The B+ hatchback segment is one of the most buzzing segments in India with almost all major manufacturers planning to launch something soon.
Maruti, India’s leading car manufacturer is updating its Swift with a mild facelift, the Czech manufacture Skoda is working on bringing the Fabia back, the South Korean giant Hyundai will bring the next generation i20, the Italians will bring the new Punto. Honda is also aiming to launch the Jazz while our very own Tata Motors will launch the Bolt.
The Americans also do not want to be left behind. Now, what was already known is that Ford will launch the Next-Gen Figo sometime next year after the Figo Sedan.
However, a report published on Financial Express claims that Ford is planning to launch the next-gen Figo in India within this year! This will possibly mean, even before the Figo compact sedan! The next generation Figo (sedan concept) was showcased in India during the Auto Expo in February and is set to be launched in Brazil before the FIFA World Cup where it will be sold under the name ‘Ka’.
In terms of changes, let us consider it an all-new car! Ford has adopted their new design philosophy and has made both the cars look stylish, compared to the bland looking present gen Figo. The Aston Martin-ish grille, flamboyant LED daytime running lights. A new head lamp which has a contemporary aura adds to the beauty.
On the engine front, both the new Figo hatch & the sedan are expected to get the 1.0L EcoBoost petrol engine along with the possibility of 1.5L diesel engine (current Figo hatch gets 1.4L motor). Both the next-gen Figo hatch and compact sedan are two of the most important products for Ford as they intend to significantly increase their market share here in India.
However, a launch within this year looks a little far-fetched to us and we suggest you to take this report from the newspaper with a pinch of salt.
Related: Ford EcoSport Facelift to be Launched by 2016
