Ford Figo Aspire Sub-Compact Sedan: 5 Things That You Should Know

Other than the EcoSport, no other Ford car has been fetching volume for its maker in India. One major reason behind Ford's low sales is the unavailability of new cars in its portfolio. Almost all important Ford products including Figo and Endeavour are now outdated, and need to be replaced with new models. Though the company launched the mid-life facelift models of the aforementioned products, buyers didn't find those alluring since the overall design and mechanism remained unchanged.

Therefore, in a bid to revive its sales in the competitive market, the American carmaker is now planning to launch a bunch of new cars this year. Of all the cars that the company will roll out, the new-generation Ford Figo and the a sub-compact sedan - the Figo Aspire - will be the first two. While the Figo could come in the first half of 2015, the sub-compact sedan might be rolled out during this year's festive season.

While the hatchback segment is already too crowded, I think Ford's sub-compact sedan has more chances to do well due to comparatively less competition. Also the Figo Aspire, unveiled recently, looks better than most cars available in its segment today. Now if the company, somehow, manages to price it well, I am sure Ford's sub-compact sedan can be a threat for cars like Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent and Tata Zest.

5 things that you should know about the Figo Aspire sub-compact sedan

1.Unlike many of its rivals, the Figo Aspire doesn't look like an extended hatchback with a sedan shaped boot. Ford has actually developed it from scratch rather than simply adding a sedan-like boot to an existing hatchback, which makes it look so attractive.

2.Since it will be sub-4 metres in length, Ford will be able to avail the excise duty benefit given to the cars below 4000mm mark in India. It will help the company price it well.

3.The Figo Aspire is likely to be made available with three engine options - a 1.2-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. While the 1.2-litre petrol engine is the same that powers the existing Figo, the 1.5-litre diesel engine does duty on the EcoSport and the Fiesta. The 1.5-litre petrol engine could be offered the top-of-the-line variant coupled with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

4.To achieve a higher fuel efficiency with the 1.5-litre diesel engine, the company might detune it. The engine in its current state of tune, with the EcoSport, returns 22.7Km/l. After detuning it, we expect it to deliver a mileage of around 25Km/l, thus making it one of the most fuel efficient cars in its league.

5.Ford cars are known for their impressive ride & handling attributes, the Figo sedan too will not be an exception in these departments. This too will give the Figo based sub-compact sedan a competitive edge over its rivals.

2015 Ford Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition

The Ford Mustang and its symbol is one of the most recognizable in the automobile marketplace.  This year marks a special installment as it marks the 50 year anniversary of the Mustang.  The original Mustang was introduced in April of 1964 as a mid-year introduction, but 1965 was the first full model year.  This marks a very big celebration for Ford.  This years’ installment is also going to be the first one marketed all over the world.

Ford plans to celebrate this momentous occasion by making 1,964 of the special 50 Year Mustangs.  The final one will be auctioned in September and all proceeds from that auction will go to the Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular Institute.  This just shows how Ford is committed to giving back to the community and charities alike.  This will be done in Las Vegas at the Barrett Jackson Auto Auction September 25th through the 27th.  They are estimating a potential of over $250,000 in proceeds.  The winner will also get airfare, hotel accommodations and VIP passes to the Ford Eco Boost 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup in Miami on November 16th.

“Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford Motor Company.”

For more information on the entire 2015 lineup, come by today at Hixson Ford of Alexandria at 2506 MacArthur Drive in Alexandria, Louisiana or give them a call at 318-448-0871 today!