Home > About Ford > Media > Newsroom > 2015 > Ford Figo Aspire Drives New Expectations for Compact Sedans with Sophistication, Smart Technology and Safety
Ford Figo Aspire Drives New Expectations for Compact Sedans with Sophistication, Smart Technology and Safety
27/07/15
  • Advanced connectivity solutions, including segment-first MyFord Dock or SYNC with AppLink, keep drivers conveniently connected to their digital lives
  • High-strength steel cage and standard airbags across the range help protect occupants in collisions
  • First sub-four-meter sedan available with up to six airbags for even greater peace of mind
  • MyKey lets owners program keys with restricted driving modes that encourage good habits
  • Dynamic, modern and efficient sub-four-meter design complements spacious, refined interior with 20 flexible and convenient storage spaces
  • Enjoy power without compromise thanks to a choice of responsive, efficient petrol and diesel engines calibrated for Indian driving conditions

UDAIPUR, India, July 12, 2015 – Smart to own and smart to use, the new Ford Figo Aspire is set to redefine expectations when it goes on sale in India next month.

Created specifically for India, the sub-four-meter Figo Aspire is a no-compromise compact sedan that will delight consumers with its smart technology, advanced safety features, world-class quality and design, and responsive, efficient power

“The new Figo Aspire demonstrates that a compact car doesn’t mean sacrificing quality, design or features,” said Nigel Harris, president and managing director, Ford India. “While designed primarily for India, this is a global One Ford vehicle that lives up to our worldwide standards, offering more quality and advanced technologies than consumers would ever expect for the money.”

With sales of 1.1 million vehicles in 2014, compact cars made up 45 percent of India’s auto market in 2014. Ford expects the segment to grow to around 1.6 million units by 2018. The company will also export the Figo Aspire to compete globally.

Sophisticated and smart technology
Reflecting the growing need for consumers to stay connected at all times, the Figo Aspire features exceptional smart technologies that help customers integrate their car more easily into their digital lives.

MyFord Dock, a first-in-class feature, offers drivers a unique solution for storing, mounting and charging mobile phones, MP3 players and satellite navigation systems, and for integrating these devices into the car’s entertainment system. When not in use, the dock can be closed out of sight.

Consumers looking for even greater technological integration can choose a Figo Aspire equipped with SYNC with AppLink, Ford’s advanced in-car connectivity system.

SYNC with AppLink allows drivers to control their phone, entertainment and apps hands-free using simple voice commands. In India, drivers with AppLink can access information about nearby attractions and food destinations with Explore by MapMyIndia, and keep themselves updated with the latest cricket scores and upcoming fixtures with ESPN Cricinfo. The secure global location-sharing app, Glympse, also lets drivers share their location.

“SYNC lets drivers interact with their mobile devices and entertainment while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road,” said John Lonsdale, B-car segment chief, Ford Asia Pacific. “Through innovations like SYNC and the MyFord Dock, Ford is bringing advanced connectivity technologies to more consumers, helping them to stay connected.”

To encourage responsible driving, the new Figo Aspire features Ford’s MyKey technology. MyKey lets owners program keys with restricted driving modes that encourage good habits, such as increasing seat belt use, limiting vehicle top speeds and regulating audio volume.

“With MyKey, Figo owners can set sensible restrictions for drivers with less experience,” said Lonsdale. “For instance, they can activate a maximum speed limit, or a persistent seatbelt minder that mutes the audio system volume and continues to play a chime until front-seat occupants fasten their seatbelts.”

The Figo Aspire offers peace of mind even when away from the car thanks to a perimeter alarm. If it detects an unauthorized attempt to enter the car, the car triggers an alarm, flashes the headlamps and parking lamps, and activates a theft indicator on the instrument panel.

Safe and in command Designed from the ground up to protect occupants in the event of a collision, the Figo features a robust passenger cage created from high-strength steel, and standard airbags across the range. For the first time in a sub-four-meter sedan car in India, the Figo Aspire comes equipped with up to six airbags – including side and curtain airbags – for an extra level of protection.

If the vehicle experiences a serious collision, Emergency Assistance uses SYNC and a Bluetooth-paired phone to automatically call emergency responders and provide information about your vehicle and location.

