India-made export-spec 2018 Ford Figo hatchback & sedan unveiled

20/06/2018 - 16:00 Ford Figo, Ford Aspire, Ford Dhruv Saxena

Ford has revealed the facelifted Figo hatchback and sedan. The made-in-India 2018 Ford Figo hatchback and 2018 Ford Figo sedan (2018 Ford Aspire) seen here are export-spec models meant for markets like South Africa.

2018 Ford Figo hatchback front three quarters — This is the current generation Ford Figo's first major update since its launch.

Changes include a revised front end with an intricate grille mesh replacing the earlier model's horizontal chrome louvres and a new bumper with C-shape silver finish inserts. Both the hatchback and sedan get minor tweaks to the rear bumper in the form of faux air vents towards the edges. The former also get a black insert towards the lower end of the rear bumper. There are mildly revised headlamp and tail lamp clusters and new 14-inch alloy wheels present as well.

Changes to the cabin appear to be restricted to an updated colour scheme for the dashboard. A touchscreen supporting the SYNC3 infotainment system, an update that was expected to come with the facelift, is not present. The 2018 Ford Figo seen in these images is specced in 'Trend' grade, which may explain the absence of a Ford Freestyle like floating display.

Ford has replaced the 1.5 L 4-cylinder unit that powered the pre-facelift models with a new 1.5 L 3-cylinder unit developing 88 kW and 150 Nm. It pairs with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter. The latter is only available with the hatchback. This unit is the same one that powers the India-spec Ford EcoSport.

The 2018 Ford Figo sedan is available in Ambiente and Trend grades priced at ZAR 187,200 (INR 9,31,351.59) and ZAR 196,000 (INR 9,75,133.07) respectively. The 2018 Ford Figo hatchback Ambiente and Trend manual are priced at ZAR 181,300 (INR 9,01,998.09) and ZAR 190,600 (INR 9,48,267.16) respectively, while the Trend 1.5 L AT costs ZAR 205 700 (INR 10,23,392.21).

The updates seen on the export-spec Ford Figo will reach the India-spec models as well. Expect the 2018 Ford Aspire and 2018 Ford Figo to get similar, if not identical, front and rear-end treatment. Quite obviously, the Figo based Ford Aspire sold here, being a sub-4 m offering, will look slightly different in profile than the 4,254 mm export-spec version.

2018 Ford Figo sedan (2018 Ford Aspire) rear three quarters — The Ford Figo sedan sold in South Africa measures more than 4 m, unlike the India-spec Ford Aspire, which is a sub 4 m offering due to small car length restrictions.

Also Read - 2018 Ford Aspire facelift spotted undisguised

As per reports, the launch of the 2018 Ford Aspire will take place by July while the 2018 Ford Figo will arrive later this year in October. Expect prices to remain largely unchanged. The petrol variants of the Figo twins for the Indian market will employ a new 1.2 L 3-cylinder petrol that made its debut with the Ford Freestyle.