Figo Fascination

Are a few cosmetic changes and stiffer springs enough to justify the ‘S’ badge that once adorned the much-loved Fiesta?

- Ravi Ved

A discussion about affordable enthusiast offerings is incomplete without the good ol’ Ford Fiesta 1.6 S. It had all the ingredients that a petrol head could ask for – a punchy motor, stiff springs, accurate steering, and, of course, sporty appeal. With such a high benchmark set in the past, the new Ford Figo Sports has massive shoes to fill. So, can it deliver?

Ford has worked hard to ensure that you spot the changes made to the standard model – the majority of which are cosmetic. The chrome grille gives way to a black honeycomb one, and the alloy wheels, ORVMs and roof get piano black treatment as well. At the back, the Figo S gets a roof-mounted spoiler. Obvious distinction from the standard model also comes in the form of ‘S’ decals along the sides – which, by the way, look quite tacky. Strangely, there’s no other badge flaunting its sporty DNA on the tailgate. With so many changes, one would have assumed that, Ford would at least have fitted the Figo Sports with parking sensors – but that feature continues to be missing.