“We’re very proud to be the first company to offer six airbags on a sub-four-meter sedan in India,” said Harris. “Combined with technology like Emergency Assistance to help customers get help after a collision, we’re finding new ways to innovate in safety and to protect drivers and their families.”

While on the road, the Figo Aspire helps instill confidence with driver-assist technologies that take the stress out of driving. When setting off on a steep slope – whether uphill or downhill – the segment-first Hill Launch Assist feature holds the vehicle for up to three seconds as the driver’s foot moves from the brake to the accelerator.

During sudden maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program keeps the driver in command, braking individual wheels as needed to keep the vehicle on course. An Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution also helps drivers to stay in control, preventing wheel lockup and maintaining stability while braking. The Figo Aspire even looks out for other road users, using its Emergency Brake Lights feature to automatically flash the brake lights during heavy braking.

Elegant and efficient design
Complementing the Figo Aspire’s smart and safe innovations is a striking, elegant design that sets it apart from competitors. A bold trapezoidal grille and elongated headlamps give the Figo Aspire a substantial yet sporty presence on the road. Chrome highlights and fine details in the headlight design also add an unmistakably premium touch for discerning car buyers looking to make a statement.

Keeping the customers in mind, the design is as functional as it is modern and elegant. The swept-back lines of the windshield and A-pillars, which help to give the Figo Aspire its dynamic appearance, are the result of more than 100 hours of wind-tunnel testing and extensive digital modelling to enhance aerodynamic performance. The result is better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise.

A speed lip under the front of the car further enhances aerodynamic performance by deflecting air away from the underbody, where components can create significant drag, and the side mirrors have optimized to minimize drag and reduce wind noise. At the rear, sharp, clean edges on the deck-lid and tail lights help the Figo Aspire to slip smoothly through the air, reducing turbulence behind the car to reduce drag.

The aerodynamic design even helps to keep occupants cool, as airflow through the grille is directed to heat exchangers to improve air conditioning performance.

Intelligent interior
The sophisticated and functional exterior of the Figo Aspire is matched by a modern interior that delivers an extraordinary experience for a compact car. Intelligent and careful space management creates a surprisingly roomy cabin emphasizing quality, comfort and convenience.

All occupants will notice exceptional levels of craftsmanship, with colors and materials carefully selected by Ford designers to create a refined and premium environment.

For the first time in a compact sedan in India, the Figo Aspire boasts sophisticated and comfortable leather seats with adjustable headrests. In the front, class-leading legroom gives the front passenger space to stretch out. In the rear, Indian families will appreciate exceptional roominess that allows three adults to sit side-by-side with plenty of head and shoulder room.

Thanks to a powerful automatic climate control system, passengers can enjoy the interior space in even greater comfort. Featuring a high-efficiency compressor and condenser, the air conditioner is able to bring the cabin of a vehicle that has been sitting in the hot sun to below 25 degrees in less than 15 minutes, faster than any of its competitors.

The Figo Aspire also offers no fewer than 20 smart storage spaces and convenience features to ensure the driver and passengers never need to leave anything behind. Some highlights include:

  • Bottle holders in both front doors that can hold a 1.5-liter and a 1.0-liter bottle at the same time, with room left over for an umbrella
  • A cavernous boot with 353 liters of luggage space, enough for a family getaway
  • A bag holder in the boot that keeps bags upright to help you carry your groceries home safely
  • A large glove box, big enough to fit a laptop, that also features a convenient pen holder
  • Three cup holders for front seat occupants, and a convenient bin for rear passengers at the back of the center console
  • Seat-back pockets that can hold newspapers and magazines for rear-seat passengers
  • A handy tray with a rubber mat, ideal for holding a mobile phone or sunglasses
  • A convenient coin holder that can be used to keep valuables out of sight
  • For the ultimate in security, a secret side compartment, only accessible when the driver’s door is open, that can be used to store valuables

Fun-to-drive spirit True to Ford’s commitment to delivering a fun-to-drive experience, the Figo Aspire has been designed and engineered to offer precise, agile and responsive steering, and stable, predictable handling.

