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Old 18th September 2015, 16:23   #1
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Ford Aspire : Official Review

The Ford Figo Aspire has been launched in India at a price of between Rs. 4.90 - 8.25 lakhs (ex-Delhi).

What you'll like:

• Aston Martin-esque face looks very stylish!
Value for money price & positioning
• Powerful & efficient 1.5L diesel engine. Good driveability too
• Compliant ride quality. Suspension is tuned for comfort
• Airbags across the range. Titanium (O) & Titanium+ variants get 6 airbags!
• Well-packaged cabin offers adequate space, lots of features, comfy leather seats and a chilling air-con
• Dual-clutch Automatic with a bigger 1.5L petrol, ESP, traction control & hill start assist

What you won't:

• Commuter 1.2L petrol is unimpressive. A mediocre engine
• Drives like any other mass market sedan...but not like a Ford. Ordinary handling
• Lighter build quality isn't as solid as Fords usually are
• Cabin width makes the Aspire suited to 4 adults, not 5
• 14" rims & 175 mm tyres are too puny, especially for the fast diesel
• 359 liter boot is smaller than that of the Amaze & Xcent (~400 liters)
• AT unavailable in the fully-loaded trim. Period

The Aspire Sports Edition:

Link to Review

The 2018 Facelift:

Link to Review

This review has been jointly compiled with Aditya. Thanks to him for the expert observations!

Last edited by GTO : 30th November 2018 at 11:51. Reason: Link to facelift
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Old 18th September 2015, 16:23   #2
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Step back to 2013 and we see the arrival of the Ford EcoSport, India's first sub-4 meter compact SUV and a model that reaffirmed Ford's focus (pun intended) on the Indian market. However, buyers wondered if there would literally be just 'one' Ford (pun intended again) to drive the entire brand in India. A reasonable assumption, given how the EcoSport outsells every other model in Ford's line-up combined! This has become a habit with Ford. Ever since its Indian entry with the Escort - at any given point in time - the brand has had one model eclipsing all its others. It's never had two models bringing in the volumes together.

Ford intends to change that by adding another model that can bring in sales by the thousands - its latest sub-4 meter sedan. It's not going to be easy as the segment already has the presence of the top 3 brands, with the Maruti Dzire grabbing the major chunk of sales. As criticized as the sub-four meter rule has been, the compact sedan segment has been averaging monthly sales of ~30,000 units!

Ford showcased the Figo concept just before the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo. Simultaneously, Ford revealed the KA+ concept in Brazil i.e. the full-sized sedan equivalent of the Figo sedan concept, with both cars being a part of Ford's B-562 compact car project. The KA+ was caught on test by international media on several occasions, and soon enough, the Indian carparazzi was saturating the internet with images of the sub-4 meter Figo sedan on test. In March 2015, Ford inaugurated a new plant at Sanand, Gujarat and finally revealed what we now know as the all-new Figo Aspire.

The Aspire comes with a laundry list of segment firsts, including dual airbags as standard, the option of 6 airbags, a dual-clutch automatic transmission, hill start assist and ESP among others. By giving the Figo Aspire an expansive list of USPs, Ford has shown that a lot of their 'aspirations' are counting on the success of this little sedan.

The competitive pricing is noteworthy. Ford India’s R&D has been burning the midnight oil to get its packaging right and they have learnt from certain pricing fiascos of the past. As a rival, it is unlikely to harm the Dzire, but can certainly shake things up for Honda and Hyundai. The Aspire’s design, packaging and brand value make it a deadly blow for the Zest as well, which is the slowest selling model in the segment, despite being the youngest. Like the Zest, the arrival of the Figo Aspire precedes the debut of its hatchback counterpart i.e. the new Figo.

Ford Aspire : Official Review-ford-aspire-specifications-prices.png

At 3,995 mm, the Aspire shares its length with the Zest, Xcent and Dzire. The width and height stand at 1,695 mm and 1,525 mm respectively. At 2,491 mm, the Figo Aspire has the longest wheelbase in its class, with the closest rival (Tata Zest) falling short by 21 mm.

The dimension requirements of the segment have always limited the amount of creativity that could go into a sub-4 meter car's design. However, Ford started off with an impressive concept and it may be safe to say that the Figo Aspire is the best-looking car in this segment. As expected, the accountants have sobered down the production car, yet the Aspire has retained most of the design cues from the concept. Up front, the hexagonal front grille gets a slim chrome lining with four horizontal chrome slats. The bonnet features muscular definition lines on either side, along with a power bulge in the middle. Sweptback headlamps join the party to add some aggression to the Aspire's face, as opposed to the more docile styling we've seen on the other offerings in this segment. While the concept featured LEDs for the headlamps and foglamps, they've been dropped on the production car.

While the aggressive fascia gives the car good appeal, the side profile shows the bane of every compact sedan designer. A delicate curve from the A-pillar runs up to the roof before swooping down the back into the small boot lid, where the metal stops abruptly. The shoulder line emanates from the chrome insert on the front fender and runs through the door handles, before making contact with the tip of the tail light. The Xcent and Amaze offer a better balance between the front and rear ends, but the Aspire still manages to hold its own. No facet of the design has been overdone to make the car look like sweeter eye candy.

Move to the back and we see the make, model, variant and engine badges brawling for space. The tail lights are prominent and the zig-zag contours cut into the boot lid. The Ford logo rests on a chrome strip that wasn't seen on the concept. The addition didn't strike a chord with me when I first saw it, but I'd imagine that the rear would look bulky without it. In order to cut the bulk further, the rear number plate sits in the bumper (and not on the boot lid). The rear bumper is rounded off with black cladding at the lower lip.

Paint quality is top-notch and even the panel gaps are mostly consistent & narrow, with the boot area being the only exception where the gaps are rather large. That being said, the panel integration isn't nearly as seamless as it is on the Xcent. The build quality tells you that this is a breakaway from the traditional idea of a Ford. The doors are thin and feel very light, as do the door handles. The boot lid too, feels thin and you are greeted by a metallic echo every time you shut it (bonnet feels more substantial though). Unlike the Zest, Amaze, Dzire and Xcent, the Aspire doesn't get any rubber beading on the doors, which adds to the weightless sensation when you shut them. A lot of local drivers were enamoured by the car and were very curious about the boot space, but were disappointed with the build quality. Even the Janta associates Ford with the rock solid build of the Fiesta & Escort, which isn't the case here. It's thinner sheet metal than what Ford has previously used - no two sides to that. The Aspire 1.2L sedan is 25 kilos lighter than the old Figo 1.2L, and that's with the boot, bigger dimensions & additional equipment!

