Ford Aspire

Ford’s delayed entry in the crowded compact sedan segment may have resulted in tough competition, but the company has used this time well to make sure

Ford’s delayed entry in the crowded compact sedan segment may have resulted in tough competition, but the company has used this time well to make sure it comes up with something worthy. Up against segment leader Maruti Swift Dzire and various new entrants in sub-four meter segment, Figo Aspire has it all to emerge a winner. Needless to say, the sedan measures less than four meters and exteriors have been crafted tastefully. Front fascia is impressive; the hexagonal grille featuring multiple chrome slats looks rich. From the side, Figo Aspire is not very imposing, the rather boxy window frame do away with the rest of the styling.

The first look at Aspire will make you turn your head again all thanks to the majestic front profile. Grabbing attention is the chrome glutted radiator grille up front, the hexagonal shape of the grille looks dapper and classy. Flanking the snazzy grille are sweptback head lights, besides, the engine hood features two prominent vertical lines adding character to the front fascia. Body coloured front bumper gets fog lights for better visibility at night or during bad weather conditions. Measuring 2491 mm between the wheels, the cabin is a lavish place offering comfortable space to the passengers. A certain familiarity is evident inside the cabin, the design cues remind of EcoSport, especially the centre console and steering wheel which look very similar to the ones in EcoSport and Fiesta.

Engine configuration comprises of three engine choices including one diesel and two petrol engines. The diesel engine is a 1.5 litre TDCi diesel powertrain borrowed from EcoSport and Fiesta, the engine pulls off maximum power of 100 PS along with top torque of 215 Nm.

Ford Aspire Engine & Transmission

A conventional five-speed manual transmission is mated to the diesel motor. The 1.2 litre petrol engine is tuned to deliver 88 PS of top power along with 112 Nm of torque. This engine also works with the five-speed manual gearbox. The third motor is the 1.5 litre Sigma gasoline engine which also serves in EcoSport.

Measuring 2491 mm between the wheels, the cabin is a lavish place offering comfortable space to the passengers. A certain familiarity is evident inside the cabin, the design cues remind of EcoSport, especially the centre console and steering wheel which look very similar to the ones in EcoSport and Fiesta.

Ford Aspire Interior

The dual tone dashboard featuring black and beige colour theme gels well with the beige upholstery and door pads. In lower trims, fabric seat covers are equipped while the leather upholstery is available only on the top-spec variant. The blue backlit instrument cluster gets relatively smaller dials. Chrome garnish inside the cabin looks elegant. Compared to the other Fords, this one gets better quality material, fit and finish inside the cabin.

PRO’s:

Good-looking sedan

Loaded with features

Best-in-segment pricing

Cons

Cabin finish not upto the mark.

Lacks the drivability factor

Fuel efficiency bit low when compared to the competition

Ford has ventured in late in this segment however the product packaging has been done smartly. Exteriors are designed modishly, the front profile is particularly impressive and dimensions are pompous which does not make the sedan appear under sized.