India-bound New Ford Ka (Ford Figo) with 1.5L TDCi starts testing in Europe - Spied

Likely to be exported from India.

The new Ford Ka hatchback (what will launch in India as a replacement to the Ford Figo) has started testing in Europe, with these latest spyshots having been taken in the U.K. The American car maker has introduced the new hatchback only in the Brazilian market for now.

For Europe, the hatchback could be exported from Ford India's new Sanand plant. Ford India already exports the EcoSport to European markets, and the Ka/Figo could also follow. Plus, the new Sanand plant, with a production volume of 240,000 cars per annum, will have more than enough capacity to cater to export markets apart from satisfying local demand.

Where in the Indian market, the hatchback is likely to carry over the 'Figo' nameplate, Ford could choose to continue the 'Ka' name for European markets. Autoexpress, which referenced the number plate of this test car, reports that the car is powered by the 1.5-liter TDCi diesel engine. Apart from this diesel unit, Ford would also be offering a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol for the Indian market, while the same engine with a turbocharger could be used for Europe.

Also see: Ford EcoSport facelift without spare wheel rendered

The Sanand plant is expected to commence operations by the end of the first quarter of this year. The new Figo and a compact sedan based on it, will be made at this plant.

Competitors: Honda Brio, Tata Kite, Hyundai Grand i10, Maruti Celerio, Chevrolet Beat
Expected price: 3.5-5.5 lakhs
Expected launch date: September 2015 in India

[Spyshots from AutoExpress]