The safety kit on the Aspire is generous. With dual airbags coming as standard, Ford has set a precedent for models in segments above. The fact that you have the option of 6 airbags makes you wonder why manufacturers like Toyota don’t offer the same on vehicles like the ~30 lakh Fortuner. The safety kit also includes ABS with EBD and a high strength steel cage, with the automatic variant getting ESP, traction control and hill launch assist as well.

Ford Aspire : Official Review-ford-figo-aspire-feature-list.png

The Figo Aspire is a handsome car to look at and has a very expressive face. The core design is still shared with the concept, as is the Aston Martin-esque vibe. To the layman, it might be indistinguishable from the 2014 Fiesta facelift:


Tail lights look like a throwback to the Fiat Siena. Chrome appliqué on the boot lid irked me at first, but it grows on you. The base variant gets a silver painted appliqué:


Side profile bears the brunt of being a sub-4 meter sedan. Bulky metal portion at the C-pillar makes the boot look super stubby. At 2,491 mm, the Aspire has the largest wheelbase in its class:


Viewed from this angle, the Figo Aspire looks really nice. But those 14" rims seem so small, no?


Ruby red shade doesn't highlight the character lines along the body panels as well as brighter colours like silver will:


The sweptback headlamps:


3 crescent moon-shaped accents adorn the headlamps:


Hexagonal front grille is tastefully lined with chrome and gets slim horizontal slats:


Air dam is spared the chrome treatment. Note how the vertical slats switch from black to the body colour as they move towards the lower lip:


Black flexi-flap is a speed lip to deflect air away from the underbody and reduce drag. It can also deflect small stones and debris:


Foglamps protrude outside. Beefy black plastic surround makes them look like large torches:


Windscreen washers are oddly located far ahead and look out of place on an otherwise clean front end. Like the Fiesta, the Ford logo sits between the bonnet and front grille:


Bonnet is flared at the edges and gets a power bulge in the middle - a muscular touch:


Wing mirrors get integrated turn signals that look rather bulbous:


Chrome insert on the front fender is a classy touch:


Only the driver's door handle gets a keyhole:


175/65 section tyres wrap around 14" wheels on all variants. Only the Titanium and Titanium+ get alloy wheels. 14 inchers look very small on the car - at least the higher variants should have had 15" rims. Apollo Amazer rubber on the Titanium+, while lower variants get either MRF ZV2K or Apollo Alnac tyres:


All wheel wells get hard plastic cladding. Tyre noise is well controlled at legal speeds:


Ground clearance of 174 mm:


Window line moves up towards the rear, and the glass area subsequently gets narrower:


Remember how the bonnet is beefed up in the middle? The same line continues to the roof and gets ribbed inward:


Only car in the segment that has its radio aerial near the front windshield. The antenna is way too big and looks strange:


Reversing and indicator lights sit in the white section of the flower petal shaped cluster:


Rear foglamps work by brightening the lower lip of both tail lights:


Panel gaps around the boot are excessive. It was quite easy to fit my wallet in this gap:


The assembly isn't as fine as it is in the Hyundai Xcent:


Petrol-powered Figo Aspire only features the variant badging (click here for image), while diesel-powered cars have a TDCi badge as well:


Going forward, Ford is likely to focus on the "Aspire" part of the car's name to better differentiate it from the soon-to-be-launched Figo hatchback (a la Maruti Dzire):


Rear bumper is nearly flat and in line with the tail lights. The lack of a real rear bumper has me concerned; any rear end shunt will result in body damage:


The Aspire is the only car in the segment with the number plate in the bumper (and not on the boot-lid):


A peek underneath. Black plastic insert at the lower lip of the bumper helps cut the bulk:


The segment dominator vs the segment newbie:


The Dzire has a better front / rear balance, but the Aspire's design comes off as more contemporary:


Never liked the Dzire's rear end and next to the Aspire, that sentiment gets reinforced:


Parting shot. The present overlooks the past :

Last edited by GTO : 22nd September 2015 at 15:58. Reason: Updating spec sheet
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Up front, the ingress / egress is convenient. You don’t have to hunch your back to get in, since the roofline is fairly tall near the B-pillar. The doors operate in three stages and can be opened up to a very wide angle. If like me, you're used to cars with a low seating position (read: like my Honda Jazz), you will feel right at home. The inward contouring of the dashboard combined with the low seat will have taller drivers giving the Aspire a thumbs up.

The EcoSport's interior proved to be a big winner for Ford. The Figo Aspire's interiors are inspired by the same design and the dashboard layout - in particular - is very familiar. The steering wheel, infotainment system buttons and dashboard contours bring a sense of consistency across Ford's model range.

The Figo Aspire comes with beige and black (charcoal black + light oak as Ford puts it) interiors. The two tone colour palette helps impart an airy feel to the cabin, especially when combined with the wide glass area. Fit & finish quality on the inside is acceptable, and nothing feels flimsy or cheap. The hard plastics are smooth to touch and don't flex. However, while the layout is pleasing to the eyes, the interior isn't what you'd call premium. There are some panel inconsistencies / gaps. For example, the gap between the doorpad and door frame is large enough to rest a smartphone. In summary, the interior is decent, but it's no Hyundai Xcent.

The airy cabin is backed up by a good amount of interior space. I had to pull the seat all the way back and lower it a little to get into my ideal driving position, but my large frame (I'm 6.5 ft tall) is more the exception than the rule. As an owner of the previous generation Jazz, I thoroughly appreciate the fact that the dashboard curves in at a sharp angle on both sides of the center console, opening up knee room for the driver as well as the front passenger. As you can imagine, Moderator Aditya (height 5'10") fit in comfortably in the driver's seat. The gap between the front seats is sufficient as well and my hand never brushed against the passenger's. An armrest would have been appreciated here, especially in the 1.5L petrol AT variant.

The range topping Titanium+ variant gets first-in-class leather seats. The seats are definitely on the narrower side. Passengers with a medium build will find them snug, while people with a wide build like mine will find them small. Lateral support is decent, but the seat base is more or less flat. Still, under thigh and back support are adequate for most. Using the seat-height adjuster will not only lower the seat, but will also angle the rear end of the squab. Translated, the lower you set it, the more "tucked in" your posture will be. The adjustable headrests are super soft and you'll like them.

All of the controls are well laid out and owners will find the spread easy to use. The entertainment system buttons are aplenty, yet they are big & properly organised. The climate control buttons are rather small, but the system is easy to use. I actually love the new and simple layout that Ford has adopted. The infotainment controls are cased in a gloss black finish and Ford has tastefully added a mild dose of bling with a thin chrome strip above the air-con controls (chrome rings around the vents too!). As is the case with the exterior design of the car, no aspect has been overdone.

