With Ford Figo Aspire in the market, the rest of the automakers in the compact sedan market would have their work cut out to come up with the answers to stay relevant – we are of course talking about Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Xcent, Tata Motors Zest and Honda Amaze. That this is crucial is clear from the fact that this is one segment in the automobile industry that has been the bread and butter for all automakers. And currently, the battle is hotter than it has ever been with almost all major automakers featuring great options in their lineups. So let us compare the top compact sedans:
1. Ford Figo Aspire vs the rest: Pricing
Let’s face the most important and decisive factor of the competition is the pricing. Can you afford to buy it. Starting in ascending order, Tata Zest comes out to be the most economical at starting price of Rs. 4.86 lakh but Figo Aspire is very close offering the base variant at Rs. 4.89 lakh. Hyundai Xcent can be purchased at the starting price tag of Rs. 5.07 lakh, while Swift Dzire from Maruti is available at Rs. 5.16 lakh. Honda Amaze is the most expensive in the lot with a starting price tagged of Rs 5.18 lakh. All prices ex-showroom, New Delhi.
2. Ford Figo Aspire vs the rest: Appearance
Ford Figo Aspire is the latest compact sedan in its class and does hold the edge in terms of modern aesthetics over the rest of its competition. Ford Figo Aspire comes with a muscular bonnet while the rear side is also designed elegantly. It’s the new nose design of the Ford Figo Aspire that really gives it its appeal – it is different and stands out from the crowd that is something that the buyers in in the Indian market crave.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire is another good-looking compact sedan that has been around for a while now and is one of best-selling cars in its segment. The large 15-inch wheels and the distinctive unique floating type roof are the standout features of the car.
Tata Zest has a wider stance and is the first compact sedan to feature projectors while also featuring LED taillamps. Hyundai Xcent and Honda Amaze are also pretty well crafted compact sedans with the former featuring diamond cut alloy wheels.
3. Ford Figo Aspire vs the rest: Inside the cabin
Another section where Ford Figo Aspire does a fantastic job is inside the cabin with the compact sedan featuring a beautiful instrument cluster. There is the Ford SYNC system that lets you connect your phone with the car’s music system. The facility of MyDock smartphone will work even in the mid-range trims. The leather upholstery and the general overall feel inside the car is class apart with Ford Figo Aspire.
As far as spaciousness is concerned, Hyundai Xcent is the most generous. It stands out as the most feature rich car in the class. Honda Amaze is a near second with good amount of interior and boot space and a decent decor. Swift Dzire has the charm of its own and continues to rule the market with dual toned cabin and some class leading features, but changes have been few and far between.
4. Ford Figo Aspire vs the rest: Engine and Transmission
Ford Figo Aspire uses a 1.5 litre TiVCT petrol engine that garners 112PS power and 137Nm torque. It has another 1.2 litre TiVCT petrol engine that is a slightly a toned down version delivering 88PS power and 108Nm torque. The diesel variant of the car has a 1.5 litre TDCi motor under its belt carving away 100bhp power and 215Nm torque. Maruti Suzuki Swift is possibly the most coveted compact sedan in the Indian market and for good reason with the vehicle featuring a 1.2 litre VVT petrol engine that generates 84.3PS power and 115Nm torque along with 1.3 litre DDiS diesel engine that gives away 75PS power and 190Nm torque.
Tata Zest, on the other hand, has a 1.2 litre turbocharged MPFI engine under its belt that gives away a 90PS power and 140Nm torque. There is also a 1.3 litre Turbo VGT diesel variant of the car that produces 200Nm torque and 90PS power.
Tata Zest is the only car in the category that does not feature automatic transmission in the petrol line-up while the rest of the vehicles offers either 5-speed or 6-speed automatic gearbox. Ford Figo Aspire does have the edge here offering segment first dual clutch automatic transmission. On the other hand, Tata Zest offers 5-speed automatic transmission in the diesel lineup while the rest of the peers lack this feature.
5. Ford Figo Aspire vs the rest: Verdict
When overall spec sheet and features are compared, Ford Figo Aspire seems to be the most value-for-money car. But whether that leads to outstanding sales is an altogether another matter. Form legacy issues of the automaker, which has improved post-launch of Ford Ecosport, there are several other factors involved when it comes to purchasing a car. So, we have to just wait and watch for the sales numbers that are about to come at the turn of the month.
