Ford Figo Concept debuts in Delhi

Ford has revealed its new Ford Figo Concept in India ahead of the Delhi motor show, indicating the company's desire to offer a sedan version of its budget small car.

Although the Ford Figo hatch - essentially a previous generation Fiesta - is sold only in India, South Africa and the Middle East, Ford used the Delhi launch of the sedan concept to declare the vehicle "Ford’s vision for an all-new global compact car".

However it is unlikely the tiny sedan - which measures less than four metres in length - will be sold outside developing markets such as the abovementioned, and possibly Mexico and Brazil.

The Figo Concept sedan looks almost production ready - just remove the LED headlights - and boasts a few design quirks designed to appeal to motorists on the sub-continent.

As well as electrical adjustability, the car's wing mirrors feature a flexible design that "prevents them from being broken off if bumped by another car or motorbike," says Ford. Damaged mirrors are apparently a common complaint on Indian roads.

The US-controlled car maker also touts the concept car's crashworthiness, espousing "unprecedented levels of safety for its class, further enhancing the driver’s peace of mind".

However, recent testing by Global NCAP gave the Ford Figo hatch a zero-star safety rating. Ford did not explain whether the Figo sedan's body structure will be improved or if airbags are being considered for entry-level models. Currently, only the range-topping Titanium Figo hatch comes with twin airbags and anti-lock brakes, the three lesser grades get none.

Durability and affordability are the primary influencing factors for new car sales in the Indian market, Ford claims.

The Figo hatch is motorised by a 1.2-litre petrol four-cylinder engine that generates 52kW or a 1.4-litre turbo-diesel worth 51kW, but no engine has been mooted for the Figo Concept. Ford makes no mention in its press material, other than to cite outstanding fuel efficiency; durable four-cylinder engines are safe bets for the Figo, however.

The focal point of the Figo concept appears to be its design which, unlike the Figo hatch, which was designed by Ford Australia, has been penned by Ford's US team. Ehab Kaoud, chief designer, Ford North America, said the Figo Concept was a "vision of a refined, no-compromise approach to designing a compact car".

"So often in this segment you see designs based on current trends and fashions that quickly look dated. We wanted instead to create a premium, long-lasting design that is clean and elegant, and which conveys a sense of precision, efficiency and sophistication," he said.

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