Ford India has launched the mid-life update of the Aspire compact sedan in the country. The updated model gets some new features and a few design tweaks. It also comes with a new petrol engine option, which is the same unit that was previously seen on the Ford Freestyle.
The new Ford Aspire facelift is available in 5 trim levels. The petrol lineup starts at Rs. 5.55 lakh, while the diesel range is pegged from Rs. 6.45 lakh (all prices are ex showroom, Delhi). Interestingly, this pricing makes the new Aspire cheaper than the outgoing version by around Rs. 20,000. Automatic transmission option is available only with the petrol engine option, and is limited to the Titanium trim level.
Also Read: Ford Freestyle – Everything You Need to Know!
Primary Changes
In the design department, the new Ford Aspire facelift gets a revised nose. This includes a new front grille with a chrome border, and a redesigned bumper with C-shaped black & chrome inserts around the fog lamps. The overall looks are similar to that of the Ford Freestyle. The headlight and tail lamp clusters have also been revised, while the rear bumper too is a new unit. The only other design change on the exteriors is the new set of multi-spoke alloys.
The biggest change on the interiors of the Ford Aspire facelift is the addition of a 6.5-inch touchscreen system that is mounted on top of the centre console. This system includes Ford Sync3 connectivity, Apple Auto, Android CarPlay, satellite navigation, and voice recognition. The dashboard features a black and beige theme. The 3 spoke steering wheel and 3 pod instrument cluster remain unchanged.
Features – Convenience and Safety
Features on offer in the higher variants include height adjustable driver seat, automatic climate control, engine start/stop button, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, rear view camera and rear parking sensors. Meanwhile, safety equipment like dual airbags, ABS and EBD are standard on all variants. Additionally, the top spec Titanium+ trim also gets side and curtain airbags. Meanwhile, the automatic variant comes with Hill Launch Assist, Emergency Stability Program, and Traction Control.
Also Read: Ford Freestyle vs Maruti Swift
Engine and Specifications
The new Ford Aspire is available with three engine options – two petrol and a diesel. The former is a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder unit that churns out 95 BHP @ 6,500 rpm and 120 Nm of torque @ 4,250 rpm. This is the same power plant that debuted under the Ford Freestyle. Meanwhile, the diesel engine remains unchanged. It is thus a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged unit that puts out 99 BHP @ 3,750 rpm and 215 Nm @ 1,750-3,000 rpm. Both these engines come with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard.
Meanwhile, the automatic variant is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Sadly, the sophisticated DCT gearbox found on the pre-facelift model has been replaced by a simpler torque converter automatic gearbox. This, according to Ford, reduces cost and improves reliability.
Mileage
| Engine Options | ARAI Fuel Economy | Expected mileage |
| 1.2 Petrol MT | 20.4 km/l | 17 km/l |
| 1.5 Diesel MT | 26.1 km/l | 21 km/l |
| 1.5 Petrol MT | 16.3 km/l | 14 km/l |
Price
| Manual Variants | Petrol (1.2L TiVCT) | Diesel (1.5L TDCi) |
| Ambiente | Rs 5.55 lakh | Rs 5.45 lakh |
| Trend | Rs 5.99 lakh | Rs 6.89 lakh |
| Trend+ | Rs 6.39 lakh | Rs 7.29 lakh |
| Titanium | Rs 6.79 lakh | Rs 7.69 lakh |
| Titanium+ | Rs 7.24 lakh | Rs 8.14 lakh |
| Automatic Variant | Petrol (1.5L TiVCT) |
| Titanium | Rs 8.49 lakh |