03/10/2015
Ford India has revealed a sub-4m compact sedan christened as Figo Aspire to rival the growing compact-sedan/notchback segment in India. The compact sedan is based on the second generation Figo (new-gen global Ford KA), which is also due for its launch in India in a few months along with the sedan.[21] Speaking of the two, these vehicles are already on sale in Brazil and were indeed produced by Ford of Brazil for the entire world - under ‘One Ford’ policy. However, Figo Aspire’s length in India is under 4 meters compared to it Brazilian counterpart which is over 4 meters (Figo Aspire known as KA+ in Brazil), because sub-4m cars in India attracts lesser tax duties. Moreover, Ford already had rights for the Aspire nameplate, as they used to sell Ford Aspire in North America.
The new Ford Figo Aspire is based on a highly modified last-gen Figo’s (European Mark V Fiesta’s) platform and will be manufactured in the Ford India’s second brand new manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat, India. Speaking of the new production unit, Ford India has invested over US $1 billion in Sanand facility which spreads over 460 acres. It includes stamping, paint and assembly operation for vehicle manufacturing, body and machine shop for producing engine. In the Initial phase, the plant will muster 2,40,000 vehicles and 2,70,000 engines annually. Furthermore, it will employ 2,500 employees in its current single shift. Apart from this, it will indirectly generate 7,500 employment across its suppliers and rest of the chain.
Figo Aspire in India will come with 6-airbags, ABS with EBD, SYNC infotainment system and sports Ford’s Kinetic 2.0 design philosophy. Mechanically, Ford India has announced that the vehicle will be powered by a newly developed 1.2-liter Ti-VCT petrol engine along with Fiesta borrowed 1.5-liter TDCI DV5 turbo diesel. Moreover, according to few reports, Ford India is also likely to plonk the bigger 1.5-liter Ti-VCT unit mated to a 6-speed dual clutch PowerShift automatic transmission in India. [22]
ColorsEdit
Ford Figo Aspire is available in 7 different colours: sparkling gold, ruby red, oxford white, tuxedo black, deep impact blue, smokey grey and ingot silver.