The steering is great to grip, thanks to the thumb contours and is super light to use in the city. It gets a gloss black finish that looks nice, even if it is a fingerprint magnet. The mounted telephony and stereo controls have a damped mouse click-like action. The icing on the cake is the fact that the steering stalks, which have been lifted from Ford's common parts bin, now sit in a proper RHD configuration (i.e. the indicator stalk is on the right).

While the EcoSport and Fiesta get some truly edgy styling for the instrument cluster, the Figo Aspire uses a more modest, but thoroughly informative layout. The fuel gauge and tachometer occupy the same real estate, and the MID gives you a laundry list of information including the real-time and average fuel economy, range, average speed, outside temperature, odometer and a single trip meter. You also get an economy mode indicator, which corresponds to the gear upshift suggesting tool. The shift indicator encourages economical driving by displaying a green 'up' arrow next to the tachometer if you get a bit heavy footed. One brickbat would be the tachometer size. It is awfully small and the gap between the engine speed markings is negligible, making it hard to decipher exact readings on the go.

The windshield permits a great view of the road ahead, while the A-pillar isn’t too obtrusive when you're entering a junction or a corner. However, rearward visibility is rather poor. Not only do the ORVMs feel too narrow, even the IRVM is small. These lead to blind spots. Additionally, the beige parcel tray has a reflection on the rear windshield under strong sunlight. The high boot makes parking judgement tricky. Parking sensors are highly recommended.

Ford offers the MyKey feature which can be used for functions like limiting the top speed, emitting a warning at a chosen speed and limiting the maximum volume of the speakers (more information). This can be useful if your car is going to be driven by a teenager or chauffeur. Will be of tremendous utility to fleet owners too.

The Figo Aspire gets a 4-speaker sound system and a 4.2'' multi-function display on the Titanium+ variant. No, it's not a touchscreen. The system supports AUX, USB, MP3, CD and Bluetooth audio streaming. You get the 'SYNC with AppLink' system that accepts voice commands as well. Sound quality is very good and the bass is sufficient. Even on full blast, distortion is well managed. The display shows the door ajar warning and changes to climate control settings too.

The Trend and Titanium variants get a phone dock which can be used for your cellphone or navigation device. The USB & AUX ports are placed in the dock, making it convenient to integrate your device with the car's speakers. The phone dock has a gradual action and feels like an automated pop-out would. Your smartphone is held between two rubber mounts, so there's no rattling. The positioning is perfect to refer to Google Maps on your phone, and the lid protects your device from the harsh sun above.

The climate control seems to draw its inspiration from a blast chiller and is an impressively powerful unit. We were driving in temperatures of over 30 degrees in Udaipur and the air-con still ensured that every passenger got a good share of the air flow. Even in the back seat, I could feel the air-con blowing a good amount air towards me. The Aspire doesn't get rear A/C vents, but I can confidently say that you won't feel their absence.

There's a good number of storage pockets in the front row. Both doors get map pockets as well as two bottle holders (each). A 1.5L bottle + a 1L bottle can be stored in each door. You get another bottle holder behind the hand brake, along with two cup-holders and a little storage space to place a few knick-knacks between the front seats. There's a little shelf below the air-con controls to stow away tickets. You also get a cubby hole on the side of the dashboard. This cubby hole can only be accessed by opening the driver's door. The glovebox is medium-sized. Its lid is too thick and thus, the loading area is narrow.

Steering wheel is identical to the one in the EcoSport, but drops the silver finish in favour of gloss black. Grip is hard & grainy:


Steering is only rake adjustable:


Steering mounted controls have been lifted off the EcoSport as well. Telephony controls are finished in black and white (EcoSport gets red and green markings). All controls only on the left side of the steering wheel:


Simple instrument cluster is a cut away from the sportier setups we've seen on the Aspire's more expensive siblings. Meters should have been a size or two bigger. No temperature gauge, but there is a warning light if the engine overheats:


MID has a single trip meter and readings for distance to empty, average fuel economy and instant fuel economy:


The average speed, outside temperature and economy mode displays:


Economy mode corresponds to the gear upshift indicator (only upshift, no downshift suggestions). Size & colour make it prominent. Can be deactivated with a long-press on the indicator stalk, just like you would reset the trip meter:


Control stalks finally switch over to the RHD configuration in a Ford! Left stalk controls the wipers (with variable intermittent setting), while the right stalk controls the indicators. Push the tip of the left stalk inward for the washer. Do the same on the right stalk to shuffle through the MID:


Classy control knob for the headlamps. Foglamp controls, boot release and headlamp leveler are all here. Superb integration & design:


Beige doorpad looks good, but will be prone to soiling. Door armrest is accompanied by a fabric cushion:


The inner door handle gets a gloss black finish and doubles up as the door lock (push it in to lock):


Door armrest gets a glossy black finish too:


Driver's window gets auto up / down functionality. Front power windows are standard, but the base variant doesn't get rear power windows. The doorpads shift a good amount when the windows are operated:


Wing mirrors are power adjustable and foldable. The toggle must be pushed down to fold / unfold the ORVMs. Nope, they don't auto-fold as you lock / unlock the car:


Door pockets can hold a 1L bottle in one section + a 1.5L bottle in the other, with space to spare for a small umbrella!


Titanium+ variant comes equipped with first-in-class leather upholstery. Leather seats offer good support for average sized occupants (including back support). Those with a large build will find them to be narrow:


Backrest adjuster has been stylishly integrated and kind of dives into the seat height adjuster. The height adjustment range is impressive:


Leather seats have a perforated section too. Upholstery feels nice, but not very premium:


No dead pedal. Those with big feet will find the footwell to be cramped:


Floor mat gets a darker shade of beige than the rest of the carpeting. Still, the floor area should have been in a more practical grey or black. Two little hooks hold the mat in place:


Old-school bonnet release is roughly integrated. Metal mount is already suffering from surface rust. Good to have it on the right side (ol' Figo had it in the passenger's footwell):


Cubby hole on the side of the dashboard can only be accessed when the door is open. Useful spot to park that microfiber cloth:


Main key gets a button for opening the boot. Spare isn't the flippy type:


A/C vents get black flaps and a chrome outline. Chrome ring isn't fixed, it moves with the flaps. All A/C vents can be shut, but a small amount of air will still filter through:


ORVMs are tall enough, but they desperately need to be made wider:


