Best Diesel Compact Sedan

It was a difficult decision for me to switch to a diesel after driving a Petrol car for 7 years. The first thing that draw my attention was the stunning looks, but when I test drive the petrol version I was kind of decided to go for other manufacturer. Then the dealership requested me to test the diesel one which forced me to change my decision.

The first thing I was thrilled about the sheer acceleration (I think one of the best in this segment) and then the excellent sound proofing, you don't feel like sitting inside a diesel car having 1.5 ltr engine, unless accelerated hard. The AC is very effective and I think if it's being less powerful Ford could have added some more kilometer to the fuel economy figure.

The interior looks plush and the quality of material is also very good, the two tone dash really feel classy. The cabin is very spacious and the seats are also equally comfortable.

I've clocked more than 20K km in last 11 months mostly in western and southern parts of India (national highways & expressways) and the vehicles is very stable and comfortable in highway drive.

One thing I've observed in my can it's got a very steady fuel economy, whether I'm driving in city or highway the fuel economy varies between 21 to 23.5 km per liter (with AC), which is a very decent figure for a 1.5 ltr car generating 100 ps of power.

There are lot of small small features which really adds value to the overall package, like it can maintain a certain speed without even touching the throttle in 2nd & 3rd gear. If you are driving at 5th gear and break suddenly, the moment you put your feet off the break paddle the car will accelerates on it's own. It's got a big boot which you can open from your remote, AC will be on automatically when you turn on the defogger, it's got bluetooth for hands free mobile communication, follow me home lighting features etc. There is a compartment on the top middle of the dashboard which opens with a push of a button have option o Aux & USB port also an unique feature of mobile phone holder (you can put your phone horizontally on a slot and the lid cover will act as holder).

But that being said there are also some scope of improvement point which Ford should look into -

- Absence of rear door bottom weather strip/bidding, it's makes a awful noise like metal banging metal when you close the rear doors, also needs adjustments in every six months.

- Steering feels comparatively heavy.

- The car feels little stiff beyond 170 kmph speed

- There should be an option of projector head lamps

- The dashboard display should have been replaced with a touch screen infotainment display with satnav.

- There should be bigger wheels/tyres - 185/65/R15

- ABS should have been a standard

But overall Figo Aspire it's a excellent product lunched by Ford it's really a value for money. If you are looking for a diesel compact sedan and not much concerned about resale value this is the best option you have.