Ford starts testing 2015 Figo (RHD); launch early next year!

The American automaker has started testing the RHD (Right Hand Drive) version of next-gen 2015 Ford Figo. The hatch was spotted testing in Brazil. It is known as KA in the South American country and in the European markets, however, in India it will continue the 'Figo' nameplate.

This Ford's global small hatch made its world debut last month in Brazil (LHD market) and will go on sale in India and Europe early next year. Reportedly, this new hatch along with its twin-sibling compact sedan (concept shown at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo) will be the very first cars to roll out from Ford India's upcoming factory in Sanand Gujarat.

Moreover, both Figo and Classic will be replaced by these 2015 Figo-duo. The new cars are radically different from their predecessors - new platform, engines and features. On the design front, Ford kinetic 2.0 design philosophy is on board while on features they pack Ford's SYNC voice controlled audio system, AppLink smartphone connectivity and Emergency assistance.

Both the cars – hatch and compact sedan will receive new engines; the current 1.4 TDCI diesel and 1.2 (Figo) / 1.6 (Classic) petrols are likely to be ditched. Starting with the petrol, just like in Brazil, 2015 Figo-duo will feature a new 1.0L TiVCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) naturally aspirated 3-cylinder motor. The engine generates close to 80-85bhp and nearly 105Nm of torque; power is equivalent to Swift's 1.2L K12, Honda's 1.2L i-VTEC, Hyundai's 1.2 Kappa 2 despite being smallest in the displacement.

Diesel is likely to be Fiesta borrowed 1.5 liter 4-cylinder turbo unit, that also powers EcoSport. The motor in Fiesta chucks out 89.8bhp of max power and 204Nm of peak torque and is mated to a five speed unit. Speaking of the transmission, both the cars are expected to be coupled to a five-speed manual unit, no info on automatic as of now.

Spyshots courtesy: CarSale

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