Design
4m limit put up by government of India for cars is good because it makes cars more effective but in return their design is highly compromised. Ford has somehow managed to make a car that looks best in the segment. The muscular design has some shades of Aston Martin. The cabin design is based on EcoSport in beige and black color but looks better than its elder sibling. There is lot of storage space and cup and bottle holders. Four speaker audio system is unmatched in the segment and gives great sound effect. Sloping roof is one drawback in the design which could pose problems for tall people sitting at rear seat. There is ample legroom though for the rear passenger thanks to the highly scooped front seats. The boot space is small at 359 litres but is efficiently designed to take up good amount of luggage.
Engine
Aspire is powered by 1.5 litre inline, 4 cylinder, 1498cc turbo diesel engine that is taken from Ecosport. Ford has worked and refined this engine to have inertia turbo at low speeds and revised calibration of engine. The maximum power output for the motor is 100PS at 3700rpm and peak torque of 215Nm at 1750-3000rpm. The power and torque arrives at early speeds and is there in the followed rev ranges. There is small bit of turbo lag at low revs but once it crosses 1400rpm it gets the necessary boost and has plenty of energy to offer. The engine is more powerful for Aspire than ecosport despite having similar engine primarily because it is 250 kg lighter. Power surge is present at all locations in the powerband. It could easily go to 160kmph without straining itself and the top speed of 180kmph could also be achieved and car is nearly calm at that speed too. It is a driver’s car with smooth engine, calm cabin, minimum vibration and fantastic drivetrain. It can go from 0-100kmph in 11.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180kmph.
Ride and Handling
Comfort is one of the primary focus point for Aspire more than the dynamics. Front of the car is fitted with MacPherson strut with coil springs and rear with torsion beam with coil springs and both gives effective stability to Aspire. Long wheelbase further helps in making the car ride smooth. Small and medium bumps and pot holes would go unnoticed to the extent that you would stop giving attention to them. Above all this work is done silently without any sound. Steering is electrically assisted and that might be a problem with new riders. One needs to get used to it before cruising the car at high speeds. 174mm ground clearance is good enough but the chin sometimes touches ground when it comes across big potholes but no damage is done as it is made flexible enough to take it. Front ventilated disc brake and rear drum brake gives nice stopping power and pedal feels good which enhances the overall experience of driving the car.
Aspire is very stable around the corners too with great sense of control and confidence.
Mileage
The car has best mileage in its segment. On highways it could go to huge 25.5kms on a litre of fuel while on city roads it give mileage of 15.3 which is great.
Conclusion
6 airbags, leather seats, power, fuel efficiency and luxury, Ford Figo Aspire gives you a complete package which is why it is the best cars in the segment.
2016 Specifications and Prices TDCi Titanium+
Engine
Type: Inline 4-cylinder turbo Diesel
Displacement: 1498cc
Valvetrain: 4 valves/cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Power: 100PS @ 3700rpm
Torque: 215Nm @ 1750 – 3000rpm
Performance
0-100kmph: 11.5s
Top Speed: 177kmph
Mileage
City: 15.3kmpl
Highway: 25.5kmpl
Overall: 18kmpl
Under the Hood
Suspension(F): MacPherson Strut with coil springs
Suspension(R): Torsion beam with coil spring
Brake(F): Ventilated Disc
Brake(R): Drum
Tyre size: 175/65 R14
Rim Size: 175/65 R14
Type Type: Tubeless
Dimension
Length x Width x Height(mm): 3995 x 1695 x 1525
Wheelbase: 2491mm
Boot Space: 359l
Kerb Weight: 1048kg