Small IRVM. Should have been a size bigger:


Tall boot combined with the sharply raked rear windscreen make parking tricky. See how the parcel tray gets reflected on the windshield:


Climate control console is super easy to use and the A/C is impressively powerful. The buttons are a bit too small though. Chrome dials with a knurled finish (for the temperature & blower speed) look premium:


A little storage tray under the air-con controls comes in handy to stow away your smartphone or parking slips. Don't miss the ribbed surface:


12V power socket, AUX IN and USB port sit ahead of the gear lever. The USB port feels awfully flimsy:


Chunky gear lever feels nice to hold and gets a gloss black top with a dash of chrome lining:


Plenty of storage between the front occupants. The rear bottle holder can hold a 1L bottle, while the smaller ones are for your coffee cups. There's additional space for your keys, loose change etc.:


Glovebox is standard-fare:


Thick lid means a narrow loading area:


Voice command mic is here. Cabin lamp console should have been placed in the center (not at the front), as there is no light for rear passengers. Light has a theatre-dimming effect:


Driver & passenger get a vanity mirror with a lid. The driver's sunvisor also has a ticket holder:


Black seatbelts in contrast with the beige interiors. This top-end Titanium+ gains 4 additional airbags, but loses grab handles:


To use the seatbelt height adjuster, the console has to be pulled out. It's not the type where you push to adjust:


Leading by example. Ford is the first manufacturer in this segment to offer 6 airbags. Kudos!


This tag means "steer clear of seat covers":


Both of our ownership reports made a superb observation! The odd center console design interferes with the movement of the passenger seat. It is restrictive. Push the seat forward and you'll see it squeeze against the console. Thanks to Witwiky & KreativeGeek for sharing!



Last edited by GTO : 18th September 2015 at 16:32.
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Old 18th September 2015, 16:23   #4
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The Infotainment System

Center console layout will be familiar for Fiesta & EcoSport owners. The head-unit is cased in a gloss black surround. The ICE is operated via the main toggle in the middle (marked ‘OK’):


The interface is user-friendly:


The four options at the bottom (Station, Manual, Text and mute) are operated via the four buttons placed at the bottom of the head-unit:


Bluetooth audio screen tells you what track is being played. No song time or progress bar though:


You can hit the AUX button on the head-unit to shuffle through AUX, Bluetooth and USB:


Equalizer comes with preset options. Sound quality is good:


SYNC function helps integrate your smartphone with the car. Connecting your Bluetooth device is a breeze and can be done on the move as well:


The interface offers multiple options to make phone calls. Numbers can be dialled through the voice command system too. The voice command system understands Indian accents very easily. I went through multiple functions and there wasn't a single repeat attempt:


Emergency assistance onboard. Like the EcoSport, in an accident, the system will use the paired phone to call the police and provide your GPS location:


Apps such as CricInfo, MapMyIndia & Glympse can be used through the system:


Wide variety of language options, but no Hindi:


Any adjustments to the air-con will be reflected on the ICE display. Operate the air-con or ICE and you find that the screen has noticeable lag:


Door ajar warning tells you exactly which door is open. Warning dialogue boxes come with a progress bar at the bottom, telling you how long the message will be displayed:


Shows you the time & date when the system is switched off:


Ford MyKey

Ford's MyKey system makes its way into the Figo Aspire. The system acts as a ''nanny'' for certain functions of the car:


A look at the MyKey setup process:


Owners can set a speed limit, speed warning and enforce a cap on the maximum audio volume:


Speed limits are preset. Some might feel that 80 km/h should have been the starting point:


The system displays a dialogue box confirming any adjustment to the settings:


Owners can also set a speed warning that will go off if the set limit is crossed:


The speaker volume can be restricted, but I couldn’t find any option to set an exact limit. It's probably preset to 'not too loud':


Once the settings have been customised, you have to hold the ‘OK’ button (on the head-unit) to set the MyKey:


MyKey will be active from when the car is started up next:


A gist of the MyKey information is provided:


You can set & delete 'MyKey' profiles through the master key (main key). Give your chauffeur / excitable teenager the spare key and they shouldn't be able to change any settings. Feature can be of tremendous utility to fleet owners too:

Last edited by GTO : 18th September 2015 at 16:30.
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Old 18th September 2015, 16:23   #5
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The rear doors open at a reasonably wide angle, but ingress and egress aren't effortless. The passageway is quite narrow, the floor's side beam is high and your foot can easily whack against the B-pillar. Additionally, passengers will have to bend a fair bit as the seat is not only placed low, but the squab is angled back too. Getting out of the rear seat isn't easy either.

Space at the rear is on par with the segment i.e. not palatial, yet sufficient. Two six footers can sit one behind the other. The front seatbacks are scooped out for added knee room and it shows. Legroom is adequate and there's space underneath the front seats to tuck your feet in as well. As is the case with most compact sedans, three passengers on the rear seat will be a squeeze. The middle passenger won't be comfortable; the seat squab is moderately raised in the middle and the floor hump is quite prominent. Rear headroom is limited. Taller occupants will find their head brushing against the roof.

The rear seat itself is comfortable and supportive. The seat cushion is just right (not too soft nor too hard). Thigh support is acceptable while the adjustable headrests are big & comfortable. Combined with the angled backrest and seatbase, you get a relaxed seating posture. Rear passengers get a center armrest which is entirely clad in soft material. It's not as big as the Xcent's though and doesn't have any cup-holders either. On the door, you'll appreciate the fabric cushion next to the armrest. The ambience is bright and airy, thanks to the light coloured interior & glass area.

The Ambient, Trend and Titanium variants have fixed grab handles with coat hooks, but the Titanium+ (with curtain airbags) doesn't get any. For storage, rear passengers can use the bottle holder (near the floor hump) or the seatback pockets. Unfortunately, there are no door pockets at the back.

At 359 liters, the only rival that the Aspire beats in terms of boot capacity is the Maruti Dzire (Amaze & Xcent have ~400 liter boots). Usable space though is decent and the wheel well bulges aren't as intrusive as in the Zest. 4-5 duffle bags or 3 medium sized suitcases can be stuffed in, although larger suitcases for those airport runs will be difficult to manage. Further, the loading lip is quite high.

