Ford India has just ended production of the Aspire compact sedan. In the coming days, the Figo hatchback’s production will also end. Don’t worry though; Ford will launch facelifted models of the Figo and the Aspire soon, and the production stoppage is to induct the new models soon. Along with the facelifted Figo and Aspire models, Ford will also launch the Freestyle – a hatchback-based crossover that will challenge the Hyundai i20 Active in India.
All three cars are expected to be launched in India before the middle of the year, with the Freestyle to be the first to be launched among the trio. All three cars will get a brand new petrol engine and gearbox. The engine in question will be the 1.2 liter-3 cylinder naturally aspirated unit from the Dragon range. This engine will make a class leading 97 PS of peak power, with peak torque rated at 115 Nm.
The engine will be paired to a new 5 speed manual gearbox from Getrag. A 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox is also expected to be offered with this engine, but at a later date. The 1.5 liter turbocharged TDCI diesel engine with 98 PS and 205 Nm will be standard on all three cars – the Freestyle, Figo Facelift and Aspire Facelift. The diesel engine will get a 5 speed manual gearbox as standard. There won’t be an automatic transmission option.
Apart from the new petrol engine-gearbox, all three cars will get major stylistic upgrades. While the Freestyle is an all new model, with butch body cladding, roof rails and muscular bumpers, the Figo and Aspire Facelifts will gain new front end styling with revised grilles. The bumpers are also expected to have stylistic changes. The interiors will feature a new touchscreen infotainment system with Ford’s latest SYNC3 interface. Other feature additions are also likely.
[“Source-cartoq”]
