Ford to give sneak preview of Figo Concept

Highlighting premium design along with smart and safety features, the concept vehicle provides an indication of the design language to be used in a future version of the Figo. It is also confirmed that a production version of the Figo Concept is planned for South African and sub-Saharan African (SSA) markets; however details and specifications have yet to be confirmed.

Ford aims to set new standards for quality and craftsmanship in the B-segment, and exceed the expectations of consumers in emerging markets. At less than four metres long, the concept displays a purposeful presence and a no-compromise aesthetic.

"We don't want consumers to have to compromise when it comes to choosing modern design, value, safety, and technology in their cars," said Mark Kaufman, vice-president for marketing, sales and service, Ford SSA. "Figo Concept offers all of the above in a package that would surprise many."

Growing global demand for compact vehicles

Building on Ford's compact car offerings, the Figo Concept illustrates how Ford plans to face growing global demand for compact vehicles. Despite its rapid growth, the compact car segment will remain highly competitive as increasingly savvy buyers look for ways to make their money go further.

"Increasingly, we are seeing everybody - from first-time buyers to families looking at their second or third car - demanding more from their cars," said Kaufman. "With the Figo Concept we explore the possibilities of offering fresh design, a roomy interior, as well as the latest safety and connected technologies."

With the goal of bringing unexpected levels of refinement to the compact car segment, designers created the Ford Figo Concept using design elements common to more expensive vehicles*.

"In designing the Figo Concept we took a no-compromises approach," said Moray Callum, Ford Motor Company's vice-president, design. "The Figo Concept's premium, long-lasting design was crafted from the ground up, building on Ford's global small car expertise and success. The design is clean and elegant, to convey a sense of precision, efficiency and sophistication, and to provide our customers worldwide with the global standards of design, quality and performance they are looking for."

Innovative device dock

Smart design features like electrically-adjustable power-fold mirrors are practical, helping to remove the stress of driving through a busy and congested environment. The mirrors also have a flexible architecture that prevents them from being broken off if bumped by another car or motorcycle. Ford also designed the Ford Figo Concept to feature unprecedented levels of safety for its class, further enhancing the peace of mind for drivers.

Moving inside, the spacious cabin is filled with innovative stowage spaces, the Ford Figo Concept delivers surprising features that bring the promise of tomorrow's technologies to drivers of compact vehicles. With an innovative device dock, the Figo Concept introduces a new way to store, mount and charge devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players and satellite navigation systems, seamlessly integrating them into the in-car entertainment system.

"The Ford Figo Concept is the embodiment of how we are building on the One Ford plan to go further for all of our customers globally. The design builds on Ford's brand pillars (Quality, Green, Safe, and Smart) to meet all the functional requirements customers expect while providing a package that is sure to surprise and delight customers," ended Callum.

*The specifications in the Figo concept vehicle are not final and may change when the vehicle is produced.