New 2018 Ford Aspire Review: Maruti Dzire / Honda Amaze rival driven [VIDEO]

We have just driven the updated 2018 Ford Aspire in and around Jodhpur and came back impressed. This compact sedan is more than just a face-lift as it gets a host of changes in and out, including a new petrol motor and improved transmissions. Its even priced better than ever before which makes it a value deal in the segment. Hit the play button to know more…

The Aspire was Ford’s ticket into the world of sub 4 meter or compact sedans in India. Launched in 2015, it did not manage to put sales charts on fire. Make no mistake, the Aspire was a well rounded package with highlights like the 100PS diesel motor, excellent dynamics and good interiors. However, as competition became better, Ford engineers had to re-visit their tables and come up with a heavily updated version, the one you see here.

The new 2018 Aspire manages to make improvements across all parameters. Subtle changes on the outside go a long way in making it look fresh and premium and this includes the new grille, revised bumper and better looking fog lamp inserts. Ditto for the new, larger 15-inch alloy wheels that gel along well with the positioning of the car. The rear gets minor updates but as you step inside the cabin, you are greeted with a host of additions.

The biggest highlight on the inside is the new SYNC3 interface that not only offers you segment best touch reception, but also comes bundled with navigation, reverse camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its a breeze to use, even for new users and was first seen in the Freestyle and the recently updated EcoSport. Moving on, you also get a push button start-stop feature, auto headlamps and auto wipers. Ford also claims they have worked on making the seats feel comfortable but I will reserve my judgement till I get to spend more time with the car.

Under the hood, you continue to get the 1.5-litre diesel motor but it is mated to a new 5-speed gearbox that is lighter and improves fuel economy marginally. As a result, claimed economy has gone up from 25.83 kmpl to 26.1 kmpl. The big news however is the arrival of the 1.2-litre Dragon series petrol engine in the Aspire. It offers 9% more power and 7% higher torque while being way more efficient too. The automatic continues to get a 1.5-litre petrol but this time around, Ford has ditched the DCT or dual clutch transmission for a more conventional torque converter.

Ford had also slashed the pricing of the new Aspire and this along with more kit makes the Aspire very good value for money in the segment. How good? Scroll up and play the video right away!