Ford Figo Vs Nissan Micra – road test / shootout / comparo

 

And we seem to have done it again. We have managed to bring to you the comparison between the current cream-of-the-class Figo and its newest nemesis – the Nissan Micra before anyone else could think about it. So sit back, relax and enjoy this fistfight between a 28 year old Japanese hatchback with a proven track record VS an American baby which is not even a year old, yet seems to have taken the entire small car market by storm with its unmatched virtues. Grab your packets of popcorns, here we go.


Design

The Micra was first introduced in Japan in the year 1982 (known as the K10 version) as a replacement to its Cherry sibling. Although the initial design of the car was very angular and straight, from its second generation K11 (1993) Avatar this car started adopting slightly curvaceous, jelly-bean styling. The next version introduced in 1997, known as the K11C went a step further and took to slightly retro styling. The K12 and K12C versions, which are replaced by the latest model on test here, carried forward the slightly retro, curvaceous styling theme, lending the Micra its unique charm.

Ford Figo Vs Nissan Micra comparison test review
In its latest avatar, the Micra tries to walk the tightrope between a modern, function – oriented design with a hint of retro look to maintain its identity. And should we say, it manages to do a good job of it. From the front, the Micra, with its small slit under the bonnet and the big air dam sure manages to look cute. The headlamps reminisce of Porsche lights, although there surely isn’t any connection. In profile, especially the shut lines around the rear door, strongly remind you of the Volkswagen Beetle. The big windows make it evident that the backseat will be one roomy, bright and airy place to be in.  To further add to the retro look, the tail lamps have deliberately been kept very simplistic in design. Unlike the pseudo LED, multi focal lamps found in most new cars, the tail lamps of the Micra are extremely plain, and appear to have been glued on to the back of the haunches of the car. It’s a neat touch, but requires you to have a taste for design to appreciate it.

Nissan Micra Vs Ford Figo

The Figo, on the other hand puts practicality, function and cost effectiveness before everything else. It’s a longish design to facilitate more room inside the cabin. Unlike the voluptuous Micra, this one is rather angular, and has flared arches to add a dash of muscle. While the Micra is decidedly feminine in its appearance, the Figo is inclined more towards the darker sex.  It’s a rather conservative, please-all design – something which won’t offend anyone, even if it fails to make you drop your jaws. There is a quarter-panel in the rear window of the Figo, which adds to the ‘length’ perception about the car, and actually makes the backseat feel more airy with a bigger greenhouse. Overall, with its well weighed proportions and conformist design, the Figo creates an impression of a well built, solid and spacious car, which can never be a bad thing, especially in a market like India.
The Figo, being the unoffending, simple design it is will not affect the buying decision of those looking at a practical option in any way. The Micra, however, will appeal to those who merit distinction. The Micra definitely has more chances of gathering the attention of craning necks of the two.
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