Doorpad doesn't get any storage pocket. Subsequently, the speaker sits lower as well. Ingress / egress aren't effortless:


Backrest is set at a relaxed angle and offers good support. Not a seat for 3 adults though:


Friendly Moderator Aditya (5'10") with the front seat set to his driving position. More room than the bigger Fiesta for sure. Yes, two six footers can manage to sit one behind the other:


With the seat pushed all the way ahead:


Take the seat all the way back and Aditya is locked in place:


Backrest isn't draped entirely in leather and gets a fuzzy material on the sides:


Adjustable headrests are soft. Wide surface area offers great head & neck support:


Armrest clad in leather. Unlike the ones of the Amaze and Xcent, it's on the smaller side and doesn't get integrated cup-holders:


Tall floor hump is intrusive:


Front seatbacks are scooped to release knee-room. Seatback pockets on both sides:


Rear seatbelts are tastefully integrated into the C-pillar:


Windows don’t go all the way down:


This large, black HMSL unit is an eyesore:


At 359 liters, the Aspire's boot offers more space than the Dzire, but is smaller than the Amaze & Xcent. Loading lip is quite high:


Still, usable space is decent. The boot will fit 4-5 duffle bags or 3 medium-sized suitcases with ease. No, the rear seat doesn't fold down:


No struts like the ones we saw in the factory image. These metal hinges can interfere with your luggage:


Boot area is very unpleasant on the eyes. There’s no proper paint coat or cladding of any kind. Loads of sharp edges make the boot look horribly crude. It could even damage soft bags:


Spare wheel isn't an alloy:


The tools are locked in place underneath the spare:


Boot lid is naked on the inside. Fortunately, the gaps and holes aren’t as glaringly large as they are in the Zest, Xcent or Amaze:

Last edited by GTO : 13th October 2015 at 17:51.
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Old 18th September 2015, 16:23   #6
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The Titanium Variant (a level below the top-end Titanium+)



The Titanium variant doesn't get SYNC with voice control:


Dual-tone fabric seat upholstery. Back support isn't as good as in the leather seat variant:


Different head-unit with a 2 line display:


The 4.2'' screen is replaced with a mobile phone dock. The dock has a smooth opening action and feels premium:


The dock holds smartphones and navigation devices. The positioning is perfect to refer to Google Maps on the go, while the lid protects your device from the harsh sun above:


Smart placement. The AUX and USB ports are inside the dock, so you don't have wires dangling about:


Cabin light sits alone here (no voice command mic):


A look at the fabric upholstered rear seat. None of the variants get splitting / folding seats:


Fabric armrest is softer than the leather draped one:


Fixed grab handles with integrated coat hooks. The Titanium+ (equipped with 6 airbags) doesn't have grab handles:

Last edited by GTO : 18th September 2015 at 16:28.
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Old 18th September 2015, 16:23   #7
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With three engine and two transmission options, the Figo Aspire offers the widest range of powertrains in the segment. A 5-speed manual gearbox is mated with either a 1.2L Ti-VCT petrol that makes 87 BHP (@ 6,300 rpm) and 112 Nm of torque (@ 4,000 rpm) or a 1.5L diesel mill that produces 99 BHP (@ 3,750 rpm) and 215 Nm of torque (@ 1,750 - 3,000 rpm).

The 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gets an engine all to itself in the form of a 1.5L Ti-VCT petrol that makes 110 BHP (@ 6,300 rpm) and 136 Nm of torque (@ 4,250 rpm). This engine is lifted off the EcoSport, but makes 4 Nm less torque than the compact SUV. Sadly, the Aspire DCT still isn't part of Ford's media fleet and we haven't driven it. That said, you can check out our Figo 1.5L DCT review to get a feel of this combination - link.

Why doesn't the Figo Aspire get the 1.0L EcoBoost?

Many expected Ford to use the 1.0L EcoBoost in the Aspire. There are a few probable reasons why the Aspire doesn't get the globally acclaimed motor:

• The engine would spike up the price, because it is a direct import. The inclusion of components like a turbocharger would make the engine more complex and expensive compared to the Ti-VCT.

• The EcoBoost is like a halo product in itself and Ford wants to maintain the 'premium' image of that engine.

• Ford has always been averse to giving its economy cars big engines. The Figo never saw the 1.6L petrol which was a bolt-on swap.

• The 1.0L EcoBoost isn't as fuel-efficient as you'd expect and it suffers from turbo-lag too.

Driving the 1.2L Petrol

The 1.2L uses the same block as the outgoing Figo hatchback's Duratec unit, but with major changes:


Improvements include twin independent variable camshaft timing, a modified cylinder head intake port, low friction pistons and a variable displacement oil pump. The result is better fuel efficiency and higher power output. The engine makes a healthy 17 BHP and 10 Nm of torque more than the outgoing Figo, while the max power and torque are delivered at almost the same rpm as the older motor.

Crank the petrol and what strikes you first is the level of refinement. As a Honda Jazz owner, I'm hard to impress when it comes to refinement, but the Ti-VCT is smooth, silent and barely vibrates while starting up. The engine note is bereft of bass and the refinement shines through even when you're driving.

Let's get one thing out of the way though - this is a commuter engine, nothing else. Its only purpose in life is to get you from point A to point B. The single area where the petrol beats the diesel is in refinement. Even Ford makes no qualms about the fact that the Aspire petrol is a "metro car", purely designed for efficient / easy on the pocket driving.

Torque at initial rpms is just enough, but not too strong. Somehow, the older Figo's 1.2L appears to have better response at low rpms, while a competitor like the Zest undoubtedly offers superior driveability. The Aspire's 1.2L engine performs adequately at low speeds with a sedate driving style & some patience. It'll manage the urban commuting duties. Just don't expect to close gaps in traffic quickly. If you want pep, you will have to downshift & work the 1.2L.

The petrol feels dull at many points in the revv range. Even after you slam the pedal down, don't expect a surge of any kind. On the open road, the mid-range isn't particularly impressive and it does feel like the Figo Aspire is among the slower compact sedans. Overtaking fast buses & trucks will require careful planning. 100 km/h is managed at 2,900 rpm in 5th gear, while 120 km/h sees the tacho kiss 3,400 rpm. At 120 km/h, the power has already started to fade. If you lose momentum, you'll have to downshift to work your way back to speed. Yes, even on the highway, you'll find yourself frequently downshifting (to 4th...and even 3rd). With a full passenger load, it's best to adopt a calm driving style and move out of the fast lane.

Ford needs to work some more on this engine as the competition offers more capable 1.2L petrols.

The ARAI rating is 18.2 kmpl. NVH levels are on par with the segment and I found nothing to complain about. The engine itself is refined and doesn't transmit any vibrations into the cabin. At high rpm, it gets vocal (some will like the sound, some won't). Tyre & wind noise filter through at high speed, but neither one is excessive, especially if you have the ICE & air-con running. Par for the course in this segment, I'd say.

