One of South Africa's most economical new cars punches above its weight. This was our conclusion after spending a week zipping across Gauteng in Ford's Figo 1.5 TDCi Ambiente

There aren't many (relatively affordable) turbodiesel-powered compact hatchbacks available in South Africa. There are a couple of reasons for this, but arguably the most notable one relates to cost. Turbodiesel engines tend to be more expensive to produce than their petrol-fed counterparts and, therefore, they drive up the prices of the vehicles they power. The lower down the market you go, the more cost-sensitive consumers are, so unless you can offer your turbodiesel hatchback at approximately the same price as a petrol derivative, the perceived fuel economy advantage may not be enough to lure buyers.

Ford, however, is giving the small turbodiesel hatchback another shot at glory. Its Figo 1.5 TDCi is pricedR24 300 higher than the equivalent turbopetrol model. But with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.1L/100 km, it is rather significantly more frugalthan the petrol model(5.9 L/100 km). Is it enough, though? Three Cars.co.za staffersrecently spent a weekin Johannesburg and put this little diesel-sipping hatch through a pretty tough test.

Fuel economy vs performance

Neat and inoffensive, the Figo Ambiente doesn't get alloy wheels.

This Figo model is powered by the brand's 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers 74 kWat 3 750 rpm and a strong 215 Nm of torque (from 1 750 to 3 000 rpm). It is the latter torque figure that translates to suchimpressive real-world performance. The petrol model offers "only" 136 Nm at a heady 4 250 rpm. The diesel-powered Figo's grunt proved to be surprising during our test, with a particular highlight being the relative absence of turbo lag low down in the rev range. In fact, up the ramp that leadsto OR Tambo International's drop-off area, the little Figo proved capable of hauling itself along in third gearwithout so much as a squeeze of the throttle pedal…

Equally impressive is the fact that– and unlike many other small turbodiesels– the Figo's engine proved quite willing to rev and was relatively refined to boot. The only real "symptom" of the diesel engine's less appealing attributes was a big cloud of smoke upon start-up on a very cold winter's morning.

The engine's solid performance is matched byimpressivefuel economy. We've become used to the disappointment of actual consumption figures that pale in comparison with manufacturer's claimed figures (a phenomenon we find especially applicable to small forced-induction powerplants), yet this Figo proved stubbornly frugal. Yes,our overall (indicated) consumption figure for the week was 5.6 L / 100 km, which is not the brand's claimed 4.1… but the reality is that the Ford was being worked very hard. With up to five meetings a day dotted all across Johannesburg and Tshwane, there was neither much time for "casual" driving, nor regular stops for refuelling. In that sense, the Figo's combination of grunt and economy was absolutely spot-on for our needs.

Comfort & features

In Ambiente specification, the Figo's instrumentation is basic, but a trip computer is included.

The Figo is one of the more spacious entry-level hatchbacks available on the new vehicle market, and our test unit was tasked withhauling a trio of adults and their luggage during our week-long test. The luggage capacityis rated at 256 litres, which is similar to a vehicle such as the Toyota Etios, but smaller than the bayof a Renault Sandero, for example. Nevertheless, it comfortably trounces similarly-priced "boutique" hatches such as the Hyundai Grand i10, Kia Picanto and Volkswagen Up! It also adds usable rear legroom, so if you're looking to spend around R200 000 on a hatchback and interior space is a requirement, then it should feature on your shortlist. One negative, however, is the single-piece folding rear backrest, which limits ultimate versatility.

Our test unit featured the base-level Ambiente specification, which includes air-conditioning, 2 airbags, electric power steering, a trip computer, ABS, alarm and immobiliserand aBluetooth-compatible audio system with USB and auxiliary ports, as well as a simple docking system for mobile phones. However, when you start analysing the extra specification of the Trend model, which is priced only R10 000 higher, the latter does seem to make sense, as you will not only get a 60/40 split rear seat, but also electric front windows, alloy wheels, front foglamps, electrically adjustable side mirrors andrear window defroster, among others. Judging bythe detailed sales figures provided by Lightstone, most buyers appear to be spending extra and opting for the Trend.

Besides the spaciousness of the cabin, another feature that had a positive impact on overall occupant comfort was the Figo's suspension setup. The model was developed for a developing country such as ours, and its damping is tuned to omptimisecomfort on a variety of surfaces. The test unit dealt with the poorer roads encounteredon our trip very effectively.

Design & finish

Comprehensive sound system features Bluetooth, USB and aux support.

The current Figo is a markedly different car compared with its more obviously previous-generationFiesta-based predecessor. The design has been brought into line with modern offerings such as the Fusion and Focus, and the end-result is a somewhat generic, but entirely inoffensive product. Ambiente specification means you get plastic wheel covers (instead of alloys) and black plastic mirror housings and door handles, but the bumpers are colour-coded.

Inside, there is much to remind of other Ford models, including most notably the Fiesta. The layout of the buttons for the infotainment system will be familiar to anyone that's driven a Ford in the past five years, or so. Again, Ambiente specification means you lack a couple of niceties, andthe most obvious clue (besides the manual window winders and side mirror adjustment) is the basic instrument panel that lacks a rev counter.

Overall, we found the Figo quite sturdy, even though the plastics used can't exactly be described as "luxurious". The only quality-related irritation was a rattle emanating from the luggage compartment.

Pricing & warranty

The Figo 1.5 TDCi Ambiente sells for R193 900 and comes backed with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and 2-year/40 000 km service plan. Service intervals are nicely spaced at 20 000 km.

Verdict

The relatively slow sales of the new-generation Figo thus far is explained by Ford as being largelyrelated to supply. In our experience, the Figo is one of those vehicles that grows on those who drive it, but this is not something that easily translates to showroom appeal, which could also be limiting its sales. Closer investigation of the sales figuresreveals that at this specific Figo's price levelshoppers favour a little crossover machismo (Sandero Stepway, Vivo Maxx and Etios Cross).Perhaps what the sensible Figo 1.5 TDCi needs, then, is to butch up a bit? That said, the Figo, and the turbodiesel derivative, in particular, deserves your consideration if practicality, economy and power are requirements at under R200 000.

Related Content

Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Budget-Friendly Cars (2016)

Ford Figo 1.5 Automatic Sedan (2016) Review