The 2015 Ford Figo Aspire packs in a host of segment first features including a dual-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission as it rivals the Maruti DZire, Hyundai Xcent and the likes.
Making its entry in the highly popular compact sedan space, Ford India has officially launched the 2015 Figo Aspire in the country with prices starting from Rs. 4.90 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). Based on the second generation Figo (sold as the Ka internationally), the Aspire was first showcased as the Figo Concept prior to the 2014 Auto Expo and is the American auto giant’s carefully thought out answer to the likes of Maruti Suzuki DZire, Honda Amaze, Tata Zest and Hyundai Xcent in the segment. Also, Ford’s first ever car, the Model T came off the production line this day itself in 1908, i.e. 107 years back.
2015 will mark a huge growth for Ford India. The American auto giant is focussing on small cars for our country. Ford has a production facility in Sanand, Gujarat and it is a world-class hub. Cars will be exported from Sanand to other countries. The new Figo hatchback will be launched in the upcoming festive season while the new Endeavour will be launched after the Figo, but in this fiscal itself. We expect a launch at the 2016 Auto Expo.
Design – Keeping with its international design philosophy, the Ford Figo Aspire gets a pleasing front fascia with the bold Aston Martin inspired grille done up in a very classy chrome finish, bulging sweptback headlights and a masculine bonnet. The side profile has a nice stance with the multi-spoke alloy wheels and the receding shoulder line integrates well into the sub 4-metre boot providing a consistent appearance. The rear sports chunky tail light cluster with a chrome bar on the boot-lid, while the bumper gets a black diffuser that helps reduce visual bulk.
Interiors – The interior of the Ford Figo Aspire is finished in a dual-tone black and beige colour scheme and the dash is shared with the EcoSport. Quality levels are optimum throughout and there is ample amount of legroom and headroom at the front and rear. The higher variants further get piano black applique all across the cabin while the seats are upholstered in beige faux leather that adds to the classy look. The lower trims sport fabric seats. The boot capacity stands at 359-litres.
In terms of equipment, the 2015 Figo Aspire comes loaded with a multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control, ORVM integrated turn indicators, keyless entry, rear defogger, MFD unit on the instrument console with Distance to Empty gearshift indicator, maintenance warning, low fuel, door ajar and much more. A 4.2-inch infotainment system, SYNC with voice control and AppLink system, Ford MyKey and Emergency Assistance. The lower variants get MyFord Dock unit, audio system with radio, AUX, USB, Bluetooth connectivity and 4 speakers.
Engines – Power on the 2015 Ford Figo Aspire comes from three engine and two transmission options that include –
* 1.2-litre 4-cylinder Ti-VCT petrol producing 88 PS at 6300 RPM and 112 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
* 1.5-litre 4-cylinder TDCi diesel producing 100 PS at 3750 RPM and 215 Nm of torque between 1750-3000 RPM, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
* 1.5 4-cylinder Ti-VCT petrol producing 112 PS at 6300 RPM and 136 Nm of torque at 4250 RPM, paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox (Segment first).
Safety – The Ford Figo Aspire comes loaded with a plethora of safety tech on board and comes with several segment first features including 6 airbags (dual front, side and curtain), ABS, EBD, ESP; TCS and Hill Start Assist (only on AT variant) and perimeter alarm. Ford has made dual front airbags as standard across all variants of the Figo Aspire, another segment first.
Fuel Efficiency – Ford India states that the ARAI certified fuel efficiency figures are –
* 1.2 Ti-VCT – 18.16 km/l
* 1.5 Ti-VCT – 17.12 km/l
* 1.5 TDCi – 25.83 km/l
The 2015 Ford Figo Aspire is available in 7 colours including Ruby Red, Sparkling Gold, Oxford White, Tuxedo Black, Deep Impact Blue, Ingot Silver and Smoke Grey. The American automaker’s first compact sedan, Ford has done a good job studying the market and its competition in detail putting its time to good use. The Aspire is also the first model to be produced at Ford’s new facility in Sanand, Gujarat and witnesses higher levels of localisation that has helped the company achieve a rather competitive pricing.
Make sure to check out our 2015 Ford Figo Aspire Review HERE.
Ford Figo Aspire Petrol Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) –
* Figo Aspire 1.2 Ti-VCT MT Ambiente – Rs. 4.90 lakhs
* Figo Aspire 1.2 Ti-VCT MT Trend – Rs. 5.77 lakhs
* Figo Aspire 1.2 Ti-VCT MT Titanium – Rs. 6.67 lakhs
* Figo Aspire 1.2 Ti-VCT MT Titanium+ – Rs. 7.25 lakhs
* Figo Aspire 1.5 Ti-VCT AT Titanium – Rs. 7.80 lakhs
Ford Figo Aspire Diesel Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) –
* Figo Aspire 1.5 TDCi MT Ambiente – Rs. 5.90 lakhs
* Figo Aspire 1.5 TDCi MT Trend – Rs. 6.77 lakhs
* Figo Aspire 1.5 TDCi MT Titanium – Rs. 7.67 lakhs
* Figo Aspire 1.5 TDCi MT Titanium+ – Rs. 8.25 lakhs
In comparison, the Maruti Swift DZire LXi and LDi are priced at Rs. 5.16 lakhs and Rs. 5.99 lakhs respectively. The Honda Amaze E variant costs Rs. 5.18 lakhs and Rs. 6.20 lakhs for petrol and diesel respectively. Similarly, the Tata Zest petrol starts at 4.86 lakhs while the diesel starts at Rs. 5.88 lakhs. The Hyundai Xcent petrol starts from Rs. 5.01 lakhs while the Xcent diesel starts from Rs. 5.87 lakhs.
