Ahead of its class

With classy upholstery and a variety of tech options, the Ford Figo Aspire feels like the most premium car in the sub-4-metre sedan segment

The sub-4-metre sedan segment has always been considered an aspirational upgrade for hatchback owners. But in reality, these sedans are nothing more than compact cars with boots, so are they really an upgrade? Honestly no, but they do give the buyer an ego boost. What is interesting is that this sub-4-metre sedan market exists only in India as manufacturers get concessions from the government. Why, I have no idea. But take a closer look at this segment and you will see that it's not as thriving as one would expect it to be. Apart from the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, the leader of the pack, which manages to amass some serious numbers, others like Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent and Tata Zest only fill in the gap left by Maruti. So how can one break into this Dzire-dominated segment? By introducing a car that feels rich, has an air of "premiumness" and, of course, doesn't feel like a compromise. Well, this is precisely the mantra Ford has followed with its Figo Aspire. I get to drive it before the launch.

One glance at the Aspire and you know it is by far the most good looking small sedan. What makes a distinctive impression is the typical in-your-face trapezoidal grille. The four horizontal chrome lines running across the grille add fluency and poise to it. Sure, the nose is inspired by Aston Martin, but Ford has got it spot on as it beautifully complements the Aspire's design. The bonnet gets a pronounced bulge, which gives it a muscular look. When it comes to the side profile, Ford deserves full marks. It has been kept clean and simple, but with bold shoulder lines running from the front door all the way to the tail lamps, adding character to the Aspire. This is also where you realise how proportionate the car is. Unfortunately, the 14-inch alloy wheels come across as small. I would definitely recommend at least 15-inch ones. Thankfully, the boot doesn't appear to be an afterthought. It merges beautifully with the body and is pleasing to the eye. As we Indians love chrome, Ford has added an eye-catching metal band to the boot, which does look very smart.

The exterior is impressive but does the cabin live up to expectations? The interiors are similar to those of the EcoSport, which is a huge compliment. It has a fresh and vibrant feel, something that no other car in this segment can boast of. The butterfly-shaped infotainment system is retained from the Fiesta and the EcoSport, and the climate control panel has an upmarket feel owing to the chrome finished dials.

  Most cars in this class lack space, especially for rear passengers, but this is not the case with the Aspire. The secret behind this is that it has the longest wheel base (2,491mm) in the segment, which ensures that there is enough legroom for two adults. The front seats' back is scooped in so that the knee room increases for the rear passengers. The boot too offers plenty of space, 359 litres, which is the perfect answer to retail therapy. Ford has focused on making the Aspire very practical and this is the reason it offers at least 20 cubbyholes. You can store smaller-sized to 1.5-litre bottles.

In the last couple of years, Ford has been making great strides in the world of technology and the Aspire is no exception. The top variants come with Ford's smart system, SYNC with Ford AppLink, which lets you control it via voice command. At the moment, you can only explore MapMyIndia and ESPN Cricinfo from AppLink, and, unlike the usual voice command system, the SYNC recognises the Indian accent.

The Aspire also introduces a new feature called MyKey. This is a high-tech child lock through which you can restrict the car's top speed and even limit the audio system's sound level so that the driver focuses on the road rather than on the music.

Now if you thought that only the top trims have all the features, while the others have to make do with bare basics, then you'll be pleasantly mistaken. The entry- and mid-level versions come with MyFord Dock, a very innovative and helpful feature. It lets you mount your phone on the centre console of the dashboard which has USB and auxiliary ports that allow you to either charge or integrate it with the system.

The Aspire is available in three engine trims: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and 1.5-litre petrol automatic. I get to drive only the first two options. First, I try the diesel version. Its refinement will certainly blow you away. There is minimum cabin noise. This is the same motor that is also available in the Fiesta and the EcoSport, but it pumps out an additional 8bhp. What is impressive is that this 98.6bhp powerplant has linear acceleration. Therefore, the lag is controlled. This makes it a very good city car as it can manage start-stop traffic at ease. It is hardly a slouch on the highways as it crosses 150 kmph without breaking a sweat.

The 86.8 bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine might sound very docile, but then it is aimed at city commuting. And though the initial pick-up is adequate in city traffic, if you want to push or quickly overtake, then it's found wanting. You will have to downshift for that. The main focus of this engine is on high mileage.

The Ford Figo Aspire is the first car in the segment to offer at least two airbags as a standard feature, while the top variants come with six, anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution. It rides very well over potholes and has a gem of a diesel engine. It is refined as the power flow keeps the Aspire going.

The Aspire feels like the most premium car in the segment with classy upholstery and tech options. Ford truly has a winner in its hands. Now all it needs to do is get the pricing right.

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Arup Das is Features Editor at AutoX

FORD FIGO ASPIRE
Engine: 1.2-litre (petrol)
Power: 86.8 bhp
Torque: 112 Nm
Mileage: 18.2 kmpl (ARAI)
Price: Not available