My 2019 Ford Figo: 85,000 kms and 5 years

Introduction

Hello everyone, I'm Siddharth Lal, and I'm excited to take this opportunity to share my comprehensive long-term ownership review of my 2019 Ford Figo Titanium Blu Diesel MT. Figo has been a significant part of my daily life since I acquired it on August 8, 2019, and over the course of these years, I have driven it for more than an impressive 85,000 kilometres. Throughout this journey, I have experienced a multitude of driving conditions and scenarios that have allowed me to thoroughly assess the performance, comfort, and overall reliability of this compact hatchback.

From the very beginning, I was drawn to the Ford Figo for its stylish design and the promise of a robust driving experience. The Titanium Blu variant, in particular, stood out to me due to its striking colour and a well-equipped interior that offers a blend of modern technology and comfort.

Previously Owned Cars:

My very first personal vehicle was a used 2006 Maruti-Suzuki Baleno 1.6 LXI MT (Sedan), which I bought in 2010 (I was 20 years old back then). This was followed by a 2008 Honda Accord 2.4 MT, purchased in 2012, and then a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 GLXi MT, acquired in 2015. I would like to tell you that all were petrol and were gifted to me by my father.

The Purchase Journey: Why I Bought The Ford Figo ?

I was quite specific about what I wanted in my next car, which was the first car I purchased with my own money. I want my next car to be a performance-focused vehicle, just like the ones I've owned before. It should be sturdy, safe, and a diesel. That's all.

My budget was around Rs 10 Lakhs, give or take, and the options I considered were:

1. Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi

2. Volkswagen Polo GT TDI

3. Hyundai i20 1.4 CRDi

4. Honda Jazz 1.5 i-DTEC

5. Maruti-Suzuki Swift 1.3 DDIS

6. Maruti-Suzuki Baleno 1.3 DDIS

Looking at my options and my preferences, you might have easily guessed that I would have quickly narrowed it down to the VW Polo GT and Ford Figo TDCi. Initially my inclination towards the Polo GT was more than the Figo due to the fact that Polo had cult following, better road presence due to it better brand image and more power figures on paper (Polo GT Diesel's 110bhp - 250Nm as opposed to Figo Diesel's 100bhp - 215Nm).

In reality, the Figo diesel was just as fast, had significantly less turbo-lag, and its engine felt more refined, much quieter (and still is), with improved NVH thus offering better driving experience as per my requirement. Additionally, the Figo's interior offered more space, particularly in terms of rear legroom.

It was over 1.5 Lakhs less expensive than the Polo GT TDi. In March 2019, Ford launched the facelift version of the Figo, pricing the top-end diesel model at an introductory Rs 8.65 Lakhs. This price was even more competitive than that of the Swift and Grand i10 diesel, not to mention the Polo GT. Additionally, I received a cash discount of Rs 60,000, which reduced the on-road price to Rs 8.05 Lakhs.

And crucially, the Figo's maintenance costs were significantly lower than the Polo's and it was more niggle-free too. The Team-bhp forum played a crucial role in my decision to select the Ford Figo, as I often read firsthand ownership reviews from its members. As I navigated through various discussions and threads on the forum, I discovered that the Figo is a hassle-free, low-maintenance, and a dependable car.

Moreover Ford's Service Price Promise also made me more confident that the service and spare costs is low. Ford Service Price Promise represents Ford's commitment to transparency by disclosing its service and spare part prices on its website. If I'm not mistaken, Ford was the only manufacturer to offer this at that time.

Ford also offered best-in-class warranty of 5 years or 1 lakh kilometres whichever is earlier on the Figo and my car is still under warranty as I further extended it till 7 years or 1.5 lakh kilometres whichever comes first.

The Ford Figo Titanium Blu was also more feature-loaded than the Volkswagen Polo GT. It offered:

1. Six Airbags (Only hatchback to offer it)

2. ABS with EBD

3. Reverse Parking Camera and Sensors.

All of these factors convinced me to finalize my decision to purchase the Ford Figo Titanium Blu.

