The current Ford Figo hasn't fared particularly well against stiffcompetition atthe budget end of the compact hatchback market. Ford SA is aware of this and will launcha facelifted Figo in 2018. Here's what we know so far.

While the new Volkswagen Polo Vivo rakes in the lion's share of sales at the entry point to the cutthroat compact hatchback market (where the Figo,Renault Sandero, Suzuki Celerio and Toyota Etios compete, to name a few examples), Ford hopes to strengthen its charge's purchasing proposition by introducing an updated Figo in the second half of this year. The revised car gains an updatedfront end with a new-look mesh grille (with chrome detailing) and daytime running lamps. Restyled tail lights have been fitted at the back, as well as a new-look rear bumper.

The big changes can be found inside the cabin, where Ford has equipped the facelifted Figo with a 6.5-inch touchscreen featuring Ford's SYNC3 infotainment system. The number of fascia buttons hasalso been reduced, which means the dashboard and centre stack look less cluttered.

In terms of dimensions, the new Figo is a tad bigger than the outgoing model at3 941 mm long, 1 704 mm wide and 1 524 mm tall (compared with its predecessor's3 929 mm, 1 695 mm and 1 524 mm). We predict the engine and gearbox combinations will be carried over to the new model.

As it stands, the Ford Figo is available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre turbodiesel motor. In petrol guise, it produces 82 kW and 136 Nm, while its oil-burning sibling offers outputs of 74 kW and 215 Nm. A manual 5-speed gearbox and 5-speed automatic transmission are available.

More information and details will be available closer to the vehicle's launch.

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