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The only car in the segment to offer 6 airbags, that too since 3 years now
Safety & After Sales – On the safety front, the Aspire facelift gets 6 airbags, ABS, EBD and reverse parking camera which shows the visuals on the 6.5-inch touchscreen. The Ford Aspire scored a good 3-stars in adult occupant and 2-stars in child occupant safety, as per Global NCAP tests. The company offers a 5-year/1,00,000 km (2-years which can be extended) warranty on the Aspire which is great for a compact sedan. In terms of service, Ford has a decent network and they are increasing it further. Ford spare parts now come at cheaper rates than before and the cost of service is the cheapest in the segment. Speaking numbers, cost of service for the diesel Aspire is Rs. 1574/-, 4609/-, 5442/- 4609/-, 4129/-, 6621/-, 4129/-, 4609/-, 5442/- and 4609/- for the first 10 years of service at an interval of 10,000 kms (the petrol is even cheaper).
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Ford has upped the appeal of the Aspire drastically
Verdict – The Ford Aspire has always been one of the best cars in the segment but needed a boost in equipment and a cosmetic tweak to liven things. The facelift has done the trick and the new petrol engines are sure to attract a lot more buyers to the Blue Oval. The diesel Aspire has always offered the best performance in the segment and now the petrols are no less, while being efficient as well. With a reduction in pricing, lowest cost of service in the segment and a long list of features, the Ford Aspire just got even better.
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Next-gen Figo and Aspire are likely to be co-engineered with Mahindra!
What’s Cool
* Updated features list makes it very well equipped
* Both engines offer great performance and sound good too
* New gearbox offers slick shifts
* Sync 3 is the slickest touch-screen around
* A very fun car to drive with engaging handling
* Ride quality is good, suspension does a good job
* Reduced price and added features makes it even more VFM than before
What’s Not So Cool
* Some features missing which segment leader offers
* No top-end variant for petrol automatic
* ABS is too sensitive
* Ground clearance is low as the under bumper flap touches on bad speed-breakers
Alternatives: Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze, Volkswagen Ameo
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What is holding Aspire sales back? Network or herd mentality?
Further Reading –
Ford Aspire vs Hyundai Elite i20
Ford Aspire Long Term Review – Second Report
Ford Figo Aspire Long Term – First Report
Ford Figo Diesel Long Term – First Report
Ford Figo Diesel Long Term – Second Report