Long-term Ownership Insights: The Practical Aspects

The ownership experience of owning Figo Diesel has been excellent so far, In terms of maintenance, I have adhered to the recommended service schedule, and I am pleased to report that the vehicle has required only routine servicing, with no major issues arising over the years. This reliability has contributed significantly to my satisfaction with the Ford Figo, as it has allowed me to focus on enjoying my time behind the wheel rather than worrying about unexpected repairs or breakdowns.

To elaborate, during the first three years of use, there were no problems at all, except for the battery needing replacement, which costed me around Rs 4,000 through a Ford Authorised Service station.

The front disc brake pads were replaced at 50,000 kilometres, costing approximately Rs 1,700 at the Ford Service Center. Interestingly, the front headlight bulbs need to be replaced annually due to fusing (Cost: Rs 400 per pair from Ford). The front wiper blades have been replaced twice (Cost: Rs 600 per pair from Ford).

The front tires required replacement at 70,000 kilometres, so I opted for Yokohama S Drive. I should mention that the Figo Titanium Blu has an unusual tire size (195/55 R15), and since it's been discontinued, only a few brands offer tires in this size.

Finally, the intercooler hose pipe required replacement due to a minor crack indicating wear. As a precaution, I had it replaced by Ford for Rs 5,000.

The Figo's maintenance expenses are quite low. The first service, scheduled at 2,500 km or 1 month, whichever is sooner, was completely free as it was merely a routine checkup. The second service, at 10,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first, was labor-free and only cost me Rs 1,620. After that, servicing occurs every 10,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first, with an average cost ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 at most. Believe me, in the 80,000 kilometres I've owned it, I've never had a service bill exceed Rs 6,000.

I have consistently taken my car to a single Ford Authorised Service Centre for all servicing and repairs since the very beginning of my ownership journey. Even after Ford's exit from the Indian market, I am very much impressed by the exceptional service that Ford has offered me throughout my entire experience with them. Overall, my experience with Ford has not only met my expectations but has also exceeded them, leaving me with a strong sense of loyalty to the brand. My only regret is that Figo could be both my first and last Ford, as Ford has exited India.

Driving Dynamics and Performance: The Enthusiastic Aspects

The Ford Figo diesel is renowned for its robust performance, which is one of the standout features that truly enhances the driving experience. From the moment I turn the ignition, the engine roars to life with a satisfying diesel engine growl, indicating the power that lies beneath the hood.

The acceleration is remarkable, as this diesel powerhouse swiftly reaches its maximum speed, capped at 170 kilometres per hour (3500 RPM in 5th gear).

The torque delivery is smooth and responsive, making it feel as if the car is eager to sprint forward at my command. The Turbo lag is effectively managed, with the power surge kicking in at about 1200 RPM and it roars slightly above 1500 RPM.

All the gears feel powerful, but my personal favourites are the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th. The 4th gear is relatively underwhelming, while the 1st gear is too quick and short, as it is limited to a speed of 40 km/hr, which it reaches instantly.

The highlight of the 5th gear is its ability to swiftly gain speed and momentum from as low as 60 km/hr. Once it surpasses 80 km/hr, it performs like a beast, feeling incredibly powerful and unstoppable until it reaches its maximum speed. On the highways you can enjoy with its 5th gear it self.

This dynamic performance not only instills confidence while driving but also ensures that every journey, whether short or long, is enjoyable and exhilarating.

Moreover, the handling of the Ford Figo Titanium Blu is commendable. The steering is precise, providing a direct connection to the road, which enhances the overall driving experience. It feels agile and nimble around corners, allowing me to take sharp turns without any loss of stability. To truly assess and appreciate the Figo, take it for a drive on hilly roads or winding curves.

The suspension system absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road effectively, contributing to a comfortable ride, even on less-than-perfect surfaces. The high-speed stability of the Ford Figo is exceptional, feeling firmly anchored to the road.

