Smt. Anandiben Patel, Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat (right) in presence of Mark Fields, Ford president and CEO (rightmost) at the inauguration of Sanand Vehicle Assembly and Engine Plant
Only yesterday, the Ford Figo Aspire was previewed for the first time in the world, at the inaugural event for Ford India’s brand new manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The new sub-four-meter compact sedan will be the first car to roll-out from the new plant. The Sanand Vehicle Assembly and Engine Plant, built at an investment of US $1billion will have a capacity of 610,000 engines & 440,000 vehicles.
Previewed by the Figo Comapact Sedan concept, the new Figo Aspireis expected to turn over a new leaf for Ford India. Armed with a 1.5L TDCi diesel engine and a 1.2L TiVCT petrol engine, the Aspire, according to Ford, will possess the brand’s fun-to-drive spirit, apart from being economical. Inside, an innovative device dock allows the driver to store, mount and charge mobile phones, MP3 players and satellite navigation systems, and to integrate these devices into the car’s entertainment system.
An optional SYNC with AppLink, Ford’s advanced in-car connectivity system, will also be available. SYNC with AppLink allows drivers to control their phone, entertainment and apps hands-free using simple voice commands – helping them to stay connected while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Let’s have a closer look at how it looks:
In our opinion, the Figo Aspire definitely sports one of the best looking profiles for a compact sedan.
Ford’s design DNA is instantly recognizable in the trapezoidal, chrome lipped grille feat. four chrome slats, which gives the car a substantial presence in the flesh.
Large, elongated headlamps bear chrome highlights and technical details that add a premium touch.
The chromed up air dam, a visual extension of the grille, goes deep into the front bumper, and is flanked by a couple of round fog lamps sitting in their dug-outs.
Stubby boot has been neatly integrated; rear has a flat profile to keep it under 4 meters.
A chrome strip bearing the Blue Oval bridges the tail lamps.
Nicely styled, wraparound tail lamps have a hint of dynamism.
Range topping Titanium variant gets ORVM mounted turn indicators.
The well designed Figo Aspire doesn’t look awkward from any angle whatsoever, unlike most of its competition
The Aspire rides on Apollo Amazer tires, while 8-spoke alloy wheels come standard on the Titanium variant.
Worth a mention : For the first time in a compact car in India, the Figo Aspire offers side and curtain airbags for an extra level of protection, apart from driver and passenger airbags. In the event of a collision, an Emergency Assistance uses a Bluetooth-paired phone to automatically call emergency responders and provide information about your vehicle and location. The Figo Aspire also has a robust passenger cage created from high-strength steel.
A launch is expected in the coming months, as the manufacturing facility gears up to its full capacity. Stay tuned for more details on the Ford Figo Aspire.
Ford Figo Aspire Image Gallery
