Ford Figo 1.5P Titanium AT: 9000km Long Term Review

I’ll tell you this: I love getting out of the Figo. That might sound wrong as Ford’s reputation was built on “getting” drivers “into” cars and giving them what they want. But as the world has changed, the Blue Oval has also had to adapt. Now, most people care more about the features and experiences inside the car and Ford has clearly given thought on how to work with the digital generation.

So, coming back to the Figo, I love, yes, love the thoughtfulness of the infotainment system. The audio quality from the system was once the benchmark, and it is still pretty good, but the competition offers more. But the reason for the adulation is the logic built into the music system when exiting the car. The thing is, the music doesn’t switch off when the engine does, or even when you pull out the key! It is only when you pull the door handle to get out that the music cuts off! Beautiful. It means you have your favourite tracks playing until you are ready to step out of the car. Simple joys. 

Then there is the way that the system latches onto the phone’s Bluetooth for what seems like almost instant pairing and hence music. The steering-mounted switches feel a bit rubbery in their operation, the lack of a colour touchscreen infotainment system seems glaring, and the Titanium spec automatic does without the Sync system with the larger screen that is offered on the Titanium Plus.  Interestingly, Ford offers accessories at the dealership like an IRVM with an integrated screen for the reversing camera and navigation. 

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On another peg, the air-con system is very efficient and the switches that let you jump straight into max cooling mode has been handy on hot summer days. Now, with the monsoons upon us, the efficient system has been running on minimum on most days. Also, the wiper blades show that they need replacement, and a slow leak in the front right tyre (identified thanks to the simple way of having noted the pressures when topping up) needs to be fixed.

The suspension’s slight stiffness is getting quite apparent on the freshly potholed roads. The gearbox’s slightly jerky nature is something that my right foot has found additional sensitivity to work around. Well, most of the times. But when stuck in traffic the lurchy suddenness is apparent if somewhat subdued now. We’ll hurry it to the workshop once the rains seem to calm down. Nonetheless, when we find an open road the joy of being able to rely on the front tyres to dig in and follow your intended line is a treat. More on that next time. 

Kms: 9088

Service Schedule:

1st Service -  2500 kms or 3 months 

After that - every 10000 kms or 1 year 

Standard Tyre Pressures - Front - Rear - 30Psi