Team-BHP - Ford Figo-based compact sedan

Quote:

Originally Posted by chncar (Post 3704069)

For example:
Maruti cars feel light, and yes they have shabby build quality
However Toyota cars feel light (esp lower end models like Etios) but the build quality is pretty good

Could you let us know how did you come to this conclusion? Is it because of the blind faith in the 'T' brand?

Quote:

Originally Posted by methecupid (Post 3704179)

But what are the chances of the manufacturers in India, given that most of them are at similar price bandwidth, and evolution as far as technology is concerned to employ cutting age metallurgy and obtain lighter metal that gives similar, if not more, stability in crash scenarios.

The awkward and unfortunate truth of the current times is, that manufacturers often indulge in skimping the metal strength in order to eek out the last drop of mileage from their cars and also to reduce the bottom-line in the financial books. Given this scenario, I, as general car buyer, would like to believe that a heavier door means better build.

Since we are discussing Ford here, Ford in India has indeed invested in high-end high-strength steel, importing it if needed. That is why the Fiesta has brilliant build quality while not being extremely heavy.

Thicker sheet metal does not equate with safety, otherwise Ambassador cars would be pretty safe to travel in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SchumiFan (Post 3704187)

Could you let us know how did you come to this conclusion? Is it because of the blind faith in the 'T' brand?

No blind faith. Rather:

Multiple TBHP Etios and Liva ownership reviews that say that despite the light feel of the cars there are minimal or no rattles after extended use.
Experience of using Innova and Qualis taxi vehicles that have run 2-3 lakh and still feel more solid that most low-mileage Marutis.
Firsthand experience as an owner of a Maruti car, with countless rattles and poor build quality.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SchumiFan (Post 3704187)

Could you let us know how did you come to this conclusion? Is it because of the blind faith in the 'T' brand?

Quote:

Originally Posted by chncar (Post 3704209)

No blind faith. Rather:

Multiple TBHP Etios and Liva ownership reviews that say that despite the light feel of the cars there are minimal or no rattles after extended use.
Experience of using Innova and Qualis taxi vehicles that have run 2-3 lakh and still feel more solid that most low-mileage Marutis.
Firsthand experience as an owner of a Maruti car, with countless rattles and poor build quality.

+1 to your view Schumifan

This is a pretty biased and unjustified comparison.

I have sat in a close to Rs. 30 lac Fortuner and was pretty surprised with a lot of rattles. BTW, that Fortuner was only 3500 kms "young".On the other hand, a 6 year 38K+ Swift we checked out for a friend looking at a used car was without any rattles. The cabin was super silent.
Again, Qualis/Innovas with high mileage ply mainly on highways. You can consider with Dzire Tours. Our family hired a Dzire for a trip to Gir and Somnath. It has 1,39,000 kms on the Odo and drove like a dream

Quote:

Originally Posted by chncar (Post 3704209)

No blind faith. Rather:

Multiple TBHP Etios and Liva ownership reviews that say that despite the light feel of the cars there are minimal or no rattles after extended use.
Firsthand experience as an owner of a Maruti car, with countless rattles and poor build quality.

If build quality is about the way the car keeps rattles away, why are we debating about the build quality of a display car? lol:

Shouldn't we actually wait for the car to get some mileage on our roads first?

I guess, the new car being lighter will help it fight the Japanese competitors better. Unfortunately in our country, mileage and service costs take the front seat - and lesser weight will help the Figo Aspire fare better with the Dezire & the Amaze.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aravind.anand (Post 3704226)

Read the entire set of posts. I merely stated in response to the post quoting Zigwheels claim based on the display car regarding the build quality being lighter than the Figo, that build quality does not necessarily have anything to do with the thickness of sheet metal or feeling of lightness. I gave a couple of examples for that, which was probably a mistake since it resulted in various people jumping in to defend the brand of car that they own.

I guess this thread is going off topic so we should end this line of discussion here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rationalist (Post 3703894)

Zigwheels has reported that the build quality of Aspire displayed at the malls is lighter than the current Figo model. Can anyone confirm the same?

Not sure how someone can confirm without a proper road test or after couple of months of ownership.

Some early pointers could be kerb weight or how the doors feel in comparison to the Figo or the Fiesta Classic.

By the way, the Figo had far more rattles and squeaks than the Fiesta Classic but FELT pretty heavy in comparison to the Japanese hatchbacks. Sometimes Build Quality as a term is used pretty loosely.

I was asking whether those who had seen the Aspire felt that the sheet metal felt tinny like Amaze. I was not implying that a heavier car is safer. My Dad owns a Figo which doesn't squeak or rattle after 5 years, so the rattling depends on how you treat your car. I'm looking for a new car, felt a Ford would suit my needs, so was curious. Didn't intend to start an off topic discussion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rationalist (Post 3704586)

I had an opportunity to observe the Aspire on display. Honestly, it was tough for me to conclude if its build quality is different from the Fiesta that I have. Bonnets of both seemed to be at par in weight. The doors of Aspire were somewhat lighter to operate but that can also be due to adjustment of hinges.

Couple of obserations on interios. The beige of inside is not bad in itself but IMO, not quite in accordance with typical Ford car identity. Second, the boot seems one of the largest in sub-4m section.

Awaiting the upcoming reviews of the car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavenAvi (Post 3704977)

The Aspire's promo brochure scans have been posted by Rush Lane.

Hi all,

Just wanted to share that I went for some marketing research thing where I got to test drive the Figo Aspire. Here's what I thought:

- The pick up was phenomenal. The car zips.
- The build quality was solid for an entry-level sedan. I went over potholes and bumps at around 50 and the car took it all without squeaking. I have a Duster BTW:)
- The interiors are cool. Some nice tricks for example an adjustable docking console thingy on the dash that can fit your device.
- Good overall fit and finish.

Not sure, but I probably drove a petrol version. This car should do well here and abroad. Anyone who's interested in it - Test Drive quick!

Cheers!

I request to go through the accidents thread to get the clear idea on build quality of each and every specific car including Innova, and get ready to be surprised.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chncar (Post 3704209)

No blind faith. Rather:[list][*]Multiple TBHP Etios and Liva ownership reviews that say that despite the light feel of the cars there are minimal or no rattles after extended use.

Quote:

Originally Posted by carwatcher (Post 3705517)

I request to go through the accidents thread to get the clear idea on build quality of each and every specific car including Innova, and get ready to be surprised.

I am not sure what accidents (and especially photographs of them as opposed to technical analysis) has to do with build quality. Build quality to me means how well the vehicle is put together and how it holds up, i.e rattles, parts getting loose and falling off, etc.

A car that is properly designed for safety would be doing it's job if it completely crumpled as intended in an accident, but absorbed the energy from the impact and saved the occupants.

I think the role of build quality is for the car to age well, rather than to be indestructible in accidents.

This is going off topic again, so my last post on the topic.