Next-Gen Ford Figo to use modified platform of current car?

With a certain Alan Mulally at the helm of affairs at American car maker Ford, the automotive giant shifted to the "One Ford" global strategy that entailed similar product lines for the globalized world.  With 2013 rolling into 2014, the focus is shifting onto new cars that the world will see in the coming year and beyond. One such car is the 2015 Ford Figo, which is also also the replacement for the Ford Ka entry-level hatchback that sells in developed markets. A latest report on AutoExpress reveals that the 2015 Ford Figo, code-named the B562, could be launched in the UK market early next year. An Auto Expo unveil for the Indian market is likely.

India is one of the biggest markets for the Ford Figo, a rebadged and re-engineered version of the previous generation Euro-spec Fiesta hatchback. Ford India also exports the Figo to over 35 countries across the globe. Until the launch of the EcoSport, the Figo was the major seller for Ford in India and the car maker would be eager for the Figo's replacement to bring in good volumes as well. Therefore, expect Ford India to replace the Figo here late next year, as this hatchback will be the first product to roll out from the American car maker's greenfield factory at Sanand, Gujarat. 

Ford's Sanand factory is scheduled to begin production next year. The 2015 Figo is said to use a modified platform of the current Figo. This move seems like one that aims to keep costs low, an important factor that enables "value-pricing". Also, the 2015 Figo is said to get lighter by employing a thinner gauge of high strength steel. The car will be sold with both turbo petrol and turbo diesel engine options. The 1 liter-3 cylinder EcoBoost turbo petrol engine and the 1.5 liter TDCI turbo diesel engine are the two motors likely to be offered in the 2015 Figo.

Five speed manual gearboxes will be standard while the petrol engined model is likely to gain an automatic gearbox. Ford is also developing a compact sedan based on the next-generation Figo. The compact sedan version of the 2015 Figo will replace the existing Classic sedan. The 2015 Figo is slated to debut in the Brazilian car market, after which it will be available in markets across the globe under various name plates. The same is likely to be the case with the Figo based compact sedan, which will count the Hyundai HB20 sedan as its prime rival. 

Render courtesy CarAndDriverBrasil