The new 1.2-litre Dragon engine from Ford is going to debut on the upcoming Figo crossover.
Just a couple of months back, Ford took the wraps off the EcoSport facelift in India. Apart from its uplifted exteriors and revised cabin, what caught everyone’s fancy was the new 1.5-litre petrol powerplant. Around that time, there were rumours about a smaller 1.2-litre Dragon engine being under development to be deployed in future products. The latest reports suggest that the new motor will be launched in the upcoming Figo crossover.
Ford’s Dragon series will comprise of three-cylinder naturally-aspirated range of engines that will be lighter, more powerful and efficient than the Sigma range. The 1194cc motor will also help the company to avail excise duty benefits in India as well as other countries. While it has many things in common with the 1.5-litre unit including the engine block, the new engine misses out on a balancer shaft.
Based on the Figo hatchback, the Figo crossover will be the first car to utilise the new 1.2-litre engine. It will be positioned above the Figo hatchback and will come with roof rails, raised ground clearance and black cladding around the body. Power and torque figures, rated at 95 HP and 115 Nm respectively, are best-in-class and easily surpass many of the established rivals in its segment.
Along with the engine, a new 5-speed manual gearbox (Getrag MX65) is also being readied to replace the current IB5 unit. The new gearbox is lighter and is said to offer smoother gearshifts. If rumours are to be believed, Ford will also be offering an AMT version of the new gearbox in the future. After the Figo crossover, the drivetrain will make its way to the Figo and Aspire facelifts slated for a 2018 launch.
The crossover version is expected to be launched early next year or along with the Figo and Aspire facelifts. With class-leading output figures from the 1.2-litre Dragon engine, what remains to be seen is the overall refinement and drivability on offer. The Dragon series of engines are being made at Ford’s vehicle and engine assembly plant located in Sanand, Gujarat.
1.2-litre Dragon Engine
– Ford’s new 1.2-litre will be launched in the Figo crossover
– Develops 95 HP of power and 115 Nm of torque
– Engine is a three-cylinder, naturally-aspirated unit without balancer shaft
– Will come mated to a new 5-speed manual gearbox
Source – AutocarIndia.com