Ford Aspire

Ford Aspire is due for a facelift along with the Figo. The compact sedan will get the same cosmetic and mechanical changes as the hatchback when it arrives later this year. The Aspire facelift will draw its styling cues from the new European-spec Ka+ hatchback.

The American compact sedan will feature a redesigned front grille with mesh inserts and chrome surround. The front bumpers might get a new styling with a large chrome L-shaped insert around the fog lamps. Whether it will get the essential LED day-time-running lights remains to be seen. The side profile will be similar to the current generation while the roofline will be similar to that of the Freestyle, except for the roof rails. The new Aspire will get redesigned alloy wheels and the rear will come with slightly tweaked tail lamps. But we don’t expect any drastic changes there.

The most comprehensive changes will be inside the cabin. The refreshed Aspire will feature a new tweaked dashboard with a dual tone finish. The compact sedan will get a 6.5-inch floating touchscreen system from the Freestyle crossover. The new infotainment system will get Ford Sync3 technology along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity support. The Aspire facelift is also expected to get new dual tone upholstery to set it apart from the new Figo facelift which might get an all-black interior.

Powering the Aspire facelift will be a new 1.2-litre dragon petrol engine that generates an impressive 95bhp of power. The same engine does duties in the Freestyle and will also make its way in to the Figo facelift. The 1.5-litre diesel, on the other hand, will be carried forward. Transmission options will be a five-speed manual as standard in both the trims. However, we know now that the Ford will offer an automatic transmission option for the first time in the Aspire. It might be the same unit which is found in the EcoSport.

The updated Aspire will continue to face competition from the new-gen Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent, and Volkswagen Ameo. Prices are expected to remain on par with the outgoing model.