This performance is made possible by Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), which provides light steering effort at low speeds – for parking and in-city maneuvering – and heavier, more precise feel at high speeds for greater stability and confidence on highways. By replacing the belt-driven hydraulic pump of a traditional power steering system with an electric motor, EPAS makes for a quieter vehicle with fewer components drawing engine power – which helps to improve fuel economy.

“A key goal in engineering any vehicle is to deliver driving dynamics that reward the expert and flatter the novice, and the Figo Aspire is no exception,” said Lonsdale. “Whether in city traffic, on winding mountain roads or on a high-speed dual carriageway, the Figo Aspire delivers a driving experience that helps keep drivers confidently in control.”

A choice of two responsive, reliable and economical engines – both calibrated for Indian driving conditions to optimize drivability and fuel economy – takes the Figo Aspire’s efficiency and fun-to-drive promise even further. A refined and sophisticated new 1.2-liter Ti-VCT petrol engine is optimized for both maximum power delivery and real-world efficiency, and puts out a segment-leading 87 PS (65 kW) of power, and 112 Nm of torque, with fuel economy of 18.2* km/L and CO2 emissions of 130 g/km.

For the ultimate combination of performance and fuel economy, the Figo Aspire can also be equipped with a 1.5-liter TDCi diesel engine, offering 100 PS (74 kW) of power and 215 Nm of torque. Tuned to provide peak torque at just 1,750 rpm, this engine is designed to provide highly responsive performance for city driving, while recording fuel economy of 25.8* km/L , and putting out CO2 emissions of 102 g/km.

The engines are paired to a responsive five-speed manual transmission or a PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. This advanced dual-clutch system combines the performance and efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic in a reliable system, backed by a 10-year or 100,000 km warranty

“From the beginning, we designed the Figo Aspire to be a world-class vehicle that customers will be proud to own, with features, quality and performance beyond what they would expect from a compact sedan,” said Harris. “By listening to the needs of our customers here in India, and drawing on our global product development capabilities, we’ve created a car that truly raises the bar in its segment.”

The Figo Aspire is built in Sanand, Gujarat, at Ford’s newest manufacturing plant.

* As per ARAI certification

 

Contacts
Kapil Sharma
+91-9873078122
ksharma6@ford.com
Nikhil Gulati
+91-9810584415
gnikhil1@ford.com
Madhulika Singh
+91-9999316705
madhulika.singh@bm.com

 

View All News

  • Advanced connectivity solutions, including segment-first MyFord Dock or SYNC with AppLink, keep drivers conveniently connected to their digital lives
  • High-strength steel cage and standard airbags across the range help protect occupants in collisions
  • First sub-four-meter sedan available with up to six airbags for even greater peace of mind
  • MyKey lets owners program keys with restricted driving modes that encourage good habits
  • Dynamic, modern and efficient sub-four-meter design complements spacious, refined interior with 20 flexible and convenient storage spaces
  • Enjoy power without compromise thanks to a choice of responsive, efficient petrol and diesel engines calibrated for Indian driving conditions

UDAIPUR, India, July 12, 2015 – Smart to own and smart to use, the new Ford Figo Aspire is set to redefine expectations when it goes on sale in India next month.

Created specifically for India, the sub-four-meter Figo Aspire is a no-compromise compact sedan that will delight consumers with its smart technology, advanced safety features, world-class quality and design, and responsive, efficient power

“The new Figo Aspire demonstrates that a compact car doesn’t mean sacrificing quality, design or features,” said Nigel Harris, president and managing director, Ford India. “While designed primarily for India, this is a global One Ford vehicle that lives up to our worldwide standards, offering more quality and advanced technologies than consumers would ever expect for the money.”

With sales of 1.1 million vehicles in 2014, compact cars made up 45 percent of India’s auto market in 2014. Ford expects the segment to grow to around 1.6 million units by 2018. The company will also export the Figo Aspire to compete globally.

Sophisticated and smart technology
Reflecting the growing need for consumers to stay connected at all times, the Figo Aspire features exceptional smart technologies that help customers integrate their car more easily into their digital lives.

MyFord Dock, a first-in-class feature, offers drivers a unique solution for storing, mounting and charging mobile phones, MP3 players and satellite navigation systems, and for integrating these devices into the car’s entertainment system. When not in use, the dock can be closed out of sight.

