Review: Is the Ford Figo Aspire 1.5 TDCi Worth Aspiring For?

Will the Ford’s new sub-4 metre sedan make you Aspire for it?

After having spent a few days behind the wheel of the Ford Figo Aspire 1.5 TDCi, I am rather impressed.

The Aspire stands as testimony to the fact that Ford India has done its homework rather well and really got down to looking at what a customer in the compact sedan segment expects – and then surpassed that.

Essentially, the Ford Figo Aspire has been pitted against the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, the Honda Amaze and the Tata Zest.

Now we all know that the undisputed king of this segment is the Dzire and the Amaze has also had a successful run in the market, so the task for Ford to make its mark is undoubtedly a tough one.

Having said that, the Figo Aspire has been out in the market for a couple of months and, judging by the month-on-month sales figures, it is clear that the car has managed to make a big impact, which goes to show that Ford is definitely on to something here.

Built on a whole new platform, the Figo Aspire boasts of Ford’s global design language – especially with the large trapezoidal grille taking center stage.

The character lines add a dimension of length to the exterior styling and the little stubby boot gets a bit of chrome to spice things up.

While you wouldn’t call the design a head-turner, it isn’t an eyesore either. What really matters is the fact that among all the compact sedans available, the Aspire walks away with top honours when it comes to looks.

The cabin has also received a fair level of thought and the layout is immediately appealing. The two-tone dash, the tan seats and the sense of space all look very inviting. The front seats are nice and comfortable and the rear bench is reasonably comfortable for most people as well.

Being a little above six feet tall, it wasn’t the ideal place to park myself, but I can see how it works for those a few inches shorter than me. The materials feel good to touch and the layout of the instrument cluster, display unit and centre console are reminiscent of the Ford EcoSport.

Ford has also brought in a fair level of connectivity with the Figo Aspire which definitely plays to the sentiments of younger car buyers.

Powering the diesel variant of the Figo Aspire is a 1.5 litre TDCi unit that is an absolute delight to drive. The power is seamless and getting up to three digit speeds is effortless. Making 100PS of power at 3750rpm and 215Nm of torque at 1750-3000rpm, the 1498cc engine is mated to a slick five-speed gearbox and the power is driven to the front wheels.

The engine is responsive and once you get moving, you know you’re in for a good time behind the wheel.

It’s an engaging drive and the Figo Aspire scores well in the ride and handling department as well. The icing on the cake is that you also get brilliant mileage (25.83 km/l according to ARAI test figures) – the best of both worlds.

Now, you might argue that the competition offers much of the same characteristics, and I do agree on that point, however as a package, the Figo Aspire delivers an element of fun that needs to be experienced – it’s not just about numbers on a piece of paper.

What Ford has managed to do with the Figo Aspire is usher in change. Every element that potential customers of a sub-4 metre sedan would consider has been dissected and then put together in a manner that will make you sit up and take notice.

Take into consideration the safety angle, the equipment levels, the packaging and space on-board plus the stuff that isn’t immediately apparent like the warranty schemes and the increase of parts distributors across the country, and you will see that Ford isn’t just offering a ‘me-too’ product.

There is an air of difference about the Figo Aspire and it might be worth aspiring for one. Did I mention that it is priced lower than its competition?

(Vikram Gour is one of India’s renowned automotive journalists and the Co-Founder of MotorScribes. He can be reached on Twitter: @VikramGour)