The all new Figo Aspire costs only Rs 489,000

Figo Aspire has got all the flavours that put it in a good position amid rivals

One of the twins from the Figo range, the sedan 'Aspire' debuted in India on Wednesday. This Ford seems to be most suited for Indian conditions. The exterior is pleasing to the eyes, probably one of the swankier compact sedans around. Cabin space is comfortable complemented by a raft of features for occupants’ convenience.

Design is snazzy, the front fascia steals attention all thanks to the hexagonal shaped radiator grille. The front grille features multiple chrome slats neatly enclosed by chrome surrounds. Engine hood gets two vertical lines that add character to the front. Also the swooping head lights flank the radiator grille. Body coloured bumper features fog lights and air intakes along with a black insert.

Side of the sedan is not very appealing, the window frame looks a tad boxy and tyres seem under-sized in comparison to the rest of the body. Prominent character lines running from A pillar to C pillar tone up the view from the side. Outside door handles and outside rear view mirrors match body colour.

The ORVMs get incorporated indicators and can be adjusted electrically. Fender features chrome insert instead of an indicator. Get to the rear and you will be impressed yet again by the chic styling done there. The D-shaped tail lights are striking, body coloured bumper is marked by neat creases on either end. A black insert at the bottom lends sporty character to the sedan. Top-end variant also gets a wide chrome band running across the width of the boot lid.

Wheelbase measuring 2,491 mm translates into a pompous cabin, that said there is enough space in front, but as you get to the rear there it isn’t as snug as the front. The knee space and shoulder space is not cosy at the back which makes it a little uncomfortable for rear passengers.

Embraced by the dual-tone interior colour theme featuring black and beige tones, the cabin appears elegant. Moreover the dashboard is placed slightly lower hence offering increased visibility to driver.

Ford claims that Aspire gets 20 storage points in the cabin including double bottle holders up front, three-cup holders in centre console and few other convenient storage points such as glove-box etc. Boot space, however is petite, the 359 litres luggage compartment does not offer enough space for storage.

On the equipment front Aspire offers some of the segment first features such as leather upholstery in range topping trim, MyFord Dock and Ford MyKey. Besides, the cabin gets various eminent features aboard like head rests in front and rear, power windows in front and rear, tilt adjust steering, multi-information display, height adjuster for driver’s seat, automatic climate control, keyless entry, electric boot release, steering mounted controls, mobile phone dock, Bluetooth stereo with four speakers, a 4.2 inch information screen with Sync feature and CD player.

There are three engine choices available on the sedan including one diesel and two petrol motors. The diesel engine is the 1.5 litre TDCi powerplant which does duty in EcoSport and Fiesta. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the diesel mill generates 100 PS of power and 215 Nm of torque. Petrol range gets a 1.2 litre mill outputting 88 PS and 112 Nm, the engine is also coupled to the five-speed manual tranny.

On the other hand, the 1.5 litre Sigma petrol engine can do 112 PS and 136 Nm, this engine is paired to the six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission which is yet another segment first.

Fuel efficiency is commendable - the 1.5 litre diesel engine pulls off an imposing 25.83 kms in a litre. The 1.2 litre petrol engine is claimed to return ARAI rated fuel economy of 18.16 kmpl which is again impressive. Petrol automatic variant on the other hand can deliver 17 kmpl. Hence, of all, the diesel motor is the most frugal option for obvious reasons and could garner good numbers at least initially.

Once a victim of over pricing, Ford has learnt its lessons from the mistake it did with Fiesta facelift back in 2011. Therefore, the automaker has carefully confined pricing to affordable limit, at least for the entry level trims. The use of 848 sub-assembly parts helped Ford achieve dirt low starting price of Rs 489,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). Diesel trim is priced at Rs 589,000 exactly a lakh pricier than 1.2 litre petrol base trim.  And the petrol automatic variant is up for grabs at Rs 779,000 (ex-showroom price).

Ford Figo Aspire will be pitted against the likes of segment leader Maruti Swift Dzire, Hyundai Xcent, Tata Zest and Honda Amaze. Agreed it has various segment first features to its credentials but is that enough to outpace rivals in the segment? A quick comparison shows that underestimating Aspire will be a mistake, it possesses boastful dimensions, offer maximum power, the six-speed dual clutch transmission is yet another pro and bountiful cabin makes up for not so impressive performance. Moreover, fuel economy is imposing which works in its favour; hence Figo Aspire has got all the flavours that put it in a good position amid rivals.

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