Figo's sweet looks aren't for everyone, but it's one of best small cars around, writes Thomas Falkiner
HAVEN'T I SEEN THIS CAR BEFORE?
YES. If you're having a deja vu moment, it's because the new Ford Figo is essentially a reworked version of the previous generation Ford Fiesta. Pretty much identical in profile, this newcomer is set apart from its predecessor by a foxy pair of headlights, a giant trapezoidal grille and one of those very in-vogue air diffusers that's been neatly spliced into the rear bumper.
This doesn't sound like much, but in reality it's more than enough to make the Figo a worthy cosmetic contender when lined up next to most of its rivals. Unfortunately, these face-lifted proportions are rather feminine, which means this Ford is unlikely to strike the fancy of budget-conscious male motorists with sporting pretensions.
The inside of the Figo also harks back to the Fiesta of old with a well-appointed cockpit sculpted from hard but quality-feeling plastics. Despite lacking an engine temperature gauge - very annoying - it comes loaded with a good line-up of standard kit including two airbags, an aux-in port, air-conditioning and range read-out that tells you how far you can drive on a tank.
For a small, inexpensive car, this all makes the Figo a tasty buying proposition.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Very impressive. The old Ford Fiesta was hailed for its killer dynamics so it's no surprise that the new Figo is an absolute blast to pilot. Benefiting from a good ol' fashioned hydraulic power steering set-up, changing direction is a thoroughly involving experience - you get to feel exactly how those two front tyres are interacting with the mean street.
In fact, complemented by barrel-loads of grip and a chassis that's still capable of putting newer, more expensive cars to shame, the Figo is the best handling car in its hotly contested class.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from its little Duratec petrol engine, but even that managed to surprise me as it kicked out just enough free-revving poke to keep me reasonably entertained during my usual commutes. It might not look it from the outside but the Figo is a proper little driver's car.
IS IT FAMILY-FRIENDLY?
Yes. Though Ford's marketing department built the Figo with young women in mind, I believe it'll hold a certain appeal for small, money-conscious families.
Despite the fact that it looks a little small parked in your driveway, Ford's entry-level starlet has been cleverly packaged and consequently offers up a fair amount of rear leg and headroom. It might be overly snug for lanky adults like me, but for children there's space aplenty. There's also a 284-litre boot, among the best in its class, that helps give the Figo reasonable packhorse credentials.
Practicality aside, it also scores in the safety department, thanks to the inclusion of ABS, EBD and two airbags as standard fare.
WHO SHOULD BUY ONE?
Factoring in its effeminate lines, I'd have to say first-time women buyers looking to get maximum bang for their buck. They're not overly clued-up about cars, but that established Ford badge certainly fills them with confidence.
Cute and well-equipped, it's the perfect companion to get them to and from their first real job safely and efficiently.
IS IT A BABE MAGNET?
No, unfortunately not. Of late, I've been attracting all sorts of attention in some pretty exotic über-metal but sitting inside the Ford Figo, well, I just felt decidedly unsexy.
"This would the perfect car for somebody like me," said one of my closer girlfriends, "But it doesn't suit you one bit. It's just too sweet to be a guys car."
WHAT'S THE FINAL WORD?
I wasn't expecting to say this, but the Figo has been one of the biggest surprises of 2010.
Even though it's a cost-cutting runabout envisioned to mobilise the masses surviving on a shoestring, this little Ford manages to punch above its weight, thanks to some superb driving dynamics and a generous features list.
Granted, its girlie looks won't turn everybody on, but if you're prepared to live with them, you'll be garaging one of the finest small cars available on the local market.
It's f inished off with a four-year or 120000km warranty and 20000km service intervals, making me think the Blue Oval has cobbled together a penny-pinching winner.
CHARACTER PROFILER:
If the Ford Figo were human, it would:
- Probably play one of Hugh Grant's hopelessly saccharine love interests.
- Totally be a fan of Taylor Swift.
- Get all giggly after two alco-pops.
- Have a thing for pleated skirts.
- Still subscribe to CosmoGirl.
AT A GLANCE: FORD FIGO
Specs:
- Engine: 1388cc four-cylinder petrol
- Power: 62kW @ 6000rpm
- Torque: 127Nm @ 4000rpm
- 0 to 100km/h: 13.1secs (claimed)
- Top speed: 169km/h (claimed)
- Fuel consumption: 6.6 litres/100km (claimed) 9.2 litres/100km (achieved)
- CO2: 156g/km
- Price: R130080
We like:
- Fun to drive
- Willing engine
- Nicely packaged
We don't like:
- Styling's a bit girlie
- No temperature gauge
- No rear speakers