So, what's new on the outside?
The first-gen Figo, which was launched in 2010, had arguably the best dynamics of any hatchback being sold with go-kart like handling and an old school hydraulic steering. I had one for 4 years and remember Moderator Ajmat (while driving it from Bangalore to Pawna) commenting, "This thing is like a go-kart!" However, with the old 1.4 TDCi mill, it was under-powered. In 2015, when Ford launched the new Figo, it was evident that it catered more to the mass market than to enthusiasts. While the powertrain was upgraded to a 1.5L unit pumping out 99 BHP, the dynamics were nowhere close to the old car, thanks to the electric power steering and softer suspension setup. Other than the cracker of an engine, the Figo had moved away from its roots.
Somewhere along the way, it looks like Ford decided to do something about it. What you see here is the Figo "S" Sports Edition. Just don’t get excited with the "S" badge on a Ford and start dreaming about the old Fiesta 1.6S in that lovely blue shade - the Figo S is a slightly tamer vehicle.
Thankfully, the changes on the S variant are more than skin deep. The cosmetic changes - both inside and outside - are tastefully done and not overboard. The biggest changes that matter are related to the tuning of the suspension. The Sports Edition is being offered only on the Titanium variant of the Figo, which is one below the top-spec Titanium+. This means, if you want the Sports Edition, you get the sports package, but lose out on the 6 airbags and SYNC system
. Ford should have surely offered the Sports trim on both - Titanium and Titanium+ variants. The pricing of the Sports Edition is Rs. 50,000 more than the regular Titanium which seems fair for what you get; however, it's priced a few thousands above the Titanium+ variant which gives you 6 airbags! A dilemma indeed for buyers as to which variant to pick. Fortunately, the Figo is already well-priced and even the Sports Edition undercuts other hatchbacks in the segment (e.g. Grand i10).
So, what all has changed in the Figo Sports Edition? On the outside, you get a new black honeycomb mesh grille, smoked headlights, blacked out ORVMs, dual-tone paint scheme, 15" black alloy wheels with wider 195/55 profile tyres, a bigger rear spoiler and some decals on the side + rear bumpers.
The new front grille is from the UK-spec Figo. Gone are the horizontal chrome slats. In their place is a black honeycomb mesh with a matte silver border. Classy:
From the rear, the Figo looks like it is sitting squat. The wider tyres jut out, rather than sit inside the body line:
Side view shows the black alloy wheels and lowered ride height:
Ford has managed to get the right amount of aggression into the Figo S. The modifications are tastefully done and this car really makes you turn around & look as you walk away from it:
The Figo's stance changes completely, thanks to the reduced spring height and larger rims:
Lowered stance truly stands out from this angle:
Smoked headlights look neat...with a piano black strip on the side:
A close up of the honeycomb mesh grille. The upper holes are actually sealed:
ORVM covers are finished in glossy black:
Since the turn indicators are on the ORVMs, the fender has a blanked-out portion finished in, you guessed it - black:
New design 15" black (
yes, black is back!) alloy wheels with 195/55 Apollo Alnac 4G rubber:
Notice how well this larger wheel + tyre combo fills up the wheel well. The 14" & 175/65 combination looks puny in comparison (
reference image):
Likewise at the rear. The reduced ride height and larger wheels are a perfect fit. Rear wheels still get drum brakes. Ford should've taken this opportunity to offer all-disc brakes:
The only things that look out of place on an otherwise tastefully done up exterior are these silver + black decals on the sides with the "S" badge. Ford could have skipped these:
Roof gets the glossy black treatment:
Larger spoiler adds to the sporty character and works well aesthetically:
Yikes! The rear bumper gets those cheesy decals as well:
Apart from the white & black theme pictured above, the Figo Sports Edition is available in this hot red & black combo...
...or in all-black with a white roof. Hottttt in the pics, but doubtful on how she'll look in person. The car is also available in gold + black and silver + black paint schemes:
The black colour gets these nice white inserts on the rims to break the monotony:
A parting shot outside Ford's Sanand plant where the Figo is manufactured. This was a rare media drive organised in Gujarat: