Made-in-India Ford Figo Launched in Europe With Major Upgrades

Ford of Europe has commenced sales of the 2017 KA+ five-door hatchback. The 2017 KA+ is essentially what we know as the Figo in India and the model sold in the European continent is manufactured and exported from the Indian production facility. Interestingly though, the Euro spec KA+ gets extensive changes over the Indian model including several re-engineered bits, in order to suit the more demanding European market.

The 2017 Ford KA+ gets a re-engineered subframe for improved driving dynamics

At the outset, the 2017 Ford KA+ rides lower than the India spec Figo and benefits from a re-engineered subframe along with a tweaked steering, dampers, spring and front anti-roll bar. The hatchback also gets new engine mounts and a revised rear torsion beam axle that helps make the five-door feel more upmarket compared to the Figo. Ford says that the bulk of structural changes have made the KA+ more agile, fun-to-drive and comfortable, without compromising on practicality.

The Ford KA+ gets 6 airbags, ABS, ESC with Hill Start Assist as standard

Being a budget specific offering for the European market slotted below the Ford Fiesta hatchback, the 2017 KA+ draws power from a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine optimised for Europe and is available in two states of tune - 70hp and 85hp. In contrast, the Indian Figo uses the same 1.2-litre motor producing 86bhp, while a 1.5-litre petrol makes 98bhp of power. In the European version, power is delivered to the front wheels using a 5-speed manual transmission. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Blue Oval promises a fuel efficiency figure of 20 km/l.

Deliveries for the 2017 Ford KA+ will commence across Europe later this year

The European Ford KA+ also gets several features as standard including front power windows and ORVMs as well as remote central locking, while safety tech includes six airbags, ABS, ESC with Hill Start Assist and a speed limiter. The 85hp version adds features like cruise control, leather wrapped steering wheel, auto climate control, heated seats, rear parking sensors, rear power windows and much more. The wheels are upgraded to 15-inch alloys on the more powerful version.