Team-BHP - 2018 Ford Aspire Facelift : Official Review

Dear Sir(s)

I have now booked for a Figo Aspire Diesel Titanium Silver model. There are niggling issues with Ford dealer which I hope to iron out as soon as possible.

Insurance

1. Removed the Engine protection add on and RTI
2. Asked him to remove zero depreciation but was forced not to remove with lot of pleading. Might be their commission target. Will allow this add on for 1st year and then drop it. Had to do this favor.
3. Added Personal Accident to unnamed passengers. 5 passengers for 5 lakhs of accident insurance.

Road Tax and Car registration

1. As usual, they have refrained from giving a detailed breakup of Rs. 50295 against Road Tax and Registration at the time of booking.
2. In West Bengal Kolkata Kasba RTO, I know the Motor Vehicle Tax for this car will be Rs. 42295. So a clear case where Rs.8000 will be unaccounted for.
3. Some of it will be towards Car Registration Rs. 600, Smart Card Rs. 200, Fast tag Rs. 600, Rs. 20 inspection fee.
4. Still a huge gap
5. The dealer is not divulging details
6. I have a hunch that he will load the Temporary Registration charges on me. Already opened a thread on this matter vide link below

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/india...ml#post4517119

7. The rest they will not invoice and tell that it was a bribe to the RTO and their agents but in reality it will go in their pockets. Do not know how will I fight this one but hate such kind of fooling with customers.

Accessories planned

Dealer agreed to provide in the prices as present in Ford website. There was a lot of confabulation since their prices had a mark-up of around Rs. 500 on top of Ford prices. They said that their prices comprises of "fitting charge" as well and hence the mark-up. I clearly mentioned that I am ready to Ford prices or else the deal is off. After that the prices were agreed at Ford scheduled price.

1. Illuminated Scuff Plate - Rs. 3980 (wanted steel plates but Ford has not released those steel plates yet)
2. Chrome Exterior Pack (details as per brochure) - Rs. 6106
3. Anti-Theft Nuts - Rs. 2904
4. Engine Under shield - Rs. 4420
5. Essential Car Kit - Rs. 3323

Breakup of Essential Car Kit (Serial No. 5) is as follows
A. 2 nos. of Front Side Mud Flap - Rs. 356
B. 2 nos. of Rear Side Mud Flap - Rs. 452
C. Trunk Mat - Rs. 874
D. Carpet Floor Mat - Rs. 1641

Thanks to blackwasp in rendering this review which made a profound impact on my decision making.

Thanks to NaXal on his contributions on this thread.

I will be honest. Been a Maruti user for 10 years. In fact Maruti salesman showed me the Ford India Facebook page where all sorts of Horror stories on their After Sales Service are written and really spooked me badly. But this post and the contributors made a profound impact not to get swayed by a sales pitch and make decisions in an objective manner.

Regards
Anish

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankmehta (Post 4517607)

It's a screen grab from Gmail.
EVEN I wish I would be able to see my car in real time. It would feel like an Amazon package comes tantalizingly close to delivery clap:

Need to thank you too for some of your posts. A detailed post on booking of Ford Aspire in under moderation. Hope you read it by the time you read this thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amohan78

I have now booked for a Figo Aspire Diesel Titanium Silver model

Congratulations. I have the same colour, same model but the previous generation.

Quote:

There are niggling issues with Ford dealer which I hope to iron out as soon as possible

Regarding the price related issues, I don't think it's wise to bargain on point to point basis. Some how it doesn't work out for me. Like for example, dealership always ask me to do self registration when I try to argue about the difference of registration charges and actual bills for them. Same with insurance.

For me bargaining on total price helps a lot. I do a rough calculation about the difference and see what should be the total on road cost. Then I fix up my mind on a certain price point and start bargaining about the actual take home. Dealership always try mentioning about the little difference of EMI but I stick to my ground with my purchase power.

I have never purchased a car or bike with single option in mind. There are so many things to go wrong with the dealership so I always keep few options of different manufacturer. If one doesn't work out or I don't feel good about the experience, I can always walk out to a different manufacturer.

At the end, always try to bargain with a realistic price in mind. Always behave friendly and establish your purchase power. Their need to sale are more than our need to buy so if our demands are realistic, dealership do try to match it with utmost urgency.

