Ford Figo named runner-up in South Africa Car of the Year contest

DATE: Will be calculated from "Release Start Date" field.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Ford’s Figo took the runner-up position, in a surprise finish to an evening that saw two cars named 2011 South African Car of the Year at a gala awards evening hosted by Wesbank and the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) last night.

Last year an independent panel of motoring experts from the SAGMJ chose ten finalists worthy of contending for the 2011 title, and the Figo was the only entry-level segment model chosen.

During February the judges put the finalist vehicles through a rigorous testing programme with the aim of uncovering the model that best epitomises all-round automotive excellence. Figo was ranked as the runner-up.

“We’re very happy with the result,” said Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa President and CEO Jeff Nemeth. “The Figo has already demonstrated its popularity among discerning customers, and this runner-up position further cements the Figo’s status as a top choice in its segment for South African motorists.”

The nippy 1.4 Ambiente model is powered by a 62kW Duratec petrol engine that offers up 127Nm of torque at 4000rpm; this equates to a frugal fuel consumption of 6.6l/100km.

The space and practicality that define the Figo are more commonly associated with larger, more expensive vehicles. There’s no shortage of big-car features: the Figo features MP3/iPod connectivity, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and PATS (Passive Anti Theft System).

Research has shown that there is a growing market of first time car buyers in South Africa, particularly among women. The Figo offers fantastic affordability without sacrificing on style and comfort.

With features like CD with MP3 compatibility and 'Aux-in' port for iPod connectivity, the new Ford instantly connects with the energy and vitality of the buyer. And with a proven, global chassis, Figo delivers a strong promise of reliability, functionality and performance.

In addition to excellent fuel economy, customers are offered further value for money through Ford’s affordable spare parts, and reliable service through its extensive dealer network.

“The Ford Figo's strong placing among ten contenders that represent the best of modern motoring technology and engineering is a testament to the strengths of the Figo,” concluded Nemeth. “I’d also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate this year’s winners as well as all the finalists who were selected for the 2011 COTY competition.”

Yes

3/10/2011 12:05 AM

Inside Ford

News & Clipsheet

HR ONLINE

Access to all HR Related information provided to Ford Motor Company Employees. Review health care information, view your paycheck, note offered vehicle programs, and much more.

Ford A-Z

Ford Motor Company's premier wiki...holding all the links your fellow employees thought were important for you to reference. Add more links to the index, edit existing links that you see may have an error, and delete old links that no longer are accessible.