Ford launches the Figo Aspire in India, prices start from INR 4.89 Lakhs

Ford India began a new chapter in its Indian history today with the official launch of the much-awaited Figo Aspire. First shown as the 'Figo Concept' during the run down to the 2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi last year, the Figo Aspire can't come any sooner for the American manufacturer. With the Classic stopped, the Fiesta struggling for triple digit sales and the Figo losing steam, Ford has been living off the Ecosport for quite some time now. In comes the Figo Aspire!

Following Ford's Kinetic design theme that has churned out some sharp-looking cars globally, the Figo Aspire doesn't disappoint when it comes to its styling. The trademark front end with its sharp nose, Aston Martin-inspired grille and elongated headlights look great. For a change, chrome is applied tastefully here with the horizontal slats in the grille finished with the shiny stuff. The limitations of designing a sedan within four meters means the silhouette is less pleasing to look at. We have to admit it looks better than most of its competitors though. At the rear, simple wrap-around taillights and a thick chrome strip connecting the two are the highlights.

The cabin, again, borrows a whole lot of stuff from the Fiesta and Ecosport. The two-tone dashboard, with its upper half in black and the lower half in beige, looks plush and imparts a classy feel to the cabin. Glossy black finish applied to the steering wheel and the center console increases the cabin's appeal further. In keeping with the current trend, Ford has loaded the Figo Aspire to the hilt with the top-end variant equipped with features such as Antilock Braking System (ABS), automatic climate control, keyless entry, multi-function display with fuel efficiency readouts, Distance to Empty indicator, maintenance warning and gear-shift indicator, Ford's patented SYNC with App-link, leather upholstery and the unique Ford MyKey feature that lets the owner set speed limits on the car.

For the first time in the sub-4m sedan segment, the Figo Aspire comes with two airbags as standard across its range. That's not all, the Titanium+ variant is equipped with six airbags making the Figo Aspire the cheapest car in India to boast this safety feature. Kudos Ford, you might have just triggered your competition to follow suit!

Three power-train options are available with the 1.5-liter TDCi diesel engine expected to be the most popular one. Putting out 99 horsepower at 3750 rpm and 215 Nm of torque between 1750 to 3000 rpm, the Figo Aspire matches the segment-leading Honda Amaze in terms of power output. Petrol-lovers have two options - a 1.2-liter TiVCT engine generating 87 horsepower and 112 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 1.5-liter TiVCT unit belting out 110 horsepower and 136 Nm of torque with the added convenience of a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

If all these haven't impressed you, the Figo Aspire's pricing will. Available in four trim levels - Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium+, the manual petrol variants are priced between INR 4.89 and 7.24 Lakhs while the diesel variants retail between INR 5.89 to 8.24 Lakhs. The petrol automatic is only available in the Titanium trim level and is priced at INR 7.79 Lakhs. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi.  

It is clear that Ford has learnt its lessons well and is going for the kill with the Figo Aspire. With its smart styling, feature-loaded interiors, multiple engine and transmission options combining power, efficiency and convenience and such value for money pricing, the Figo Aspire makes a very strong case for itself. Combine Ford's famed ride and handling balance and the deal gets a whole lot sweeter.

Ever since it set shop in India, Ford has been notorious for having just one big-selling model in its portfolio at any given point in time. The Ikon, Fiesta, Figo and Ecosport have all been hits but have never sold well simultaneously. That could be history. The Figo Aspire deserves to sell well! Now, get us the Figo hatchback soon please.