Ford recently launched the BS6-compliant Aspire compact sedan, alongside its hatchback sibling, the Figo, and the Freestyle cross-hatchback. Priced from Rs 5.99 lakh, the BS6 Aspire is available in a choice of four trim levels though the base variant is petrol only. There is a base diesel version on offer but it’s only available for commercial buyers. The BS4 car came with five trim levels.

Interestingly, the starting price for the BS6 Aspire is identical to the BS4 model, though prices for select variants have dropped by as much as Rs 28,000. The diesel Trend variant is Rs 12,000 more expensive than the equivalent BS4 version.

Ford has upgraded both the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines to meet the more stringent emission norms. The 1.2 petrol is good for 96hp and 119Nm of torque – down 1Nm over the BS4 unit – while the diesel makes an identical 100hp and 215Nm. Both engines are available with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. Ford claims fuel efficiency figures of 18.5kpl for the petrol and 24.4kpl for the diesel engine.

Now let’s take a look at what each variant gets and for how much:

Ambiente (Petrol: Rs 5.99 lakh; Diesel: Rs 7.07 lakh [for fleet only])

• FordPass connectivity tech
• 12V accessory socket
• Front power windows
• Tachometer
• Air-conditioning
• Gear shift indicator
• Dual airbags
• ABS
• Rear parking sensors
• Front seat belt reminders
• Speed alert warning

Trend (Petrol: Rs 6.59 lakh; Diesel: Rs 7.49 lakh)

• Driver’s seat height adjust
• Audio system with Bluetooth and USB
• 4 speakers
• Turn indicators on wing mirrors
• Rear power windows
• Electric adjust wing mirrors
• Steering-mounted audio controls
• Remote locking

Titanium (Petrol: Rs 7.09 lakh; Diesel: Rs 7.99 lakh)

• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite navigation
• Rear view camera
• Keyless entry and go
• Alloy wheels

Titanium+ (Petrol: Rs 7.44 lakh; Diesel: Rs 8.34 lakh)

• Auto climate control
• Power-folding wing mirrors
• Side and curtain airbags
• Front fog lamps
• Rear defogger

Ford is offering the BS6 Aspire with a 3-year/1 lakh km warranty package as standard.

The updated Aspire continues to rival the Maruti Dzire, Hyundai Aura and Xcent, Tata Tigor and the Volkswagen Ameo.