Aiming to cash in on the festive season, Ford India will introduce the mid-life facelift of the EcoSport compact SUV. While the new EcoSport will be the only major launch from the American carmaker this year, the company will bring in two new updated models of its existing cars (Figo hatchback and Aspire sedan) next year. The facelifts of both the vehicles will make their debut at the 2018 Auto Expo in February. However, Ford India hasn’t said anything officially on the same.
Good folks at Autos Segredos have managed to get their hands on spy pictures of the Figo (Ka in Brazil) and Aspire facelifts. Both the vehicles were spotted during their test rounds in South America. Since the prototypes were thickly camouflaged, design and feature details are scanty. Though, reports suggest that updated Figo will receive revised front and rear bumpers, new headlamps and lower air intakes.
Ford might also offer an optional multi spoke black alloys with new design on the hatchback. Rumour also has it that the updated Figo might get a touchscreen infotainment system with latest interface. The hatchback will also see a new central console. Similar cosmetic and feature updates will be made on the Aspire facelift.
The facelifted Figo and Aspire will come with a new and more powerful 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder Dragon petrol engine. However, there is no clarity whether the India-spec model will receive this new powertrain or not. The new Dragon series gasoline unit is rumoured to debut on the upcoming EcoSport facelift. If reports are to be believed, the Figo facelift might get an optional automatic transmission. Check Out – Upcoming Ford Cars in India
The Dragon engine is likely to be benefitted with advanced technologies such as a rocker shaft with hydrodynamic bearing, an integrated exhaust manifold, a dual-valve independent valve control and a variable oil pump. This motor might also get spark plugs positioned in the combustion chamber, individual ignition coils for each cylinder and hydraulic tappets with rotor arms. The new Dragon engine is an aluminium unit, which is over 10% lighter than the existing four-cylinder Sigma engine.
In India, the Figo facelift will continue to face challenge from the Hyundai Grand i10 and Maruti Swift. And the Aspire sedan will take on the Volkswagen Ameo, Tata Tigor and other cars in the league. As far as pricing is concerned, the new hatchback and sedan will be slightly more expensive than their current models.