The gearbox is well suited to a sedate driving style. The lever falls to hand easily and the medium throw makes it pleasant to use. The clutch is light + convenient for city usage.

The petrol's revv counter:


Reflective insulation sheets on the firewall:


No under-bonnet insulation. The petrol doesn't need it:


Driving the 1.5L Diesel

Same 1.5L TDCi as the EcoSport & Fiesta...with 9 BHP and 11 Nm of torque more :


The Figo Aspire diesel joins the Honda Amaze in the hundred horsepower club and also delivers the highest torque rating in the segment. Ford has plonked in the familiar 1.5L TDCi engine from the EcoSport / Fiesta, but with more power & torque. Unlike the old Figo, the Aspire has an intercooler and deploys a fixed geometry turbo. The block and head are made of aluminium. Where the more contemporary diesels (Honda's 1.5L, Fiat-GM's 1.3L etc.) have a 16 valve DOHC (double overhead camshaft) valvetrain, Ford's TDCi engine is an 8 valve SOHC (single overhead camshaft) unit. The Mahindra Logan, Nissan Sunny and Toyota Etios also employ 8 valve SOHC diesels. These are honest, robust old-school mechanicals.

You'll feel the cabin shake as you start the diesel, switch it off or even rev it at a standstill. The clatter is audible and the diesel does make its presence felt.

Spend 10 minutes with the Aspire diesel and it's very obvious which the superior engine is. Simply put, the 1.5L diesel blows the 1.2L petrol away. There is absolutely no comparison! If you're buying the Aspire and are confused about which engine to pick, don't even think twice. Just go for the diesel with your eyes shut.

Given its power & torque rating, the pleasing performance is no surprise. The diesel offers fantastic driveability in the city. There's healthy torque at low rpms; it's certainly not dead below 2,000 rpm as some other sedans are. The Aspire diesel possesses a tractable nature and this makes it very practical for the daily office <-> home commute. Throttle response in the city is satisfactory and you won't need to downshift too often. Turbo-lag is well controlled. Even when the turbocharger does kick in, power delivery is on the linear side.

While the 1.5L diesel will keep city slickers happy, the highway is where this engine truly shines. Slam the pedal down and the diesel Aspire crosses 120 km/h with ease. Yes, it's very quick in a straight line and feels at least 3 seconds faster to 100 km/h than any other compact sedan. Where the puny petrol sibling was running out of breath, the diesel is still accelerating! The engine is a lot more enthusiastic than the handling permits though (more on that later). The strong mid-range ensures that highway overtaking is quick & easy. Importantly, you won't be downshifting as often as in the Aspire petrol on the open road. The TDCi revvs to ~5,000 rpm when needed, but that's really pushing it. Actual progress is slow after 4,000 rpm, prompting you to upshift earlier. There's also an unwanted boomy / drone sound that creeps in at those rpm levels.

While the diesel is a fast performer, its cruising ability is equally impressive. 100 km/h comes up at 2,300 rpm in 5th gear, while 120 km/h comes up at 2,600 rpm. The ARAI rates the diesel’s fuel economy at 25.83 km/l. EcoSport & Fiesta diesel owners are pleased with the fuel economy they get. We expect even better numbers out of the lighter Figo Aspire.

NVH levels are kept in check. Though the engine's note does filter into the cabin, it's not excessive at regular rpms. Vibrations are felt on the pedals though, and they are directly proportional to the engine rpm.

The 5-speed manual gearbox is nice to use, albeit it's not VW / Hyundai good. The gearbox does the job for the most part. With a rapid / spirited driving style, it can get resistant from time to time. The clutch pedal is heavier than the petrol's. No, it isn't cumbersome, but some competitors do have clutch pedals that are lighter and have a shorter travel range.

Diesel tops out at ~5,000 rpm:


The Aspire's motor doesn't get an engine cover!


Diesel gets under-bonnet cladding:


Black firewall cladding here (petrol used reflective sheets):


Fusebox is super easy to access:


Uniquely shaped water drains:


Nice heat shielding around the exhaust plumbing:


Ride, Handling, Steering & Braking

After driving the Figo Aspire, you'll wonder whether it was Ford who designed the suspension...or Maruti! The tuning is completely in line with mass market tastes. That's not necessarily a bad thing, although enthusiasts will be disappointed.

The comfort centric design of the cabin is reflected in the suspension. At low speeds, ride quality is nice & compliant for passengers in the front and rear rows alike. Potholes and rough patches are brushed off competently and the Aspire's bad road ability is commendable. Pick up the pace and the Aspire continues to behave like a comfy cruiser. Undulations won't be seeping into the cabin & owners will be pleased with the ride comfort. That said, the faster you go, the softer the suspension feels. On the highway, the car suffers from up / down bobbing and feels wallowy.

The handling package is also tuned to mass market tastes. The steering is light in the city, with the car behaving like any other family sedan does. Keep the corner speeds in check and the Aspire will toe the intended line. Just don't drive it like you would a Figo or Fiesta!! The comfort-oriented suspension doesn't do much for the car's handling credentials. Take a corner at speed and body roll comes in early. Push a little harder and understeer sets in, while mid-corner bumps can also upset her composure. The puny fuel economy-oriented tyres don't help matters. The powerful diesel, in particular, begs for a tyre upgrade. Please get one straight from the showroom. Expressway stability is par for the course. It's safe enough, but not rock solid as European Fords have usually been. As we mentioned earlier, undulating roads taken at speed do result in a wallowy behaviour. Existing Ford owners may not approve of the new handling mannerisms, but you have to keep in mind that the car hasn't been built to please enthusiasts. It's a mass market sedan and drives like one. Stick to reasonable speeds & you won't complain.

The steering is extremely light to operate in the city; it's convenient while parking or maneuvering through heavy traffic. The masses will love how the EPS requires zero effort at low speeds. The turning radius is also short enough at 4.9 meters (note= Amaze & Dzire have smaller 4.5 - 4.8m turning radius). As the speedometer climbs, the EPS does weigh up, although there is none of that ol' Figo magic & feel. The petrol's steering felt a tad more precise than the diesel's, but that's probably because it isn't as front heavy. Out on the highway at 100 km/h & above, the steering feels a little too sensitive. Again, the Aspire drives more like a Maruti than a Ford. Whether that's a good or bad thing depends on your driving style.

The 174 mm of ground clearance seems adequate for our roads (second highest in the segment, after the Tata Zest petrol).

