Ford Aspire 1.5 TDCi Titanium Plus

Aspire 1.5 TDCi Titanium Plus Review

Ford Figo Aspire is the newly launched compact sedan that comes in a total of nine variants. This Ford Aspire 1.5 TDCi Titanium Plus is a top end diesel trim in its model lineup. It is designed with a roomy cabin that is packed with several interesting aspects. There are leather upholstered seats incorporated, whereas the audio unit includes a multifunctional display screen. It also has a 12V power socket, tachometer, power windows, tilt steering wheel and a few others that adds to the comfort levels. This vehicle comes with some noticeable aspects that further enhances its external appearance. Its neatly carved wheel arches are fitted with a striking set of alloy wheels, while the door mirrors are integrated with side turn indicators. Its rear end is pretty impressive with features like a well sculpted bumper, a pair of fog lamps and radiant tail lamps. Meanwhile, its frontage features chrome headlamp bezel, whereas the large windscreen gives a clear view to the driver ahead. On the other hand, aspects like engine immobilizer, seat belts, airbags, emergency assistance and a few other such aspects ensures maximum protection of its passengers. In terms of technical specifications, it has a 1.5-litre diesel engine that churns out 98.6bhp power along with torque of 215Nm. This mill is mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box that further boosts its performance.

Exteriors:

This vehicle has been developed based on the company's Kinetic design theme. It comes with a few noticeable aspects that further enhance its appearance. The frontage has a bold radiator grille, which includes horizontal slats and gets a neat chrome finish. The bumper is well designed and fitted with an air intake section. Also, there are a pair of round shaped fog lamps that improves visibility. Its front fascia also has a wide windscreen that is equipped with a couple of intermittent wipers. On the sides, there are door handles as well as B and C pillars. The outside rear view mirrors are in body color and integrated with side turn blinkers. Meanwhile, a set of 14 inch alloy wheels are fitted to its flared up wheel arches. These rims are further covered with tubeless tyres of size 175/65 R14. Moreover, a spare wheel is also offered along with tools required for changing a flat tyre. Moving to its rear end, it has a chrome appliqué as well as company's emblem neatly embossed on the deck-lid. The bright tail light cluster features turn indicators, whereas the windshield comes along with a defogger. In addition to all these, the visible character lines in its front and side profiles further enhances its overall appearance.

Interiors:

It comes with a roomy cabin looks attractive with a two tone charcoal black and light oak color scheme. At front, there is a well designed dashboard that houses a few useful equipments. These include an instrument cluster, steering wheel and air vents as well. Also it has a center console equipped with a music system, while the glove box compartment is good enough for placing necessary things at hand. The seats offer maximum comfort and they come integrated with adjustable headrests. Moreover, the availability of height adjustment facility to driver's seat is a plus point. A 12V power socket is also offered for added convenience of its occupants. The premium Proteus Black appliqué on its door handles, audio bezel, steering wheel, and chrome plating on parking brake lever tip further gives a classy appeal. Other than these, the cabin also includes fabric inserts on door panels, front seats map pockets, tachometer and boot lamp as well.

Engine and Performance:

A 1.5-litre diesel engine powers this trim, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1498cc. This carries 4 cylinders eight valves and is based on a single overhead camshaft valve configuration. This mill is incorporated with a common rail fuel injection system and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission gear box. It can belt out a maximum power of 98.6bhp at 3750rpm and yields torque output of 215Nm that ranges between 1750 and 3000rpm. It can return a fuel economy of 25.83 Kmpl on the expressways, but it comes down to nearly 21 Kmpl on the city roads. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 Kmph in about 11 seconds and attains a top speed of approximately 155 Kmph.

Braking and Handling:

The manufacturer has equipped its front axle with an independent McPherson strut along with coil spring and anti roll bar. Meanwhile, a semi independent twist beam with twin gas and oil filled shock absorbers are assembled on the rear axle. In terms of braking, ventilated disc brakes are fitted on its front wheels, and the rear ones are fitted with drum brakes. This mechanism is further assisted by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution. On the other hand, it comes with an electric power assisted steering system that is highly responsive. It ensures easy maneuverability besides supporting its turning radius of 4.9 meters.

Comfort Features:

This top end variant is bestowed with several comfort features that ensure a pleasurable driving experience. It comes with an advanced music system that has FM/AM radio tuner, CD, MP3 player. This unit supports USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and voice activated SYNC system. It has all four power windows with one touch up and down function on driver's side. The outside mirrors are power adjustable, while the automatic air conditioning system creates a pleasant ambiance. Its instrument cluster displays several notifications like distance to empty, gear shift indicator, low fuel warning and a few others. Other aspects like boot lamp, electric boot release, guide me home headlamps, steering mounted with audio controls and front sunvisors with vanity mirrors further adds to the comfort levels.

Safety Features:

A lot of protective features are available in this variant such as perimeter alarm, engine immobilizer, auto door locks, door ajar warning lamp, dual front, side as well as curtain airbags. Apart from all these, the list further includes ABS with EBD, emergency assistance, three point seat belts with height adjustment facility at front, and driver seat belt reminder that adds to the security quotient.

Pros:

1. Outstanding external appearance with interesting aspects.

2. Fuel economy is rather good.

Cons:

1. Rear head space can be improved.

2. A few more security features can be added.