I don't mind paying a few thousand extra on a dealership which allows me to follow team bhp PDI check list or gives me the VIN beforehand. Inspection at their yard for a freshly unloaded car is priceless for me. Cheery on top when they allow me to drive or at least accompany the driver till their ASC for PDI (ensuring no high revving / abusive driving within running in).

Quote:

will be honest. Been a Maruti user for 10 years. In fact Maruti salesman showed me the Ford India Facebook page where all sorts of Horror stories on their After Sales Service are written and really spooked me badly. But this post and the contributors made a profound impact not to get swayed by a sales pitch and make decisions in an objective manner

That Maruti salesman isn't wrong. There are horror stories out in the wild about Ford. But a quick glance at Maruti's social channels may show their horror stories too.

Ford Kolkata over all is really good. There are 3 dealership, Saini Ford, Ganges Ford and Kaikan Ford. They all have multiple service outlets each.

I hear Ganges at Topsia (China Town) is the oldest and highest rated. I have visited Kaikan (Birati) and Saini (Mukundopur, EM Bypass). I have positive experience in both. I am confident that no Ford owner here in Kolkata would be unhappy about their quality of work or honesty with pricing, diagnostic and job recommendation.

Just out of curiosity, if you don't mind sharing, which dealership did you select?

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaXal (Post 4517844)

Congratulations. I have the same colour, same model but the previous generation.

Ford Kolkata over all is really good. There are 3 dealership, Saini Ford, Ganges Ford and Kaikan Ford. They all have multiple service outlets each.

I hear Ganges at Topsia (China Town) is the oldest and highest rated. I have visited Kaikan (Birati) and Saini (Mukundopur, EM Bypass). I have positive experience in both. I am confident that no Ford owner here in Kolkata would be unhappy about their quality of work or honesty with pricing, diagnostic and job recommendation.

Just out of curiosity, if you don't mind sharing, which dealership did you select?

Extremely elated to see positive responses from Ford dealers and workshops in Kolkata.

I have no issues in sharing the dealer name of Kolkata from where I pursued my purchase. The dealer is Saini Ford in Sector V at Salt Lake Kolkata.

I have insisted on getting the VIN, decode the manufacturing date and do the PDI of the vehicle too. All of these things were complied. I never make full down payment if VIN and PDI of Vehicle is not done. The car had to be brought from the regional stockyard as it was not present in the dealer's stock. Hence the PDI was done at the showroom itself.

I had asked them to let me know when the car is being bought to RTO Kasba for "production" (a term which means that RTO Inspector will physically see the vehicle). But they did not and I am told that the Production is done. I would have been happy if they would have done the same.

The temporary registration will be loaded on my bill, I have kind of hunched that thing by this time.

The reason I avoided Ganges Ford is the test drive belt. They offer is the park circus connector and e m bypass. Given the traffic, I was not confident if I could put the car on real drive test (speed till 80 km/hr). So I went to Ganges Ford and made a good drive on the Rajarhat expressway till Aliah university, Ecospace and TCS Gitanjali Park.

Regards
Anish

Talk about coincidence, I too didn't like the waiting of Ganges about availability of their test drive car at my home. Kaikan was prompt enough to send the car to my home and I drove it at longer stretch of NH34 and Belghariya expressway for getting the feel of both bad roads and high-speed.

Then came the news of this new showroom of Saini Ford. They too sent their car at my place.

Saini Ford quote was good, so was their waiting period of few days compare to Kaikan with their 45 days.

Saini Ford shares their regional godown with their other branded dealership. Location is right exactly at the junction point of Kona Expressway and NH6. I did my (team bhp list) PDI there and accompanied the car till their ASC at Mukundopur for their PDI (washing, accessories fitment)

Yes they too slapped Temp charge on me, but as I said before, bargaining was with total take home price so I didn't mind on how the price was broken up. But I did take the delivery with temp reg and parked it at my place till they informed me the date for RTO production. Family driver took the car to RTO (few mins drive) for C.F. since I couldn't manage time out from work, and few days later I took it for number plate fitting.

Hi guys.. Just got my vin no.
Car is in transit and this is what I see on ETIS.

