Does Ford deserve a premium hatch above Figo?
Ford India must have been contemplating about this decision for a while now, considering the Figo is not as well designed or as popular as market leaders i20 and Baleno. This does not mean in any way that the Figo is not a good product- after all, it was instrumental for the American manufacturer to regain profits in India. But then, it doesn’t quite have the zing like the i20 or the Baleno, or does it? Apparently Ford India is currently developing a new hatchback model to take on the vehicles from Maruti and Hyundai. As described by Autocar India, the new vehicle will be made on an entirely new platform codenamed B563, which will also be used for a new sedan. Industry leaders need not worry about the positioning of this product, which will in a premium class above the Figo (no cannibalization). The USP of this platform will be that it will help the company build cost efficient cars, indirectly assisting in competitive pricing, as per a Ford spokesperson. Don’t expect it so