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Dec 08 2010

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All-New Figo adds new affordable B-car to Ford's Middle East lineup, combining styling, exceptional value, fuel efficiency

Two fuel-efficient engines, including a 1.4L and 1.6L will be offered in the Middle Eastern markets
RIYADH, KSA, 08 December, 2010 - For 2011, Ford Middle East adds a new B-car to its already dramatically refreshed passenger car lineup, bringing a smart and affordable contender to retail and fleet customers looking for a quality and value vehicle in the sub-compact segment - the new Ford Figo. The new model premieres in the region at the Riyadh Motorshow, which takes place Dec 5-9, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Ford Figo will be on display at Ford stand in Hall 4 of the centre.

"We are committed to setting new benchmarks with Figo in this segment," said Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East 's regional director of Sales. "Figo offers more features, interior space, technology and durability than other competitive vehicles in the segment."

The new Ford Figo brings great looks and styling to the highly practical and economical segment. Available in Ambiente and Trend models, Figo stays true to Ford's global kinetic design elements that help harmonise the car with other models in the Ford global line-up such as Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo.

On the exterior, the tri-plane front end, distinct fenders and a "comet tail" side treatment - that starts at the front fenders and carries through the doors into the quarter panels -combine to give the car a sporty and aggressive appearance and develop its unique personality. The car's large headlamps have a dynamic shape that helps define the element of speed and agility for the Figo.

The personality that Figo expresses on the outside carries over into the interior of the vehicle.

Inside, a free-flowing instrument panel greets the driver. Seating comfort is enhanced with a design specific for Figo that is all-new and includes fabric seat inserts with a specific bolster and trim pattern. Manual air conditioning is standard across all models. A Radio/CD/MP3 player with two speakers comes standard on the Trend models, together with driver and front passenger airbags.

"Given where the Sub-B segment has traditionally been in terms of content, space and price, we feel Figo will open new opportunities for consumers looking for a better choice," added Murad. "When you look at all the features, the generous interior proportions, styling and fuel efficiency, Figo is extensively equipped and truly a bargain."

Generous front seat travel, at 210 millimetres, comfortably accommodates nearly every driver. The rear seat is designed for three adults and can easily fold down to offer generous storage. Combined with the 284 litres of storage capacity in the trunk, Figo has more available storage than any other vehicle in its class.

Figo offers two fuel-efficient powertrains for the Middle East market: The 1.4L (80ps) Petrol Duratec equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, and the 1.6L (101ps) Petrol Duratec paired with a 5-speed automatic.

The five-speed transmission shifter is located in a short console on the floor that includes a cup holder. The parking brake is centrally located just aft of the console and is trimmed with a black boot. The parking brake includes a soft-feel grip.

Based on Ford's proven global small car architecture, Figo has been thoroughly tuned for demanding drivers and undergone extensive engineering to the suspension and steering along with sound refinement to bring new heights to the driving enjoyment in the segment.

Chassis for the new Figo is based over a 2489 millimetres wheelbase - the longest of any car in the B segment. This longer wheelbase provides a superior ride over different road conditions along with a large and refined cabin environment that can be enjoyed by the driver and all occupants.

High strength steel have been utilised in key areas of the structure to provide optimal strength properties in the body and help reduce bending in key areas to allow the suspension and steering systems to operate with full effectiveness.

Up front, the MacPherson struts, lower A-arms and steering system are mounted on a rigid sub frame that bolts on the main body structure. The sub-frame includes a boxed structural section and is fabricated from steel stampings. This makes it easier and less expensive to replace in a collision, yet provides excellent road noise isolation for a quiet cabin. This system is well proven in other Ford platforms.

The struts also include dual-path top mounts that effectively separate forces from the damper rods and provide better isolation from road harshness, improved ride control and enhanced steering precision over a variety of surfaces including ruts and potholes. Front springs are specially designed and tuned with side load compensation. This full lateral compensation reduces operating friction and facilitates optimal damper operation for a smoother ride.

Low friction ball joints also are included in the front suspension and help reduce steering system friction and enhance steering precision and agility.

Front suspension travel is 170 millimetres and is designed to easily absorb inputs on all road surfaces with minimal feedback through the steering system to the driver.

The rear suspension, a twist beam system, is designed to meet the rigors of most tough roads. The low-profile rear suspension is built around a twist beam structure and is designed to provide excellent vertical travel and longitudinal compliance to absorb bumps and varying road surface conditions.

Bolstering the twist beam axle are twin tube dampers that have revised valving to react instantaneously to variations of the road surfaces to provide a smooth ride. Dampers are small and compact, which helps minimise the intrusion into the passenger compartment while still providing excellent road compliance.

The standard power-assist steering system is tuned to require less effort for parking and tight traffic maneuvers and offers precision and agility at higher highway speeds. An anti-lock braking system is offered standard on the Trend model.

Ford Figo is manufactured from Chennai, India.