Figo 2015- / KA+ 2016-, 1.5L SOHC DI TC I4 Diesel DV5, Smoke (Metallic)
* VIN Number: MAJZXXMTKZJR35853
Change selected Vehicle
Primary Features
Build Date: 27.10.2018
Vehicle Line: Figo 2015- / KA+ 2016-
Body Style: 4 Door Saloon
Version: Series 55
Engine: 1.5L SOHC DI TC I4 Diesel DV5
Transmission: 5 Spd Man Trans 5MX65 6D-1 Getrag
Drive: RHD FWD
Axle Ratio: 3.37
Emission: Bharat 4
Air Conditioning: Automatic Air Conditioning
Territory: (+)"IND"
Paint: Smoke (Metallic)
Interior Colour: Light Oak Interior
Interior Fabric: Lodha / Light Oak
Minor Features
Rear End Fascia - Level 2
Less Front Door Sill Protection
Tailgate Scuff Plate
Less Cargo Stowage Device
Accesry USB 2 Unit W/iPod Function
Less Interior Pack
Driver & Passenger Seat Map Pockets
Less Hill Launch Assist
Battery Monitor System
With Tailgate Lock
B/C Pillar Decal
(-) Version Packages
Gujarat India Assy Plant Build
Mex, Saf, Export, India Sales
Ford Corporate Badge
Less Marketing Flex Prep Pack
With Side Impact Package
Titanium Badge
Less Exterior Appearance Pack
Marketing Level 1
(-) SVP
Less Safety Packs
(+)"GEN RHD"
Exterior Paint - Solid
For Normal Temperature Zones
"US" Tailgate Badge
With English Language Label
Rear Decklid Applique
Less Fire Extinguisher Fixings
Less Fire Extinguisher
With First Aid Kit
Less Tyre Repair Service Kit
Package Tray - Fixed
Less Service Interval
Pwr Fr Window 1 Touch Up/Dwn-Driver
With Electric Rear Windows
With Tinted Glass All Round
Less Grille-Upper
With Laminated Windscreen
Less Heated Windsh/Wiper Park
Less Illum Power Window Switches
Less Heated Windscreen
With Heated Rear Window
Less Console Ashtray
With Wheel Arch Mouldings
With Standard Instrument Panel
With Integral Glove Box Lid
With Mini Overhead Console
With Full Floor Console
Int Environ Colour-Metallic Grey. With Carpet Floor Covering Level 2
Front Floor Mat-Driver Only
Less Rear Floor Mats
With Instrument Panel Stowage Box
With Full Headlining - Moulded
Drivers Visor Mir/Flap/Tick Pocket
Snvsr-Pass / Mirror And cover
With Door Map Pocket
With Level 2 Door Trim Panel
Less Front Roof Grab Handle
Less Rear Interior Assist Handle
Less Rear Coat Hook
With Load Floor Carpet
Less First Aid Retain Straps
With W/Triangle. Retainer Straps
With Load Compartment Side Trim
With Noise Insulation Pack
Interior Dash Insulator II
Hood Insulator High Series
Ins-Eng Dash Outer Dash Upper
Ins-Eng Dash Outer Dash Lower Hi
With Self Colour Grille #2
Grille - Lower Dark
With Masked Chrome Headlamp Molding Less Roof Rack
Less Exterior Body Mouldings
Less Exterior Rocker Panel Moulding
Less Tail Lamp Lense Applique
Automatic Dimming Rear View Mirror
Dual Ext Pwr Mirror-Power Fold Back
With Body Coloured Exterior Mirror
Blended Seat Trims No.4
Less Under Seat Stowage Facility
Less Drivers Seat Armrest
With Front 2 Way Headrest
With Manual Driver Seat Recliner
With Manual Passenger Seat Recliner
With Fixed Rear Seat
With 2 Way Adjustable Rear Headrest
With Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Less Rear Centre Headrest
Less Temp Control Driver Seat
Less Temp Control Passengers Seat
With Driver 4 Way Mnl.Seat Adjuster
With Pass 2 Way Manual Seat Adjust
With Front Tow Hooks
With Rear Tow Hooks
Less Trailer Towing Attachments
Less Trailer Coupling
Less Device Dock
Less Decal Option 1
Body Coloured Exterior Door Handle
With Soft Feel Gear Shift Knob
Soft Feel Gear Shift Boot
With Child Proof Safety Lock
With Remote Controlled Tailgate Release
Manual Gearshift
With Central Locking System
Keyfree System
With Keyless Start
434 MHZ Door Lock Frequency
Less Fuel Filler Flap Lock
Less Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Rain Sensitive Windshield Wipers
Less Sun Roof
Less Body Tu-Tone Paint
Less U/Body Corrosion Protect
Less Fr Bumper Ped Foam Protection
Front Bumper Body Coloured Plastic
Rear Bumper Body Coloured Plastic
Less Bumper Energy Reinforcement
Front Bumper Lip
Air Curtain Restraint LH
Air Curtain Restraint RH
Less Inflatable Knee Bolster Driver
Beltminder-Driver + Passenger
With Static Front Seat Belt
With Centre Rear 3 Point Seat Belt
With Driver Air Bag
With Passenger Air Bag
With Side Air Bag - Drivers Side
With Side Air Bag - Passenger Side
Less Passenger Air Bag Deactivation
Less Isofix Hard Point Attach
Less Adjustable Frt.Seat Belt Mount
Less Tether Anchorage Restraint
Less Pelvic Pushers
With Steel Spare Wheel
Less Tyre Pressure Sensors
6J x 15 #1 Alloy Wheel
195/55 SR x 15 Tyres
With Wheel Hub Cap
Non Locking Lug Nuts
Market Road Condition - General
Standard Electric Starter Motor
One Touch Integral Start Software
Bharat 4
With Front Stabilizer Bar
Parking Brake Knob Chromed
With Front Disc-Brake/Rr Drum Brake
4 Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System
Less Fuel Kit - FIA
Less Floor Mats-FIA
Less Skid Plates
With Pollen Filter
With Recirculating Heater
A/C Refrigerant-R134A
Less Fuel Water Separator
With Locking Fuel Cap
With Diesel Fuel Capability
Fuel Tnk Filler Nck-Low Carbon
With Electric Power Steering
With Tilting Only Steering Column
Electronic Locking Steering Column
Soft Feel Type Steering Wheel