Consumers looking for even greater technological integration can choose a Figo Aspire equipped with SYNC with AppLink, Ford’s advanced in-car connectivity system.

SYNC with AppLink allows drivers to control their phone, entertainment and apps hands-free using simple voice commands. In India, drivers with AppLink can access information about nearby attractions and food destinations with Explore by MapMyIndia, and keep themselves updated with the latest cricket scores and upcoming fixtures with ESPN Cricinfo. The secure global location-sharing app, Glympse, also lets drivers share their location.

“SYNC lets drivers interact with their mobile devices and entertainment while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road,” said John Lonsdale, B-car segment chief, Ford Asia Pacific. “Through innovations like SYNC and the MyFord Dock, Ford is bringing advanced connectivity technologies to more consumers, helping them to stay connected.”

To encourage responsible driving, the new Figo Aspire features Ford’s MyKey technology. MyKey lets owners program keys with restricted driving modes that encourage good habits, such as increasing seat belt use, limiting vehicle top speeds and regulating audio volume.

“With MyKey, Figo owners can set sensible restrictions for drivers with less experience,” said Lonsdale. “For instance, they can activate a maximum speed limit, or a persistent seatbelt minder that mutes the audio system volume and continues to play a chime until front-seat occupants fasten their seatbelts.”

The Figo Aspire offers peace of mind even when away from the car thanks to a perimeter alarm. If it detects an unauthorized attempt to enter the car, the car triggers an alarm, flashes the headlamps and parking lamps, and activates a theft indicator on the instrument panel.

Safe and in command Designed from the ground up to protect occupants in the event of a collision, the Figo features a robust passenger cage created from high-strength steel, and standard airbags across the range. For the first time in a sub-four-meter sedan car in India, the Figo Aspire comes equipped with up to six airbags – including side and curtain airbags – for an extra level of protection.

If the vehicle experiences a serious collision, Emergency Assistance uses SYNC and a Bluetooth-paired phone to automatically call emergency responders and provide information about your vehicle and location.

“We’re very proud to be the first company to offer six airbags on a sub-four-meter sedan in India,” said Harris. “Combined with technology like Emergency Assistance to help customers get help after a collision, we’re finding new ways to innovate in safety and to protect drivers and their families.”

While on the road, the Figo Aspire helps instill confidence with driver-assist technologies that take the stress out of driving. When setting off on a steep slope – whether uphill or downhill – the segment-first Hill Launch Assist feature holds the vehicle for up to three seconds as the driver’s foot moves from the brake to the accelerator.

During sudden maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Program keeps the driver in command, braking individual wheels as needed to keep the vehicle on course. An Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution also helps drivers to stay in control, preventing wheel lockup and maintaining stability while braking. The Figo Aspire even looks out for other road users, using its Emergency Brake Lights feature to automatically flash the brake lights during heavy braking.

Elegant and efficient design
Complementing the Figo Aspire’s smart and safe innovations is a striking, elegant design that sets it apart from competitors. A bold trapezoidal grille and elongated headlamps give the Figo Aspire a substantial yet sporty presence on the road. Chrome highlights and fine details in the headlight design also add an unmistakably premium touch for discerning car buyers looking to make a statement.

Keeping the customers in mind, the design is as functional as it is modern and elegant. The swept-back lines of the windshield and A-pillars, which help to give the Figo Aspire its dynamic appearance, are the result of more than 100 hours of wind-tunnel testing and extensive digital modelling to enhance aerodynamic performance. The result is better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise.

A speed lip under the front of the car further enhances aerodynamic performance by deflecting air away from the underbody, where components can create significant drag, and the side mirrors have optimized to minimize drag and reduce wind noise. At the rear, sharp, clean edges on the deck-lid and tail lights help the Figo Aspire to slip smoothly through the air, reducing turbulence behind the car to reduce drag.

The aerodynamic design even helps to keep occupants cool, as airflow through the grille is directed to heat exchangers to improve air conditioning performance.

Intelligent interior
The sophisticated and functional exterior of the Figo Aspire is matched by a modern interior that delivers an extraordinary experience for a compact car. Intelligent and careful space management creates a surprisingly roomy cabin emphasizing quality, comfort and convenience.

All occupants will notice exceptional levels of craftsmanship, with colors and materials carefully selected by Ford designers to create a refined and premium environment.

