ഫോർഡ് ആസ്`പയർ 1.5 TDCi Ambiente

Ford is among the leading car making brands worldwide, and the company has a good base in the Indian market as well. The company has just launched a much awaited model, the Figo Aspire. The car comes with a group of variants, one among which is the Ford Figo Aspire 1.5 TDCi Ambiente. This is the base variant, and there are a moderate list of features for it. Starting with its engine, it is armed with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, notable for its better fuel economy. It comes mated with a 5 speed manual gearbox. Coming to the interior design, the cabin has the capacity to host five people. There are headrests for the comfort and safety of the occupants. Fine upholstery adds to the ride satisfaction. An array of convenience functions are present, such as power windows and indicators for fuel and gear shifting. Safety is also enforced with the presence of airbags, seatbelts and other facilitates. The outer appearance of the car looks very attractive with modern features. It takes on a graceful silhouette that has a sporty theme. Other subtle design elements include chrome highlights, body colored bumpers, black door handles and outside mirrors, along with many other fine highlights.

Exteriors:

At the front, it has an attractive grille that comes along with a silver painted surround and horizontally positioned bars for a more aesthetic effect. Flanking this, there are sleek headlight clusters that come with a headlamp leveling device for better visibility. There is a chrome highlight on the headlamp bezel. The large air intake section at the bottom offers cooling to the engine, and at the same time, makes for a better look by the front. The body colored front bumper integrates into the overall image well. Coming to the side profile, there are black door handles for a more distinctive look. The black outside mirrors go along with this, creating a more visually harmonious picture. The attractive wheel rims also add flavor to the look. At the tail section, there are wide light systems that come along with all the necessary lighting units. The silver painted rear applique on the deck-lid highlights the rich theme of the car's design.

Interiors:

The cabin offers a blend of good looks and fine conveniences. The seat arrangement provides ample space for all of the occupants. A two tone interior package of charcoal black and light oak makes for a more ambient ride environment. Fabric seat upholstery is present for this variant, adding quality to the drive experience. Adjustable headrests are present at the front and rear seats, offering optimum support to the occupants. The parking brake lever is in black, giving a better handling feel for the driver. The instrument cluster is cleverly designed, adding to the sophisticated theme of the interiors. There is a vanity mirror for the front passenger, making for a relieved and convenient experience. In addition to this, a 12V power socket is also provided at the front, allowing for charging devices within the car. Map pockets are present at the back of the front seats, allowing for storing spare things without hassle.

Engine and Performance:

Powering the vehicle is a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine that has a displacement capacity of 1498cc. This four cylindered engine has the ability to churn out a power output of 73bhp at 3750rpm, along with a torque of 215Nm at 1750rpm to 3000rpm. This engine is good at fuel economy, as it delivers a mileage value of 25.83kmpl. It is paired with a 5 speed manual transmission that comes along with a dual clutch system, enabling smooth shifting.

Braking and Handling:

Coming to the braking and handling section, there is a sound braking system that consists of ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear. As for the suspension arrangement, the front axle is armed with an independent McPherson strut that comes along with a coil spring and an anti roll bar. As for the rear axle, there is a semi independent twist beam. This is further aided by twin gas and oil filled shock absorbers for eliminating road anomalies and promoting a comfortable ride. In addition to this, the vehicle is modelled with an EPAS steering system that comes along with a pull drift compensation technology. The 14 inch tyres also add to the quality of the car's braking and handling.

Comfort Features:

This particular variant lacks a musical system, but there are a host of other functions aimed at passenger comfort. Firstly, the manual air conditioning system makes for a more pleasant environment, with ducts that are situated strategically for good circulation. There is a front dome lamp for illuminating the cabin during dull conditions. Tilt steering allows for comfort along with safety. The cockpit section has an advanced cluster display that comes along with a range of functions and notification lights. This panel has a gear shift indicator for easier driving along with a distance to empty fuel meter and a low fuel warning, ensuring that the fuel status of the vehicle are given attention. A maintenance warning is also present for the needs of the vehicle, along with a water temperature warning light. Finally, a door ajar indicator affirms safety when driving, preventing the hazards caused by open doors. An electric boot release makes for easier operations for the passengers. Power windows are present at the front for hassle free operations. Aside from this, there is a one touch up/down function for the driver's window. There are 6 speed variable intermittent wipers for the front windscreen, enabling good visibility during wet weathers. There are interior grab handles as well, along with coat hooks for hanging clothes in a convenient manner within the vehicle. A battery saver facility is also present with this variant, making for increased energy savings.

Safety Features:

There are airbags for both front passengers, providing shielding in case of a mishap. In addition to this, there are three point seatbelts for the front passengers. Powerful headlamps make for reduced hazards when driving, and guide-me-home light systems further improve the drive security. There is a facility that locks the doors automatically when the car's speed crosses 20kmph, adding safety value to the ride. Beside all of this, an engine immobilizer grants safety to the car as well, offering a sound theft prevention measure.

Pros:

1. Great fuel economy and mileage.

2. Range of convenience functions for occupants.

Cons:

1. The absence of a musical system may deter buyers.

2. Its performance qualities could be improved.