It's so exciting to see what I'm actually going to get! Even the manufacturing date and the module data with their software versions is available.

Can't wait! clap:

Quote:

Originally Posted by amohan78 (Post 4520019)

How many airbags does the Ford Aspire Titanium variant come with. The driver and Driver-side co-passenger gets 1 airbag each.

What about the rear passengers ? do they get the airbags too > if yes, where are the airbags located in the rear seat ?

Ford Aspire Titanium gets 2 Air Bags. One each for driver and front passenger. Driver side Air Bag is housed within steering wheel. If you may notice, the horn pad has the Air Bag information written. The front passenger Air Bag is housed just above the glove box. You may notice the outer lines of that along with Air Bag information written there too.

Rear Passengers don't get any Air Bag. Hope they are strapped in and front seats ahead of them may act as Air Bag and offer some protection when needed.

Titanium version doesn't come with any Air Bag inside any seats. Titanium Plus version comes with side curtain Air Bags. Couple of those are housed within front seats and they too come with clear marking in form of written information about the Air Bags.

If you please refer to the Previous Gen Aspire review thread, you may find the pictures showing the side curtain Air Bags on front seats and B Pillar.

Refer here -> https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offic...al-review.html

Its same with Present generation Aspire also.

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amohan78 (Post 4521244)

What is meaning of the feature "Remote Keyless Entry" in Ford Aspire ? Yes, I can press the unlock button in my remote control to get in, but I thought that Remote Keyless Entry meant that the remote control being in my pocket, I could press a switch on the Vehicle Door Handle and the doors unlock !

Something that is present in Ford EcoSport I suppose.

Couple of words to sum it up, cost cutting.

To be honest, Keyless Entry is what you are looking for, whereas Ford is marketing this as Remote Keyless Entry. If someone have to argue, then its not about the feature but rather terminology.

One would need to pay extra to go up to EcoSports for this feature. One way of creating premium car by removing features from lower segment.

I guess next major update from car makers would be implementing bio-metrics / password to remove the need any physical key. Technology is there, it is robust and reliable. Infact Zoom Car is using similar feature with aftermarket add-on. You can unlock their Ford Figo / Aspire / FreeStyle via their app and then find the key in glove box for starting the car.