Saar: With prices starting from Rs 5.55 lakh and going all the way up to Rs 8.49 lakh, the refreshed sub-4 metre is available with three engine and two transmission options.

Ford launched the mid-life update of its sub-4 metre sedan, the Aspire, in India yesterday. It is currently available at introductory prices which start from Rs 5.55 lakh and go all the way up to Rs 8.49 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom Delhi). The Ford Aspire facelift is available in five different trims – Ambiente, Trend, Trend+, Titanium and Titanium+. A total of eleven variants are on offer, covering three engine and two transmission options. Let’s have a look at the price list first.

Ford Aspire Facelift Price List (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Now, let’s compare those prices with the ones of the pre-facelift model.

Ford Aspire Price List: Facelift Vs Old (Ex-showroom Delhi)

With the exception of the petrol-powered Titanium MT variant, all others wear more affordable price tags. Ford had to keep those competitive enough as the Aspire takes on the likes of the Volkswagen Ameo, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent, Tata Tigor (which will be launched in a refreshed avatar on October 10, 2018) and the current king of the segment – the Maruti Suzuki Dzire.

The Ford Aspire facelift will be offered in a total of seven colours for the exterior – White Gold, Moondust Silver, Deep Impact Blue, Absolute Black, Smoke Grey, Ruby Red and Oxford White. Before we get to the trim-wise list of features, let’s quickly acquaint ourselves with the powertrain options available with the Ford Aspire facelift:

Ford Aspire Facelift - Spec Sheet

Time to look at what the sub-4 metre sedan in question offers in each of its trims. As always, we’ll only be mentioning those features which can potentially make or break a deal.

Trim – Ambiente

Here’s the list of main features that the Aspire facelift gets in its entry-level form:

• Rear fog lamps
• 14-inch steel wheels
• Adjustable head-rests front and rear
• One 12V accessory socket
• Day/Night IRVM
• Electric boot release
• Front power windows with one touch down operation for the driver
• Manual AC
• Dual Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Rear parking sensors
• Reminder for front seatbelts

As you’d expect, there are several much-needed features missing in this trim. There is no music system, no tachometer, no rear power windows and the driver’s seat cannot be adjusted for height. If you can live without those features and don’t mind the front grille, outer door handles and ORVMs finished in black, the Ambiente trim is good value.

Trim – Trend

The second-to-bottom trim is Rs 44,000 dearer than the entry-level trim. Listed below are the main features which you will get in this trim over and above the base-spec:

• Body-coloured outer door handles and ORVMs
• Silver painted front grille
• Rear seat armrest
• Passenger-side vanity mirror
• Music system with AM/FM/USB/Bluetooth
• 4 Speakers
• Boot lamp
• Turn indicators on ORVMs
• Front and rear power windows
• Tachometer
• Remote keyless entry

The addition of abovementioned features against the added expense is sort of justified. That said, it still misses out on electrically adjustable or foldable ORVMs, a multifunction steering wheel and driver’s side seat adjustment. For the record, Tilt steering adjust is offered as standard across all variants.

Trim – Trend+

It is priced Rs 40,000 over the Trend trim. So, what are you paying the extra for?

• Front fog lamps
• Rear defogger
• 0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with embedded navigation
• Driver’s side power window with one-touch up and down operation
• Automatic climate control
• Steering-mounted audio controls
• Rear-view camera
• Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs
• Perimeter Alarm

This one is much more like it! The extra amount is more than worth it. Our recommendation would be that if you are looking at the Trend variant, you might as well spend a bit more and get this one. That said, you still won’t be able to adjust the height of the driver’s seat.

Trim – Titanium

Over the Trend+ trim, you will have to spend an extra Rs 40,000 to get the Titanium MT trim. For the automatic, you’ll need to spend Rs 1.10 lakh. Here’s the list of the main features that the Titanium trim gets:

• 15-inch alloy wheels
• Front grille and rear applique on boot lid finished in chrome
• Height adjustable driver’s seat (Yey!)
• Push-button start
• Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability Program and Traction Control System (AT only)

If you want the automatic, you don’t really have a choice in the Aspire’s variant list. But if you are happy with a manual transmission, the added cost over the Trend+ variant just doesn’t add up. Our suggestion – stick with the Trend+ and spend the extra Rs 40,000 modifying the car as per your own taste.

Trim – Titanium+

Finally, we arrive at the range-topper. Compared to the Titanium MT variant, the Titanium+ MT variants are Rs 45,000 dearer. Why? That’s because it gets:

• 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
• SYNC3 with voice control
• Emergency assistance
• Electrochromic IRVM
• Automatic headlamps and wipers
• Six airbags

Would you spend the extra over the Titanium trim to get the best that Ford has to offer with the Aspire facelift? Do let us know in the comments below. For us, added safety features such as four additional airbags and emergency assistance are enough to justify the cost of the trim.