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.
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 and ZAR 196,000 respectively. The 2018 Ford Figo hatchback Ambiente and Trend
manual are priced at ZAR 181,300 and ZAR 190,600 respectively, while the Trend 1.5 L AT costs ZAR 205,700.
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.
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.