Ford Figo Aspire review, test drive

What's it like to drive? 

The Aspire will be available with a 1.5-litre diesel, a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre petrol engine, the last one solely available with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. While the engines are familiar and have found application in other Fords, the 1.5 diesel turned out to be the big surprise. Thanks to tweaks to the ECU and modifications to the fixed-geometry turbocharger, power is up to 98bhp. Given that the same engine on the more expensive Fiesta and EcoSport makes a lesser 90bhp, you can tell Ford has thrown its model hierarchy out of the window and given the Aspire its all.

The good power combined with the car’s low weight, has a positive effect on performance. Acceleration is strong, even if you use just half-throttle, and the Aspire pulls forward effortlessly when you demand a sudden burst of acceleration. It’s not got the initial response of Honda’s 1.5 diesel but driveability is still very good. The turbo comes in nice and early at a low 1400rpm and there is ample power till about 4000rpm. It’s not a very free-revving engine but there is enough of a top-end to excite keen drivers. The diesel, however, does tend to get noisy when pulled hard past 3500rpm and the drone can get obtrusive. Otherwise at moderate revs this engine is pretty refined. In fact, thanks to superb insulation cabin noise is pretty hushed making the Aspire (especially the petrol) one of the quietest compact sedans around.

The Aspire uses Ford’s tried and tested IB5 gearbox so gearshifts may not have the rifle bolt action you’d get in the Polo but the gearbox doesn’t mind being hurried up either. The clutch, however, does have a bit of weight to it.

Like the diesel, the 1.2 petrol powerplant is much improved too. It now produces a more useful 87bhp, compared to the old Figo hatchback's 70bhp and that's something you feel immediately, especially in the city. Part- throttle responses are quicker and the Aspire accelerates better all through the powerband. Thing is this engine is more suited to the requirements of everyday driving than for all-out fun - floor the throttle and you’ll know why. The engine feels labored in the mid-range at full load.  You’ll also feel the need for more power as you head out to more open roads where overtaking can require some prior planning. Still, with the power and performance on offer, the Aspire is clearly more than capable, especially in the city.

When it comes to ride and handling, comfort is clearly a focus area with the Aspire. The suspension is quite plush and absorbent and bumps are ridden over so well that you stop paying attention to every pimple on the road and makes driving a bit more relaxed. On really bad sections of road, the ride does get a bit jiggly and bouncy, which is when you detect a hint of stiffness, but that's only to be expected. What makes ride quality even nicer is that the suspension works quite silently for the most part.     

Unfortunately, there’s some bad news for driving enthusiasts who’ve been eyeing the Aspire. Yes, it does mildly enjoy being driven hard and responds better the more you load up the suspension. But, that effortless grip, unimpeachable confidence and precise steering you get on Fords like the Fiesta is missing here. There's a strange looseness in the steering around the straight ahead position it doesn’t have the same agility as other Fords and body roll is ever-present. The petrol version is the better of the two Aspires in the corners with a touch more on-centre steering feel and correspondingly a greater feeling of connection with the car. The brakes on both petrol and diesel Aspires, however, inspire tremendous confidence; stopping power was impressive as well and that lends a lot to the overall driving experience.

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