The Ford Figo has been an underperforming underdog in the Indian B segment hatchback market for a long time now. Despite having a good pair of engines and segment-besting safety features, the second gen Figo never replicated the success of the original model. Part of the reason could be the rather ordinary design and the constant Feature-cuts on the BS6 version.

Now however, the Ford Motor Company has planned several new models for the Indian market based on enthusiast opinions. The new enthusiast line up of Ford cars set to be launched in India include the Ranger Raptor off-road pick-up, Focus

hatchback and Focus ST hot hatch. Apart from this, the company is also expected to launch the new generation versions of the Ecosport compact SUV and the Figo hatchback. While the new Ecosport will arrive by 2022, the new Figo is expected to arrive later next year.

As a result of the Ford-Mahindra alliance, the new-generation Figo is expected to come with one of Mahindra’s new mStallion turbo-petrol engines launched at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo. The Figo is likely to receive the 1.2L TGDI petrol engine with direct injection technology and will produce max power of 120bhp and 200Nm of peak torque, making the 2021 Ford Figo petrol, India’s most powerful hatchback.

Apart from the new engine, the new Figo will also receive a significantly updated design language, keeping in line with some new Ford cars sold abroad. The interior too will be completely revamped, featuring way more features than ever before. Expected features include a new touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Auto climate control with rear AC vents, smart key with push-button start, Ford pass connected car tech, an updated instrument cluster and larger alloy wheels. Safety features will include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, engine immobilizer and pretensioner seatbelts as standard whereas the top spec Variants will recieve Electronic Stability Program, Hill Launch assist, Traction control and a reverse parking camera.

The current Ford Figo hatchback comes with a 1.2L, 3-cylinder petrol, and a 1.5L, 4 cylinder diesel. While the 1.2L petrol unit makes 96bhp and 120Nm, the 1.5L diesel unit develops a peak power of 100bhp and 215Nm of torque. While the current crop of engines and 5 speed Manual gearboxes are expected to be carried forward, a new 6 speed torque converter automatic transmission is also expected to be offered with the petrol engines.

Stay tuned for further updates on the new Ford Cars.

The Ford EcoSport in Europe will soon be getting a new Active version with the growing popularity and positive customer feedback of the Active trim on models such as the Fiesta and Focus. Ford has confirmed the unveil of the off-road inspired EcoSport on the 6th of November. However now, images of this new version of the Ecosport compact Crossover have been leaked online.

Going by these images, this new Active model features increased ground clearance, additional body cladding as well as some unique styling changes inside and out. These changes will give the compact crossover better rough road capability while

also improving the aesthetic appeal. The Active version also include new design (for Europe) 17” alloy wheels.

The leaked images also reveal that the Ecosport Active will come with Active badging, tinted windows, contrast black roof and black plastic fender flares. Apart from exterior changes, the interior could also feature special branded seats, scuff plates. However the interior isn't revealed yet.

The European Ford Ecosport offers AWD system as an option as well.

Ford will also offer “convenient equipment packs” which group the most commonly selected options together. This reduces complexity and promises to give customers better value for money.

Stay tuned for further updates on the Ford Ecosport Active.

In terms of looks, the Facelifted model receieves many visual updates. The front looks a bit more aggressive and more modern. LED headlamps, new bumper design and grille give it the much needed change from the boring avatar it had. The rear has remained mostly unchanged apart from the LED tail lamps and a rear skid plate integrated quite well into the rear bumper.

The interior of the new Facelifted Nissan Kicks is quite different from the existing India-spec model. The central AC vents are positioned above the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system while it also has a semi-digital instrument cluster with

a 7-inch TFT display. Other changes include a flat-bottom steering wheel, updated centre console for the e-Power drive train, six airbags, active safety systems like front collision warning and rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, auto headlamps, 360-degree camera and engine start-stop button. That’s a good deal of features to start with!

While the Kicks e-Power and its hybrid powertrain are unlikely to come to India, Nissan could refresh the existing model with updates from the Facelift e-Power version that could go on sale in 2021. Nissan had previously stated it will study the feasibility of the e-Power tech in India, but so far no announcement has been made regarding its introduction. The Thai-spec Nissan Kicks e-Power starts at a price od from Rs 21 lakh (converted 889,000 baht), which is quite a lot of money for a car that size. 

The Indian version of the Nissan Kicks recently updated wothBwith complaint with new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine churning out 156PS, making it the most powerful in this segment The BS6 Kicks has been recently launched with prices ranging between Rs 9.5 lakh and Rs 14.15 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It will continue to rival the likes of the Renault Duster, Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta.