Ford Figo Cross or Ka Trail is derived from the standard Figo hatchback that may live up to the popularity of cross-hatch segment in India
For Brazil, Ford has launched a new crossover derived from the second generation Figo hatchback after making its global premiere at the Sao Paulo Motor Show last November. Apart from the fact that Brazilian market holds plenty of significance for India due to more or less similar road conditions, the idea of cross hatchbacks have become popular in both countries.
Incidentally, Honda introduced the Jazz derived WR-V recently in India while we already have i20 Elite based Active, Polo Cross as well as Etios Cross. For a manufacturer like Ford, which is struggling to find a strong foothold in the market, a product in this category will be an attractive option. This is where the Ka Trail (or Figo Cross), that has entered Brazil, comes into play as we already have the Figo as a popular nameplate despite the sales figures do not reflect on that.
Ford’s latest generation Figo did make a strong debut along with its highly-capable sedan cousin the Aspire but slowly they started to crumble and could not match the sales of their competition. Ford might find the Figo Cross as an attractive offering for India to leverage on the popularity of the nameplate in the near future. It comes equipped with silver roof rails, cladding on wheel arches and faux skid plates to emphasise its part off-roading nature.
The cross-hatch also features grey decals with orange-painted Trail badge, smoked out head and tail lights, black door handles, etc. The interior, as expected, carries over the same theme and features as the regular hatchback sibling with fabric materials in contrast orange and green highlights. Additionally, aluminium pedals, Trail door sills and SYNC-enabled six-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity brim up the package.
In order to complement its off-roading credentials, the mechanical changes made to the Figo Cross are modified suspension setup, retuned ABS and electronic power steering, bigger front stabiliser bar, a stiffened rear axle and new hydraulic engine mounts. The powertrain Figo Cross comes with in Brazil are similar to its stock hatchback brother and presumably it would be the scenario if/when it gets launched in India.
Currently, the Figo gets power from a 1.2 petrol, 1.5 petrol and 1.5 diesel engines. The 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol unit develops 88 PS of power and 112 Nm of torque while returning a claimed 18.16 kmpl. The 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel produces 100 PS of total power and 215 Nm of torque with an ARAI-certified fuel economy of 25.83 kmpl.
Both engines will be linked with a five-speed manual transmission. The first-in-class six-speed dual-clutch auto ‘box is coupled with a powerful 1.5-litre petrol generating 112 PS of maximum power output and 136 Nm of peak torque with a fuel efficiency of 17 kmpl.