The brakes offer good bite and their behaviour is predictable. We put the Aspire through multiple, hard braking tests and there weren't any signs of fade either. However, when braking from a very high speed, the rear simply didn't feel planted. In that, it felt very 'loose'.

Last edited by Rehaan : 9th November 2015 at 02:57. Reason: Linking to Figo DCT post.
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Old 18th September 2015, 16:23   #8
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Other Points:

• Thanks to d3mon for sharing this tip on the hidden menu - link to post.

• Ford used to sell a hatchback called the Aspire in North America back in the 90s. Incidentally, it was the first car in its class to offer dual airbags & ABS as an option, much like how the Figo Aspire offers dual standard airbags and the option of 6 airbags. While that 90s Aspire rivalled the Hyundai Accent, the Figo Aspire takes on - among others - the Xcent.

• The Aspire is available in 7 colour shades i.e. ruby red, sparkling gold, oxford white, tuxedo black, deep impact blue, ingot silver and smoke grey.

• The Figo always had the steering & handling, but not the power. The Aspire diesel has the power, but not the steering & handling. Sigh...

• The gap between the Titanium and Titanium+ variants is ~Rs. 55,000/-. Why not offer the AT in the top-end variant? In terms of pricing, it would be on par with the Titanium+ diesel. This has mainly been done to ensure that, like its rivals, the Aspire automatic stays below the 8 lakh price mark, though it offers a more advanced transmission and a more powerful engine. Manufacturers also practice this to reduce 'sticker shock'. A Titanium+ AT might follow later.

• The headlamps have improved ! Owners of the old Figo unanimously complained about its weak headlamps. The Aspire also has the follow-me-home headlamp feature.

• Switch the car off with the ICE running and then remove the key from the ignition. The system will continue playing. It only stops if you manually shut it or open any of the doors.

• The Aspire's EPS has pull-drift compensation tech (similar to the EcoSport). The pull-drift system adjusts the steering against uneven road surfaces or crosswinds. Sensors continuously monitor driver input and keep the car in a straight line by making automatic steering compensation. What this means in layman terms is that you don't have to keep tugging at the steering to go in a straight line, when the road is angled from left to right.

• Hit the horn and a fair amount of the sound can be heard inside the cabin. Uncool.

• Switch the car off and the headlamps go off with the engine, even if the key is still in the ignition! To save your battery.

• The door auto-lock function kicks in as soon as you touch 20 km/h.

• The Figo Aspire is the only car in the segment where the petrol & diesel variants have different fuel tank capacities (petrol = 42L / diesel = 40L).

• The car was put through 150 hours of wind tunnel testing to improve aerodynamics.

• Nice official accessory list (link). We're guessing a popular one will be the auto-dimming IRVM with an integrated reversing camera & GPS navigation display.

• Dealers will have a 90-day perspective of the stock that will arrive from Sanand i.e. dealers will know how many units they will be allocated 90 days in advance.

• The Figo Aspire will be sold as a sub-four meter sedan exclusively in India.

• The Sanand plant will be exporting the Figo sedan (4+ meters in length) and Figo hatchback to around 50 international markets, including LHD nations.

• Ford has invested INR 6,200 Crore (~USD 1 Billion) into the Sanand facility that consists of vehicle assembly and engine plants. It will begin two shift operations by early 2016.

• By the end of 2016, Ford could be looking at a 50:50 split between exports & domestic production at the Sanand factory. Sanand has an initial installed annual capacity of 2,40,000 cars and 2,70,000 engines. With the commissioning of this plant, Ford has increased its annual capacity in India to 6,10,000 engines and 4,40,000 vehicles.

• The body shop at Sanand is 95% automated and makes use of 430 robots.

• After the Figo Aspire, Ford will launch the new Figo hatchback first, followed by the all-new Endeavour. Both launches will take place by the end of 2015. EcoSport facelift is just around the corner too. What does Ford have in store for the 2016 Auto Expo then? The Mustang!!

• Ford offers a 2 year / 100,000 kms standard warranty. Extended warranty packages:
Ford Aspire : Official Review-extended-warranty.png

Disclaimer: Ford invited Team-BHP for the Aspire test-drive. They covered all the travel expenses for this driving event.

Last edited by GTO : 21st November 2015 at 12:02. Reason: Adding d3mon's tip :)
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Old 18th September 2015, 16:23   #9
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The Smaller yet Significant Things:

Layered rubber flap above the steering wheel covers any ungainly bits (when it’s lowered):


Phone dock (on the lower variants) holds your smartphone in place with rubber mounts:


Apart from warnings for the doors, you also get an alert if the boot is open:


The driver’s footwell has these hooks for the floor mat...


...but they aren’t seen on the front passenger’s side:


Loads of exposed wiring inside the footwell. Looks messy. Should have been better organised:


Windshield washers have a strong spray with a very wide spread:


Glovebox lid isn’t a perfect fit:


Wiring and fuses visible through a gap in the glovebox (when you open it). Notice the FoMoCo (Ford Motor Company) engraving:


VIN is printed at the bottom of the (front) windshield:


Roof beading is a 70:30 split between black plastic and rubber:


Tyre pressure information detailed. The more suitable 195/55 R15 size gets a mention (though Ford isn't offering the same...maybe in export variants?). The sticker pictures the Figo hatchback and full-size 4+ meter sedan:


Petrol's fuel lid mentions the octane rating:


Emergency boot unlock lever placed on the underside of the boot lid:


Glaring gap between the body and tail-lamp housing!! These things should be flush-fitting:


Boot floor uses a cheap carpet cover. It’s not attached to anything and can simply be taken out:


First-aid kit is neatly packed in this pouch:


Even the warning triangle gets a premium feeling pouch:


Climate control sensor sits on top of the dash:

Last edited by GTO : 18th September 2015 at 16:25.
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Old 18th September 2015, 16:23   #10
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Chief Competitors of the Ford Figo Aspire

Maruti Dzire

What you’ll like:
• Competent engine range. Very refined motors
• Absorbent ride quality, even over rough roads. Neutral road manners too
• Terrific fuel efficiency, especially from the diesel
• Effortless to drive in the city; light steering, clutch and gearshift. Automatic transmission available
• Maruti’s excellent after-sales service & wide dealer network

What you won’t:
• Oddball boot design. Side profile looks particularly awkward
• Small 316L boot & no folding rear seat either. Limited practicality
• Mediocre brakes (LXi / LDi & VXi / VDi), just like the mechanically-identical Swift
• Limited rear seat space is incomparable to the Manza, Etios, Verito et al
• Hefty premium for the Automatic transmission variant

