July 1, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Deepthi Alvares

Based on Ford’s Global B platform, the Figo gets its name from the colloquial Italian expression Figo which is similar to the colloquial English expression ‘cool’. This new car with its chic looks has been brought to India keeping the young minds in mind. The Figo looks small, but nevertheless, has a lot of space in its four-metre length. The car does bear a tall, purposeful look. In this article let’s have a look at the Ford Figo in detail.

While speed breakers on the Indian roads pose as problems for almost every other vehicle, the Ford Figo will not face anything of that sort. The ride quality is outstanding and there is nothing that disturbs the peaceful ride of the occupants. The Figo leverages Ford’s small-car platform architecture with solid proportions. Ford has been intelligent enough to incorporate the already familiar Fiesta technology in this new car.

The Figo is available in 8 variants in India. A 1.2 Duratec motor powers the petrol variants while the diesel variants derive their power from 1.4 Duratorq engines. The petrol engine is further powered with SEFI technology that enables it to give an output of 70 bhp at 6,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 102 Nm at 4000 rpm. Meanwhile the CRDi diesel engines are capable of stirring up 68 bhp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 160 Nm at 2000 rpm.

Both engines are mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission that makes sure the car runs smoothly, no matter what the road conditions are. Both engines delivery exceptional fuel economy figures too and the car has been priced aggressively, thus attracting more sales.

The well-engineered steering and suspension system add to the comfort levels. One can simply sit behind the wheels of the Figo to know what is called stupendous performance. The hydraulic power assisted steering gives sheer driving pleasure.

The Figo also takes cues from the company’s Kinetic Design. The Ford Figo flaunts a classy design with a lower grille, sloping roofline and edgy side panels. The chic and stylish headlamps, well-designed bonnet, an integrated spoiler and the chamfered shape of the window at the rear accentuate the car’s youthful appeal. Body-coloured door handles and side mirrors add to this appeal.

The Ford Figo has a 2498 mm long wheelbase and the car’s interiors put on show a unique blend of quality, substance and generous proportions. 5 adults can easily fit in the cosy inner space of the Figo. The leg and head space is mind blowing and the rear boot space can hold anything from light shopping bags to big heavy luggage. On the whole, the Figo can be considered to be one of the most spacious cars in its segment.

The Figo comes in two interior finishes, a cool Coral IP theme and an Ebony Black one with matt finish. The two finishes are sure going to take care of everybody’s tastes, be it the urban youth or that of people looking for class and aesthetics. The car is a winner in its segment even when it comes to safety. Airbags, ABS with EBD and more take care of driver and occupant safety.

Deepthi Alvares

Get more information on Ford Figo Price and Ford Cars in India

Article Source: Deepthi Alvares

Ford Figo

Posted in Ford | Print | No Comments »

June 4, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Ronnie W Tanner

Ford emerged from 2009 as the strongest American car maker, and the only one that has not accepted aid from the U.S. government. The last decade has been a difficult one for Ford and the U.S. auto industry. Throughout the last decade, Ford and its U.S. rivals have been hit with higher health costs of their aging workforces, increasing dependence on declining SUV sales, and continuing erosion of market share to Asian rivals.

In 2005, Ford’s debt was downgraded to junk status by Moody’s and other corporate rating agencies. When the world financial crisis hit in 2008, Ford and most other automakers were hit with massive losses as consumers stopped buying vehicles. Both of Ford’s U.S. rivals were pushed into bankruptcy, and forced to accept aid from the U.S and Canadian governments in order to survive. Ford was not forced to take this path because of a move its management made in 2006; the company mortgaged the majority of its corporate assets in order to secure a $25 billion line of credit. This line of credit, along with cost-cutting measures and better products, allowed Ford to weather the financial crisis and return to profitability in 2009.

Under the leadership of CEO Alan Mullally, who was brought in from Boeing in 2006, Ford has shed non-core assets, focused on better fuel-efficiency in its vehicles, and reduced costs. Ford now produces the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid, two vehicles that return the best fuel efficiency ratings in their respective classes. While the Ford F150 truck is still the best-selling vehicle in the United States, Ford has reduced its dependence on trucks and SUVs as a source of sales and profits. Ford is the only American automaker that made a profit in 2009. Ford also was the only American automaker which gained market share in 2009, and is expected to continue on that pace in 2010 with the introduction of the new Ford Fiesta and the redesigned Ford Focus.

Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at http://www.swengines.com He writes about selecting used engines and choosing this as an alternative to costly car purchases.

Article Source: Ronnie W. Tanner

Valuable Lessons for Ford in 2009

Posted in Ford | Print | No Comments »