Ford Ka (Figo) to be launched in Brazil next month

The Ford Figo will go on sale in Brazil in July, after the conclusion of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Apart from the hatchback version, the Figo will also be available as a full-size sedan in the Brazilian market unlike India, which will get a shorter, sub-four-metre version. The Figo sedan concept was unveiled in India in February at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo and is expected to go on sale in India, early next year. 

The Ka is based on the current Figo’s platform, which was in turn based on the old Fiesta’s architecture. As the Indian government offers concessions for sub-four-metre cars, the Indian-spec sedan will measure less than four metres in length. The Figo displays a more grown up stance as compared to previous generations. 

Going by the previous spy pictures, the production model of the Figo will look very similar to the concept, though Ford might skimp on the features list to keep the price tag competitive. The car will retain the Aston Martin-esque front grille and the sleek headlamps, designed along the lines of Ford’s global design language. The rear features wrap-around tail lamps as well as a bootlid spoiler, which in the sedan tries its best to blend in the trunk and make it look natural. 

The Figo will be offered with a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine, which produces 89bhp and 204Nm of torque. Details about the petrol engine are still hazy and rumours suggest that the car will be offered with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. As the engine is expensive to manufacture, we expect it to be offered only in the higher-spec variants, while the base petrol versions will be powered by the 1.2-litre unit. 

The Concept Ka has been developed by Ford’s Brazil team, the same ones who were responsible for developing the EcoSport. Going by the success of the EcoSport, we can expect the Ka to do well in the other emerging markets too. In India, the sedan will go up against the Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the upcoming Tata Zest, while the Bolt will go up against Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Fiat Punto and the upcoming Honda Jazz and Tata Bolt.