Ford has launched their Figo-based Compact sedan, the Aspire, in its new avatar. It now gets the Freestyle-like styling and comes with an interesting price tag of Rs 5.55 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. The Aspire has already been battling in the now crowded compact sedan segment that was pioneered by the Tata Indigo and is being currently dominated by the Dzire. So we find out how the Aspire fares against the competition from almost all the major players in the Indian car market.
The Dzire has taken the compact sedan segment to a new dimension, especially with the volumes it has generated. It offers the Indian car buyer exactly what he wants – fuel-efficiency, space and omnipresent service network. The Ford Aspire, with its refreshed looks, does ace over the Dzire but still loses out on the DRLs. The interior is evenly matched in terms of the features list, but the touch and feel of Ford is better, especially when it comes to the infotainment system. In terms of driving, the Ford has always been a superior handling machine with more power.
2. Honda Amaze
Honda’s fortunes have changed after the Amaze dumped the big-eyed design of the Brio for the aspirational design of the City. Ford has taken the same route, bringing in the Ford Ecosport-like styling to the Aspire and with the Rs 5.55 lakhs introductory price tag, the Aspire gives quite some bang for the buck. It gets the new Dragon series of petrol engines and the 100+bhp diesel engine both of which are powerful yet efficient.
Hyundais are known for their features list and quality and the Ford Aspire matches the Xcent right up to the T. The Aspire gets push-button start, electrically adjustable and folding wing mirrors, steering mounted audio controls, automatic climate control and the all-new touchscreen system. It matches the Xcent in terms of petrol and diesel engine. It also has a petrol automatic which is now a torque converter unit instead of the earlier dual-clutch unit. Finally, when it comes to the price, the Aspire wins over the Xcent.
The Volkswagen Ameo is based on the Polo hatchback and will compete with the Aspire for the honours of the best-handling compact sedan. Also, the Ameo and the Aspire can compete for the best-build award in the compact sedan segment. In terms of features, the Aspire leads over the Ameo.
5. Tata Tigor
The Tata Tigor is based on the Tiago, a platform lower than that of the Figo. Hence the Aspire should be much better in terms of ride-quality, cabin space and overall feel compared to the Tigor. The Aspire also leads the Tigor in terms of features, engine displacement and power while almost matching the Tata in terms of pricing.