Hyundai Xcent

What you'll like:
• All-rounded package in a contemporary design
• Interiors have best-in-class fit, finish & quality. Accommodating 407 liter boot too
• Fuel-efficient, practical diesel & peppy petrol. Smooth gearbox
• Loaded with features (keyless start & go, reversing camera, rear air-con, cooled glovebox etc.)
• Comfortable ride quality and predictable handling
• Hyundai's fuss free ownership experience & excellent after-sales service

What you won't:
• 1.1L 3-cylinder diesel lacks the top-end punch of competition. Ordinary highway performance
• Steering & dynamics aren't to an enthusiast's tastes
• Narrow width makes it more suited as a 4 seater, rather than 5
• Boot aside, the premium i20 is closely priced with more power, space, equipment & refinement
• Adjustable front neck restraints, seat-belt height adjustment, full MID, auto-locking doors & dead pedal missing

Honda Amaze

What you'll like:
• An all-rounded compact sedan that does most things well
• Packaging brilliance. Roomier backseat than the Dzire, and a larger 400 Liter boot
• 1.5L i-DTEC engine offers good power & performance. Excellent driveability too
• Diesel's 25.8 kpl ARAI fuel economy rating
• Light controls, slick gearshift and easy maneuverability for in-city commuting. AT gearbox available
• Honda's reliability & fuss-free ownership experience

What you won't:
• Diesel's NVH is a full level poorer than the refined Maruti Dzire
• Brio's unconventional dashboard is too basic for this class of car
• Not as dynamically accomplished as the Ford Fiesta Classic, Toyota Etios and others
• Diesel isn't as high-rpm friendly as the 1.3L MJD
• Many practical features missing (climate control, seat-belt height adjustment, adjustable neck restraints, auto-locking doors, full MID, folding rear seat etc.)

Tata Zest

What you'll like:
• India's first diesel-automatic in the C1 segment. Affordable, convenient & low running costs
• Build quality, fit and finish are on par with competitors. Tata has made significant improvements
• Spacious well-designed interiors & comfortable seats. A rare compact sedan that can seat 5 adults
• 1.2L turbo-petrol has class-leading torque and impressive low-end driveability
• Balanced suspension offers compliant ride quality mated to neutral handling. Nice EPS too
• Light controls, agreeable ergonomics and good refinement. Drives like no mass market Tata car has before
• Features: 3-driving modes (petrol), LED DRLs, projector headlamps, 5" touchscreen, parking sensors, voice commands & more

What you won't:
• When driven hard, the AMT can't match the smoothness & shift-times of a conventional automatic
• Turbo-petrol lacks mid-range punch and fails to excite at higher rpms. Not to an enthusiast's tastes
• Poor in-cabin storage & missing niceties (rear seat armrest, dead pedal, seatbelt height adjustment)
• Thick A-Pillars create severe blind spots while driving
• Concerns over long-term reliability & durability. Previous Tata cars haven't fared well in this area
• Tata's sub-par after-sales service quality is far from that of Maruti, Hyundai and Honda
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Old 18th September 2015, 16:40   #11
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Re: Ford Aspire : Official Review

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to Official Reviews. Thanks for sharing!

Superb analysis & detail, all I need to know about the Aspire is in here. Rating thread 5 stars .
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Old 18th September 2015, 16:55   #12
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Re: Ford Aspire : Official Review

One of the most eagerly awaited reviews is out! And what a wonderfully detailed one it is. Standing ovation to you two, Tushar & Aditya!

Ever since I have sold off my 2014 City, I have been eyeing the Aspire 1.5L DCT for city runabouts. Now, thanks to you both, I have all the info I need to zero in on my choice. The DCT is available in only the Titanium trim right now, but this has perked up my attention:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tushar View Post
The gap between the Titanium and Titanium+ variants is ~Rs. 55,000/-. Why not offer the AT in the top-end variant? In terms of pricing, it would be on par with the Titanium+ diesel. This has mainly been done to ensure that, like its rivals, the Aspire automatic stays below the 8 lakh price mark, though it offers a more advanced transmission and a more powerful engine. Manufacturers also practice this to reduce 'sticker shock'. A Titanium+ AT might follow later.
Rest assured that the moment Ford decides to bring out a Titanium+ option for the 1.5L DCT, I would be picking it up without batting even an eyelid! This bit of information now makes me wait eagerly for the possible mouth-watering future option, since the need for my City replacement isn't immediate.

Kudos to Ford for bringing out such a wonderful car in the C1 segment and, while it might not dethrone the current king the DZire, certainly promises a lot for the company and for the customers. Class-leading figures for the diesel and top-class safety features, now you have a package which is hard to ignore in it's segment. Between the 1.5L diesel and the 1.5L DCT, there should be a fair number of customers lining up for this excellent offering from the American blue oval auto giant. Ford has given the mass market sedan-segment their best shot, and now it's upto the promotions and the customers to respond to the car.

Rated thread a fully-deserving 5 stars! Keep up the good work and Team-BHP's proud flag flying high!

Last edited by RavenAvi : 18th September 2015 at 17:18.
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Old 18th September 2015, 17:13   #13
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Re: Ford Aspire : Official Review

Excellent review Tushar

Being an ex Fiesta 1.6 owner, I'm disappointed on reading about Aspire's Handling and Build quality!
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Old 18th September 2015, 17:16   #14
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Re: Ford Aspire : Official Review

Thank you Tushar and Aditya for a brilliant review. This car gives a lot of clues about the Ford Figo hatchback which frankly, I am more excited about. Even though the Aspire is more practical because it has a boot it looks really stubby (not that Dzire is any better !). An alloy and tyre upgrade and the upcoming Figo hatchback will be a real looker on the street. This car seems to have a good mass market balance and I guess the Figo will carry the same characteristics. Attaching images of Ford Ka for reference to Ford Figo.
Ford Aspire : Official Review-ka_front.jpg
Ford Aspire : Official Review-ka_rear.jpg
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Old 18th September 2015, 17:17   #15
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Re: Ford Aspire : Official Review

So finally the review is out. Excellent attention to detail Tushar and Aditya but took a lil too much time

Drove the diesel variant a couple of weeks ago when we were comparing compact sedans. Must say that despite having the same power rating as the Honda Amaze, the Ford feels much faster and peppier. A week later, four of us traveled in the petrol Aspire from Pune to Mumbai. It surely lacks punch but isn't too slow either. And all four of us were pretty comfortable throughout the journey. I don't really like compact sedans but this one surely impressed me.

Now waiting for the Figo hatchback which is launching next week. Hoping it comes with the same level of equipment and same engines.
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