Ford Downplays Rumours of Halting Figo Hatchback Production in India: Reports

US auto major Ford has reportedly refuted rumours of halting production of its hatchback Figo in India to make way for the new generation Figo aka KA.

The rumours stemmed from the reportedly sharp decline in Figo dispatches from its Chennai plant in December last year to 150 units, from a monthly average of 1,500 units.

Auto analysts saw this as an indication of either a complete halt of production of Figo model or a tactical move to clear the stock before the arrival of the new model.

Now, days later, a report of Indianautos Blog, citing company sources claimed that the current Figo model is still in production and the model continues to be part of Ford's India portfolio. The report also says that the next generation Figo, which is expected to reach Indian shores by mid-2015, will be manufactured at the company's plant at Sanand in Gujarat.

Speaking of the new Ford, the next generation Figo (KA) is likely to pack 1.2 liter petrol motor and 1.5 litre TDCi diesel engine, which can generate a power of 89 bhp and a peak torque of 204 Nm.

Besides, a 1.1 liter diesel motor could also feature in the Ford KA. In Brazil, Ford KA gets power from naturally aspirated 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine which can churn out a power of 85 bhp and peak torque of 10.7 kgm.

In India, Ford KA will rival Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 and upcoming Tata Bolt.