Ford will give the Ford Aspire (Ford Figo Sedan) a
facelift not just in India, but also internationally this year. IAB reader
Gaurav Kalia recently spotted a LHD 2018 Ford Aspire testing in Ahmedabad.
The 2018 Ford Aspire seen in the latest spy shots is
the non-sub-4 metre version as evident from the longer rear overhang. In India,
Ford has curbed the sedan’s length to 3,995 mm to help it qualify as a small
car and attract lower tax (29%). Elsewhere, a longer version that measures 4,254
mm in length is available.
The facelifted Ford Aspire will have a new hexagonal
grille with a honeycomb mesh design, slimmer and wider lower grille, reshaped
fog lamp housing, restyled front bumper and tweaked tail lamps among other
changes. Inside, the new model is likely to adopt the SYNC 3 infotainment
system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, although the test mule seen here doesn’t
appear to have it.
The 2018 Ford Aspire will get the new 1.2L Ti-VCT
engine from the Dragon engine family that debuted in the Ford Freestyle. This
naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine produces 96 PS and 120 Nm of
torque. Ford will likely pair it with the new MX65 5-speed manual transmission
from Getrag. Additionally, a new 1.5L Ti-VCT three-cylinder petrol engine from
the Dragon engine family is expected with a new 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 1.5L TDCi diesel engine (100 PS/215 Nm) will be carried over as is.
The 2018 Ford Aspire’s launch timeline is currently
unknown. Before the facelifted sedan, the Ford Freestyle will reach the
showrooms, in Q2 2018 (April-June 2018).
