India-bound Ford Ka+ (Figo Sedan) launched in Brazil; Interiors revealed

The Ford Ka+ sedan has been launched in the Brazilian market for BRL 37,890 (Rs 10.12 lakh). While the Ka+ is a full size sedan, the Indian market is expected to get this car in its sub-four metre avatar with the ‘Figo Sedan’ moniker. The Figo Sedan was first previewed in its concept guise at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo and is expected to be launched here in early 2015. 

Design wise, the production model of the hatchback is very similar to the Figo sedan concept with the exception of the boot. Like the sedan, the hatchback 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, similar in design to the Ka hatchback and a bootlid spoiler. 

The interiors, especially the centre console, infotainment system and aircon vents, get a funky design which seems to be influenced by its elder siblings. The gearlever is pushed ahead to make it look like it is part of the dashboard. One interesting touch is the presence of the door lock/unlock button on the centre console, which may not be to everyone’s liking. For the Indian market, Ford might skimp on the equipment list to keep the price tag competitive.

The Ford Figo sedan will mark Ford’s entry into the lucrative compact sub-four-metre sedan segment. The government’s declaration of tax sops for cars measuring less than four metres in length, had led to the creation of a new segment altogether and manufacturers like Tata, Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki and Honda have capitalised on this by creating products especially for the Indian markets. As the other manufacturers have been in the segment for quite some time now, the Figo sedan will have to play catch up with the Amaze, Xcent, Swift Dzire and the upcoming Zest.