As per Team-BHP forum's Nikhil Paradkar, the automatic variant of the 2018 Ford Aspire, which will be powered by the 1.5-litre three-cylinder motor from the company's Dragon engines family, will have an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 16.3 kmpl. On the other hand, the lower variants, which will feature the new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission, will have an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 20. 4 kmpl.
With a maximum power of 123 PS and a peak torque of 150 Nm, the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine offers a power advantage of 10% and a torque advantage of 7% over the outgoing 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine (110 PS/140 Nm). For the refreshed Aspire, the new motor will come mated to a 6-speed torque-converter unit.
The 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine of the existing Aspire will make way for the 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that made its debut on the Freestyle CUV paired to a new Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox. The new motor outputs a maximum power of 96 PS and a peak torque of 120 Nm. This is a power advantage of 9% and a torque advantage of 7% over the outgoing engine's 88 PS-112 Nm.
The styling updates for the 2018 Ford Aspire are in sync with those carried by the 2018 Ford Ka+, which is the sub-4-metre sedan's export-spec model. The front-end features a sleeker grille and a bolder bumper with chrome embellishments around the foglamp housings. The side profile receives a new set of multi-spoke alloy wheels while the rear-end has a sportier bumper with faux air vents at the edges.
The highlight of the interior is that it carries a touchscreen display for the SYNC3 infotainment system, while lower variants get the 'FLY' touch system. It also features a push start-stop button near the instrument console.
Also Read - 2018 Ford Aspire AT variant spotted with the 'FLY' audio unit
The 2018 Ford Aspire will launch on 4 October 2018. With an average monthly sales of 1,083 units*, the Aspire hasn't been popular among sedan shoppers. That said, the introduction of the facelift and the new mechanical kit should help it become a stronger rival to the segment-leading Maruti Dzire (24,099 units*).
*(March 2018 - August 2018)
[Source - team-bhp.com]
