. In old 'Karhe Ghat' (It was 2-lane then) near Sangamner, the first sharp uphill turn was our unofficial DVP (Design Validation Protocol) of drive-ability and dynamics of the car. Most of the cars needed to downshift to 2nd gear in this maneuver. This Figo was the first vehicle in our experience to do it 3rd gear with elan! A lesson learnt - Specifications is not everything and its a bliss to have a car with good engine and brilliant handling.

This was the first Figo within my friends and family, then there were around 5 on my recommendation and all of them are satisfied. I own a new Figo 1.5L TDCi, 2016 model (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...-titanium.html (New meditation tool - Ford Figo TDCi Titanium!)). Less sharper but still the safe the best driver's car one can buy below Rs. 10L and lower maintenance cost.

Wish you a lot of delightful miles!

[asit.kulkarni93]

Originally Posted by nitrogary

Lovely review Asit. I read it again and again

I am delighted that you are happy with the car and it was a privilege to have sold it to such a caring and enthusiastic buyer! Plus you get the pleasure of getting to see it occasionally at our meets. I have also spotted you regularly in Kothrud area.

...

Thanks, Sarang. I was so close to picking up a new freestyle, You saved me from a monthly EMI. I would rather spend on running repairs once and then drive around peacefully. The car was so well kept that I didn't have to bother about unnecessary issues. The stock clutch went on till 125k KMs.
I recently took it to Bangalore too and it was a good trip. I know the corner you have mentioned, I used to frequent it in my Corolla. I always tell my brother that we should take the old ghat someday in the Figo when we have ample time. The new ghat is fun too but too many rumble strips.
Do share some pics of the car.

Originally Posted by swapnil.awate

Hi Asit, nice review!

I was privileged to travel with nitrogary in his first drive from Pune to Nashik. A vivid memory of that trip was, every milestone of the journey was achieved earlier than expected and effortlessly....

Thanks Swapnil. I enjoy the Figo on my regular Nashik runs. Congratulations on the Figo 1.5 diesel, I guess i have spotted your car near Dwarka/Mumbai Naka. Let's catch up next time I am in Nashik.

[asit.kulkarni93]

UPDATE

The ODO is nearing 134k kms. Figo is extensively getting used since a week as the Laura is at the workshop. The Figo’s boot space came in handy when I had to shift my office 2 days back. It took in a lot of small things and the rest of the stuff was loaded in a Mahindra Bolero pickup. Sometime I find the radiator fan kicking in earlier than usual especially when I switch on the AC. Just for precaution, I might replace the cooling coil and get the radiator cleaned after the lockdown. In all this office shifting and local running this car was never cleaned. Finally got it thoroughly cleaned, sanitised and waxed today.

[asit.kulkarni93]

UPDATE

I haven’t used the Figo in the last few days. The struts mounts were squeaking once in while, so I got them replaced. My brother took the car to his friend’s place where he found the rear left tyre flat. Thanks to the portable compressor, he was able to drive back home. The car was used without getting the puncture fixed. The day I took the car to office, I found the same tyre flat. Took it to a tyre shop close to my office and found that the side wall was gone too. Tried sourcing one CC5 185/65 R14 before the short lockdown in July but couldn’t find it. The car was used on the spare 175/65 R14 Tollins tyre till we got a new CC5 in the last week.

During the lockdown, I took the Figo out twice. One fine day the car was cutting off fuel and the check light came on. I was sure it had something to do with the injectors. Scanned the car and yeah the culprit was the injector. I sent the car over to the Mechanix Automotive and Sushant informed me that the injectors are fine just the plug was loose on the 4th injector. They have packed it and the car was good to go.

My family seems to love the Figo. It’s my mom’s default ride whenever she has to go anywhere within the city. The low end after remap is terrific which makes driving in traffic comfortable for my dad. I was considering replacing the Figo with a small AT petrol hatch but then my brother might need a car for his office commute as we are not too keen on him using the office transport. His office is 55kms away so retaining the Figo will definitely make sense.

[asit.kulkarni93]

In the last week, I had to travel to Aurangabad for some work and then proceeded to Kannad. It’s a small town 60 KMs from Aurangabad. A friend’s mom wasn’t keeping well so both of us stayed at their place for the night. The fuel efficiency seems to have improved and the car drove really well. Currently the Figo is getting used daily as the Laura is at the workshop for a downpipe. Attaching a few pics from the trip.

Clicked a few pics on my way back

[himanshumor]

Thank you for the amazing post and more than amazing pictures of your RED Figo!

I purchased a silver Ford Figo Titanium Petrol Titanium variant from cars24 an year ago and this car has been serving the purpose completely.

My use case was:
1) A car with safe chassis and basic safety features like seat belts with load limiters, ABS with EBD, front airbags.
2) The car should have very good all-round visibility as it will be used as a first car for one of my family members to learn driving.
3) Reliable and sturdy car.

Sharing my initial experience with this Figo in below video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co8Gvwcx_NU

Sharing my experience after 1 year of ownership in below video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa4cfxs1ZJI

[asit.kulkarni93]

A Long pending update-

Off lately, I am using the Figo more due to changes in my workplace. It's easier to park the Figo and drive it around the city. The following things were done in the recent past-

1. There was leakage in one injector. The FE dropped and the performance was an issue too. Got all the four injectors serviced. The performance was slightly better but the FE was still very low and the in-gear acceleration was weak.

2. Scanned the car one fine day and realised the Air mass sensor is having some issue. Got the wiring checked but there was no issue. Someone known was in the process of scrapping their figo diesel as a tree fell on it. Reached out to him and got the Air mass sensor from his car. The car became better and I paid him for the sensor. The FE and in gear acceleration improved drastically.

3. The rear struts were replaced. One of them was weak. Could have managed for another 10-15k kms but I really don't like driving around with weak or leaking struts. Very annoying.

4. Painted the roof and ORVMs black.

5. The headlights are useless on this car. Got Bi-Xenon projector HIDs in fogs. 4300k means I don't have to worry about rains.

The ODO is at 148k kms and honestly the car feels perfect. We were keen on selling it off for a diesel AT but to be honest my family loves the Figo. They are fine with me selling off the Laura but not the Figo. I'll keep her for some more time. Really enjoy driving the Figo everyday, the torque spread is terrific. Might get a downpipe soon.

Removed the Chrome garnish on the grill