This combination of power and control leaves me with a sense of satisfaction and joy every time I am behind the wheel, as I can fully appreciate the engineering that has gone into creating such a well-balanced vehicle.

The Ford Figo is pleasant to drive at a relaxed cruising speed too, offering a smooth driving experience.

When addressing a few drawbacks, I would note, or rather say, that it's not a drawback specific to the Figo but common to all diesel cars: they require frequent gearshifts during city driving. Why ? due to the turbo lag, though Figo's turbo lag is very well contained, it still requires gearshifts.

When addressing a few drawbacks, I would mention, or rather point out, that this isn't a drawback unique to the Figo but is common to all diesel vehicles: they require frequent gear changes in city driving. Why? Because of the turbo lag. Although the Figo's turbo lag is very well managed, it still requires gearshifts.

The 5th gear can only be engaged comfortably once the vehicle reaches 60 km/hr, a speed that is rarely maintained within city speed limits. Though the clutch is very light which makes it convenient in start stop traffic.

Turbo lag presents a similar challenge when driving through hilly regions. It's important to anticipate and select the appropriate gear for uphill hairpin turns and curves which becomes frustrating sometimes.

Regarding fuel efficiency, it achieves 18-19 kilometres per litre, in Delhi and NCR, while on highways, it delivers approximately 22-26 kilometres per litre, depending on your driving style.

Overall I would say that the Ford Figo diesel combines performance, comfort, and efficiency in a way that consistently leaves me delighted with each drive, making it a truly remarkable choice for any driving enthusiast.

Shifts in my feelings towards the car as time passed:

Although I was thoroughly impressed with my Figo Blu, a few things began to bother me over time, The first issue is its smaller boot capacity (260 Litres). My family / friends and I enjoy road trips, so we go on one roughly every other month. While the boot space was adequate for a weekend trip with four people, it tended to feel insufficient for a week-long journey.

The issue isn't specific to the Ford Figo; it's a common problem among all hatchbacks, even those with a luggage capacity of 350 litres.

Another issue we began encountering was that the shoulder room in the Figo is quite limited, despite the leg room and head room being very good. Even the front footwell feels cramped because the floor console housing the gear lever is excessively wide.

All of this results in fatigue for both the driver and co-driver on long trips (over 500 km), and the car being restricted to seating four people during such journeys.

Slightly off topic, starting from the year 2022, as pollution in New Delhi worsens, the government rigorously enforces GRAP - III (Graded Response Action Plan), prohibiting the use of BS-4 diesel vehicles on the roads of Delhi/NCR.

This ban typically begins in October and continues until February. It is not enforced continuously for the entire five months; instead, it is activated based on pollution levels. When pollution reaches the severe category (AQI above 400), the ban is implemented, for example, for 15 days in October, 10 days in November, 25 days in December, and so on.

Since my Figo is a BS-4 diesel vehicle, I cannot drive it during this ban, which impacts my commute and work (I am entrepreneur, and traveling is essential for my job).

Due to these two reasons, we decided to purchase a PETROL SUV or sedan to accommodate our highway needs and bypass this ban. Consequently, we welcomed a brand new MG Hector Savvy Pro CVT Petrol on July 7th, 2024.

Car's condition after 5 years of use:

My Figo still feels as fresh as it did in 2019, with the original paint still intact, including the bumpers, which only have a few minor scratches. The clutch remains light, though perhaps 10-20% heavier than before, and all the electronics and features are functioning perfectly.

The car shines like a mirror at night when light reflects off it, and I always look back at it after parking.

Summary of the overall ownership experience:

As I reflect on my time with the 2019 Ford Figo Titanium Blu Diesel MT, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations in many areas. The blend of practicality, efficiency, and driving pleasure makes it a commendable choice for anyone in the market for a compact hatchback. I look forward to sharing more insights about my experiences and answering any questions you may have regarding this remarkable vehicle.

Tell about its sporty looks.

Headlights though halogen are good.

accessories installed