ഫോർഡ് ആസ്`പയർ 1.2 Ti-VCT Titanium പ്ലസ്

Ford is among the world's well known car brands, and the company has released one of its awaited launches for the Indian market, the Figo Aspire. Among the variants available, a notable one and the top end version is the Ford Aspire 1.2 Ti-VCT Titanium Plus . This is the top end variant, and it comes with a strong list of features for the comfort of the passengers. Starting with the interiors, it is decorated in a two tone colour combination. Fine leather upholstery along with many other attractive elements further add to the interior appeal. There is a good stereo system, along with a range of other comfort facilities.

Present exclusively for this variant is the SYNC system, which is a voice activated facility that enables connectivity with external devices for music and calling. This system also assists in distress situations by calling emergency services and sharing the car's GPS location. Further, the MyFord Dock function allows for storing, mounting and charging external devices, as well as integrating them with the car's system for the most satisfying experience. The safety facet of the cabin is also fulfilled with the presence of airbags, seatbelts, and various other helpful facilities. Turning to the exterior format, the car has good design elements that include chrome highlights and appliqués to promote its lush persona. Being a compact sedan, its length measures 3995mm, but the wheelbase is pretty long with 2491mm.

Exteriors:

At the front, it has a grille with horizontal bars and a thick chrome surround for a fine look. The headlamp clusters are cleverly designed, and a chrome highlight on the headlamp bezel makes for a more opulent picture. At the bottom, the wide air intake section provides cooling to the engine. The body coloured bumper houses Fog lamps for added visibility when driving. Coming to the side facet, there are alloy wheels for this variant. A black applique is present on the B and C pillars, improving the trendy persona of the car. The outside mirrors and the door handles are both body coloured, making for a more harmonious look. Coming to the tail section, there is a chrome applique on the deck-lid. Furthermore, there is a defogger at the rear for utility purposes as well. The presence of fog lamps at the rear as well promote the drive safety.

Interiors:

The cabin arrangement enables good comfort and space for all of its occupants. A two tone colour combination of charcoal black and light oak makes for an ambient ride atmosphere. Furthermore, the seats are covered in leather upholstery for a more polished feel. The door panels looks quite attractive as they have fabric insert on them. A premium proteus black interior applique is present on the inner door handle, audio bezel and the steering wheel, adding quality to the cabin. There are headrests at the front and rear, offering support to the occupants' heads and necks. A rear centre armrest allows for convenient arm placement. In addition to this, map pockets behind the front seats allow for storing spare things. There are two sun visors integrated with vanity mirrors for both front passengers for added convenience value.

Engine and Performance:

The car is armed with a 1.2-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine that has a displacement value of 1196cc. Also, it gives a power output of 64bhp at 6300rpm, along with a torque of 112Nm at 4000rpm. The engine has a compression ratio of 11:1. It also helps to deliver decent fuel economy, with a mileage of 18.16kmpl. This engine is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission gearbox that delivers output to the front wheels.

Braking and Handling:

For the braking needs of the machine, the company has provided it with ventilated discs for front wheels and drum brakes at the rear, enabling a strong braking performance. Turning to the suspension arrangement, the front axle is rigged with an independent McPherson strut that is further assisted with a coil spring and an anti roll bar. As for the rear axle, there is a semi independent twist beam which is present along with twin gas and oil filled shock absorbers. The electric power assisted steering (EPAS) system also works to provide a good handling, and it comes along with a pull drift compensation technology.

Comfort Features:

Firstly, there is a musical system that comes along with radio facility. External devices can also be hosted through the USB port and the Aux-In feature. There is an MP3 CD player as well, giving added convenience for the occupants. Bluetooth is another highlight of the interiors, and this allows for audio streaming as well as in-cabin call hosting. All of this is enhanced with the presence of two speakers at the front and rear. This variant gets the exclusive benefit of a 4.2-inch MFD screen, which adds value to the entertainment of the occupants. The SYNC system is an added boon for this variant. The controls to the audio and phone systems are mounted on the steering wheel for ease of usage. The automatic air conditioning system helps to keep the cabin environment fresh. In addition to this, there is a front dome lamp, along with a boot lamp. Tilt steering blends comfort with safety for the benefit of the driver. The outside mirrors come with power adjustment and power fold functions for ease of the driver. There are power windows, with a one touch up/down facility for the driver's side window. It has an instrument cluster featuring warning lights along with a tachometer that further provides vital information. There is a battery saver function for reduced energy consumption, along with an electric boot release facility that relieves hassle for the occupants. The headrests are adjustable, and the driver's seat also has a height adjustment function. A 12V power socket is present at the front, enabling occupants to charge their devices within the car.

Safety Features:

There are airbags for both front passengers, as well as side and curtain airbags for the next level of protection. Further, there are three point seatbelts for all outer seat passengers, with a lap belt for the rear centre passenger. The front seatbelts are height adjustable for added convenience. The anti lock braking system improves control when braking, and it goes along with an electronic brake-force distribution system. This variant also comes with an emergency assistance function that is provided through the SYNC system, which contacts emergency services and delivers the car's GPS location in case of mishaps. There is a feature that automatically locks the doors when the car crosses 20kmph of speed, improving security for higher speeds. The strong headlamps are assisted with the presence of fog lamps, along with a headlamp levelling function for an added element of visibility. The 6 speed intermittent front wipers enable good visibility during wet weathers. Beside all of this, a perimeter alarm is present, working for the security of the vehicle as well. An engine immobiliser also improves security for the vehicle.

Pros:

1. Top end variant with a range of comfort features.

2. Fuel economy is very good

Cons:

1. Its internal appearance could be improved.

2. The performance characteristics could be upgraded.