The Ford Aspire compact sedan was launched in India in 2015. It was essentially an elongated, three-box version of the second-gen Figo. In the past two years, the Aspire hasn’t really been able to attract significant sales numbers for the American automaker’s Indian arm, despite being a well rounded off package, Now, Ford is planning to bring in a new mid-life facelift for the Aspire. A heavily camouflaged test mule of the same has recently been spotted testing in Turkey. However, an Indian launch of the Ford Aspire 2018 facelift is expected not before next year.
Interestingly, the Aspire’s hatchback twin, the Ford Figo, is also undergoing testing for its mid-life facelift. Hence, both these cars are expected to borrow similar design elements up front. This will include a redesigned front grille that has now been placed slightly lower, tweaked pair of headlights, and a reworked bumper. The side profile of the Aspire is expected to remain unchanged, though there is a possibility of a new set of alloy wheels to make it to the top-end models. Meanwhile, the rear end will feature some minor tweaks to the taillights and bumper.
Must Read: 2018 Ford Figo facelift
On the inside, the biggest change made to the Ford Aspire 2018 facelift will be in the infotainment department. In a market where competitors are adding touchscreen infotainment systems on all major cars, Ford hasn’t been able to do so with the Aspire. This was primarily due to the fact that the Aspire dashboard wasn’t designed to accommodate a touchscreen system without spoiling the ergonomics. As a result, the Ford Figo 2018 facelift will receive some alterations to the dashboard layout, especially around the centre console. It will thus come with a touchscreen system, with Ford’s Sync AppLink platform.
In terms of engine options on offer, the Ford Aspire 2018 is expected to come with Ford’s new 1.2-litre Dragon petrol engine. This will be replacing the current Ti-VCT power plant offered with the Aspire petrol. Meanwhile, the 1.5-litre, TDCi diesel will be carried forward without any changes.