Ford Figo Aspire interior and features revealed
The run-up to the launch of the Ford Figo Aspire seems to be quite the fanfare. After teasing enthusiasts with images of the car's exterior, the American manufacturer has now released images of the interiors.
If you own or have seen the Ford EcoSport or the new Ford Fiesta, the interiors may look familiar. The steering wheel and centre console look like the that of the EcoSport, with a number of buttons that make the console look straight out of NASA's mission control ! There is a screen above the centre console that looks slightly larger than what you find on the EcoSport and Fiesta. The dashboard is finished in a two tone effect that gels well. An integrated audio system will be available in the top trim. Ford cars have always come with decent music systems and we expect the Figo Aspire's to be the same. The air vents get a piano black surround and so does the instrument binnacle. The Ford Figo Aspire will come with Electric Power Assisted Steering. If you consider the brilliant and communicative electronic steering unit of the new Fiesta, the new Figo Aspire could offer similar feedback.
There is a docking station above the screen. Called MyFord Dock, the feature lets you store, mount and charge your phone, MP3 player or satellite navigation system. You can also integrate the device to the car's entertainment system.
The top model will get automatic climate control, steering mounted audio controls, Sync with Applink, ABS, EBD, Electronic Stability Programme, Hill Launch Assist and six airbags. Apart from the glove box, there are bottle holders in the front door trims. The rear doors, however, do not come with any stowage spaces. There is a bottle holder for the rear occupants right behind the handbrake.
The manual gearshift looks exactly like that on other Ford cars. Ford will also introduce a 6-speed dual clutch transmission in the new Figo Aspire. A segment first, the auto-box is named Powershift and will also come with tiptronic that allows gears to be changed with the buttons on the shift stick. Â A single 12V charger socket is located above the gearshift.
The interiors seem roomy and the beige palette will certainly heighten the airy effect. The seats look wide and accommodative with decent bolstering around the thighs and sides. The rear seats get adjustable headrests. This is noteworthy from the safety aspect since many other cars in the segment come with fixed headrests that aren't as effective in whiplash situations. There is also a centre arm rest for the rear seat occupants.
An interesting feature, something that will find favour with parents, is Ford's MyKey. A never before seen feature in India, the Ford MyKey is in essence a programmable key that allows parents (or friends who've lent you the car) to dial in a restricted driving mode that sets a cap on the speed as well as the audio system's volume. Once the programmed key is inserted into the ignition, the system reads its transponder chip and identifies the MyKey code and then activates the chosen settings. The MyKey feature also reminds one to wear a seatbelt. The system shuts off the audio system and displays a message, Â "Buckle up to unmute radio" in case you refuse to buckle up.
Ford is aiming to lure the customer who is looking to upgrade from a hatchback with a host of features and better quality levels. The Ford Figo Aspire will be manufactured at the company's brand new facility at Sanand in Gujarat. The car will come with the option of a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine and a new 1.2-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine. The car will compete with the Honda Amaze, Tata Zest, Hyundai Xcent and the segment leader, the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire.
More from OVERDRIVE on the new Ford Figo Aspire:
Preview: Ford Figo Aspire compact sedan
Spied: Ford Figo Aspire compact sedan in Mumbai