For the first time in a compact sedan in India, the Figo Aspire boasts sophisticated and comfortable leather seats with adjustable headrests. In the front, class-leading legroom gives the front passenger space to stretch out. In the rear, Indian families will appreciate exceptional roominess that allows three adults to sit side-by-side with plenty of head and shoulder room.

Thanks to a powerful automatic climate control system, passengers can enjoy the interior space in even greater comfort. Featuring a high-efficiency compressor and condenser, the air conditioner is able to bring the cabin of a vehicle that has been sitting in the hot sun to below 25 degrees in less than 15 minutes, faster than any of its competitors.

The Figo Aspire also offers no fewer than 20 smart storage spaces and convenience features to ensure the driver and passengers never need to leave anything behind. Some highlights include:

  • Bottle holders in both front doors that can hold a 1.5-liter and a 1.0-liter bottle at the same time, with room left over for an umbrella
  • A cavernous boot with 353 liters of luggage space, enough for a family getaway
  • A bag holder in the boot that keeps bags upright to help you carry your groceries home safely
  • A large glove box, big enough to fit a laptop, that also features a convenient pen holder
  • Three cup holders for front seat occupants, and a convenient bin for rear passengers at the back of the center console
  • Seat-back pockets that can hold newspapers and magazines for rear-seat passengers
  • A handy tray with a rubber mat, ideal for holding a mobile phone or sunglasses
  • A convenient coin holder that can be used to keep valuables out of sight
  • For the ultimate in security, a secret side compartment, only accessible when the driver’s door is open, that can be used to store valuables

Fun-to-drive spirit True to Ford’s commitment to delivering a fun-to-drive experience, the Figo Aspire has been designed and engineered to offer precise, agile and responsive steering, and stable, predictable handling.

This performance is made possible by Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), which provides light steering effort at low speeds – for parking and in-city maneuvering – and heavier, more precise feel at high speeds for greater stability and confidence on highways. By replacing the belt-driven hydraulic pump of a traditional power steering system with an electric motor, EPAS makes for a quieter vehicle with fewer components drawing engine power – which helps to improve fuel economy.

“A key goal in engineering any vehicle is to deliver driving dynamics that reward the expert and flatter the novice, and the Figo Aspire is no exception,” said Lonsdale. “Whether in city traffic, on winding mountain roads or on a high-speed dual carriageway, the Figo Aspire delivers a driving experience that helps keep drivers confidently in control.”

A choice of two responsive, reliable and economical engines – both calibrated for Indian driving conditions to optimize drivability and fuel economy – takes the Figo Aspire’s efficiency and fun-to-drive promise even further. A refined and sophisticated new 1.2-liter Ti-VCT petrol engine is optimized for both maximum power delivery and real-world efficiency, and puts out a segment-leading 87 PS (65 kW) of power, and 112 Nm of torque, with fuel economy of 18.2* km/L and CO2 emissions of 130 g/km.

For the ultimate combination of performance and fuel economy, the Figo Aspire can also be equipped with a 1.5-liter TDCi diesel engine, offering 100 PS (74 kW) of power and 215 Nm of torque. Tuned to provide peak torque at just 1,750 rpm, this engine is designed to provide highly responsive performance for city driving, while recording fuel economy of 25.8* km/L , and putting out CO2 emissions of 102 g/km.

The engines are paired to a responsive five-speed manual transmission or a PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. This advanced dual-clutch system combines the performance and efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic in a reliable system, backed by a 10-year or 100,000 km warranty

“From the beginning, we designed the Figo Aspire to be a world-class vehicle that customers will be proud to own, with features, quality and performance beyond what they would expect from a compact sedan,” said Harris. “By listening to the needs of our customers here in India, and drawing on our global product development capabilities, we’ve created a car that truly raises the bar in its segment.”

The Figo Aspire is built in Sanand, Gujarat, at Ford’s newest manufacturing plant.

* As per ARAI certification

 

Contacts
Kapil Sharma
+91-9873078122
ksharma6@ford.com
Nikhil Gulati
+91-9810584415
gnikhil1@ford.com
Madhulika Singh
+91-9999316705
madhulika.singh@bm.com

 

View All News