2018 Ford Figo revealed in the new Ford Ka+, will challenge Maruti Suzuki Swift

This is the Ford Ka+ which has just been revealed in Europe. The Ka+ wasn't the only model revealed, the Active variant which also debuted is virtually identical to the Ford Freestyle that recently entered India. The reveal is important because the new Ka+ reveals what the 2018 Ford Figo will look like. The Figo is set to arrive later this year, most likely around June 2018.

The 2018 Ford Ka+ (right) that has been showcased in Europe is what the updated Figo could look like when launched in India later this year, while its Active variant (left) looks identical to the Ford Freestyle that has been showcased in India just before the 2018 Auto Expo

In Europe, the Ford Ka+ is receiving a 1.2L three cylinder petrol engine and a 1.5L diesel. But what really interests us is the looks - the Figo will probably mirror it exactly. The new mesh grille with its chrome surround looks bold while the rounded bonnet softens the stance just a bit. Daytime running lamps and the chrome details in the lower bumper give it a fresh, attractive look. The rear bumper as also been given a tauter, fresh design along with redone tail lamps.

Inside the cabin, you will immediately spot the new 6.5-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system. With the number of buttons falling significantly, the centre console does look lighter and easier to operate. Also look carefully, you'll see the bulge in the door cladding shows substantial door pockets with two bottle slots on the front doors - makes up for the lack of central cup holders.

The interiors of the 2018 Ford Ka+ look very similar to the refreshed Ford that is currently on sale in India

Compared to the old Ka+, the new car is 12mm longer, 9mm wider and has the same height. While the figures aren't clear, we expect the new Figo to offer marginally more space than before via smarter, more efficient packaging.

In Europe, the Ka+ comes with a 70PS, 113.5Nm 1.2-litre Ti-VCT three-cylinder petrol engine. This engine also has a more powerful 85PS/115Nm state of tune. The other engine is a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel four-cylinder that makes 95PS and 215Nm. The Ka+ or Figo remains a front-wheel drive car and a 5-speed manual is the only transmission on offer.

While the Freestyle was speculated to be the debut for the new Dragon-series engines, that hasn't happened. So while the current 100PS 1.5 TDCi is likely to continue with updates, we expect the new 1.5-litre Dragon petrol to take over from the current 112PS 1.5-litre petrol engine. We also expect that a smaller 1.2-litre engine from the Dragon series will replace the current 88PS 1.2l.

Also likely to debut is the new 1.2-litre petrol labelled the Dragon series. There was speculation that the Freestyle would have been the car that debuted this engine, but now it looks like the new Figo.

In India, the Ford Freestyle is set to go on sale shortly with the launch set for April to June 2018. This car, the facelifted Ford Figo should come later as should the Ford Aspire, which will also be launched within the calendar year 2018.