Should you buy a Ford Figo in 2023

When it comes to affordable hatchbacks, the Ford Figo was one of the few options you could consider instead of the dominant Maruti Swift. When it comes to affordable hatchbacks, the Ford Figo was one of the few options you could consider instead of the dominant Maruti Swift. The Figo was launched in 2010 and received a second-generation update in 2016. The hatchback was praised for its handling characteristics and reliable engines, and this still holds true even today. However, with Ford’s exit from India, the Figo can only be found in the used car market. With this in mind, you might be wondering whether buying a pre-owned Ford Figo makes sense today.

Why should you consider the Ford Figo?

For a small hatchback, the Ford Figo featured some of the most enthusiast-focused engines Ford had. The two naturally aspirated petrol engines and the 1.5L turbo diesel engine offered on the Figo made it one of the more powerful hatchbacks in the market. It also came equipped with multiple safety features, an amazing automatic transmission, as well as sharp and sporty looks, with the top model getting much sportier design elements.

Handling

The handling of Ford Figo can be described as rock solid. With its strut system and anti-roll bars at the front, and conventional gas/oil shocks at the back. The suspension is slightly soft which results in better ride quality. Most of the small bumps are absorbed easily. It is nothing short of confidence-inducing. The Figo also has amazing cornering stability with minimal roll even over fast turns. The car feels planted while driving. Moreover, Ford specifically worked on handling to make the car feel more engaging to the driver. Thus, not only does the car have a spirited performance, but also gets an overall engaging handling and dynamic driving setup.

Design

The latest gen Figo has a head-turning design thanks to its Aston Martin-inspired front grille. It is a hot hatch in every aspect. The car design is evergreen, and in many ways outshines many newer hatchbacks in the same segment.  

Durable engines

Over its lifespan in India, Ford equipped the Figo with engines that can be described as best-in-class. The 1.2L Ti-VCT petrol engine boasted massive power and torque figures, mated with a butter-smooth 5-speed transmission. Ford’s diesel engines have always been popular for their power and reliability and even on its most affordable car, Ford ensured it received a capable diesel engine. The 1.5L TDCi diesel engine churns out characterful power and torque figures with a classic 5-speed manual transmission.

How old should a pre-owned Ford Figo be?

There currently are two options for the Ford Figo if you go to the used car market. The first is the 1st Generation model, which will be any model manufactured between 2010 and 2015. The other is the 2nd Generation model, which will be any model manufactured from 2016 to 2019.

Both generations have their own strengths and weaknesses, and laying them out is essential to make a wise decision. Furthermore, identifying your needs and wants from the car is also important. If you have a priority over price and are on a tight budget, then go for the 1st gen model! 

While the lower price of the first gen model won’t fetch you modern-day creature comforts, it will give you an excellent diesel drivetrain with a torquey yet fuel-efficient 1.4-liter diesel, a mature driving feel, and comfortable interiors. Moreover, it is one of the very few pre-owned cars one can find at this price point that has a robust build quality. With all these factors, one is assured that they can get a bang for their buck when they go for the 1st gen Ford Figo.

Talking about the 2nd gen model, the car is more suited for those who are willing to shell out an extra sum of money for a more updated model comprising more premium features. Depending on the year of manufacture, the car may be equipped with a touchscreen, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, and push-button start. Moreover, this is the model where the Figo gets the refreshed exterior, embracing the Aston Martin-inspired grill. While even the first-gen model got a robust body, the second-gen model is better equipped in terms of safety features, with the top-spec Titanium Blu variant including six airbags.

In all, it boils down to your personal preferences and needs. For more detail on this, check out our Ultimate Used Car Buying Guide.

What to look out for while buying a used Ford Figo?

The Ford Figo represents great value in today’s used car market, especially if you want an enthusiast-focused car on a budget. However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind before buying a pre-owned Figo.

Weak headlamps and fog lamps

The Ford Figo was reported to have rather weak stock headlamps and fog lamps. While considering a used Figo for yourself, test the car in dimly lit conditions. If the throw of the light is unsatisfactory, you should consider installing newer lights to ensure the lights function to your requirement.

Poor NVH

While the Ford Figo was a great driver’s car, it suffered from poor NVH. This meant the engine noise and road noise would filter into the cabin, causing discomfort to fellow passengers. If you plan on driving alone, you could ignore this issue. However, if you plan on using the car as a family car, consider investing in after-market sound damping to make the interior quieter and more comfortable.

Performance

Since one of the primary reasons to consider the Ford Figo is its peppy performance, it becomes necessary to test the performance of the car before you buy. Make sure to test drive the car extensively to get a fair idea of the responsiveness of the engine. For the diesel engines, you will need to make sure all maintenance was carried out at the proper time. While the Ford diesel engines have a reputation for reliability, a poorly maintained Ford diesel will be a poor investment.

How much should a pre-owned Ford Figo cost?

A used 2nd Generation can go from anywhere between Rs 3.7 Lakh to Rs 7.1 Lakh, with the 1st Generation going from Rs 85 thousand to Rs 4.85 Lakh.

If you do manage to get a 2nd Generation model from the dealer, be ready to pay the prices mentioned below.

Is a used Ford Figo worth buying in 2022?

In all fairness, going for the Figo is a great option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly sporty hatchback thanks to its ageless design with inspired bits from Aston Martin. Apart from that, the engine is still better than most of the competitors in this day and age, with powerful diesel and petrol drivetrains complemented with excellent driving dynamics. On top of that, with the discontinuation of the Ford brand, you can expect a relatively economical price for the Figo you are interested in.

However, the question that comes to mind is the fact that Ford has left India, and whether one should opt for a used Ford car in the first place. The answer to this problem is affirmative. Ford service centers are still open and will remain in operation for the next 10 years. However, it’s advisable to check for a service center in your proximity and then take the next step of buying your Ford Figo.

With this, if you’re looking for a no-nonsense car that sticks to the basics and gets the city commute job done, then a pre-owned Figo is the hatchback for you!