Ford India is all set to launch the updated version of its popular compact sedan - Ford Aspire in India on October 4. Ahead of the official launch, the company has also initiated the bookings for the new Aspire with an upfront payment of Rs 11,000. The interested buyers can pre-book the new Aspire sedan across all 400 Ford dealerships throughout the country. The new Ford Aspire 2018 facelift will sport redesigned exteriors as well as interiors along with new powertrain options. The sedan is expected to be priced around Rs 6.8 lakh to Rs 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom). Maruti Vitara Brezza, Baleno & S-Cross Recalled Over Steering Issue; To Be Fixed Free of Cost.

Aesthetically, the new Aspire facelift will sport an Aston Martin-like grille upfront with chrome surround along with revamped fog lamp enclosures. The overall shape of the headlamps will remain untouched, however, will be redesigned internally. It is also expected to get a smoked effect as well, adding a sporty character. The sedan will miss out on the LED DRLs. Moreover, the front bumper is also expected to be tweaked. The sedan could also feature alloys wheels, that could be 15-inch multi-spoke. Inside the cabin, the new Aspire is expected to borrow the dashboard from Freestyle with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system. The top-end variant is likely to feature 6-airbags and ABS with EBD. Ganesh Utsav 2018: Huge Discounts on Cars This Month; Up to Rs 60,000 Off on Maruti Swift, Dzire & Hyundai Elite i20.

As far as the powertrain options are concerned, the new Aspire will get a new petrol engine, which is expected to be a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder unit. The engine is expected to produce 96hp of maximum power and will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox that could be lifted from Freestyle. It is also likely that Ford India might use a more cost-effective torque converter. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is expected to remain untouched. However, the company might introduce the diesel iteration later on.

Rahul Gautam, vice president - Marketing at Ford India stated, “The New Ford Aspire has been tailor-made for those who don’t follow the crowds, a desire beyond the ordinary and wanted more out of their car experience. They are driven by a desire to lead and make their own mark."

He further added that "With an abundance of style, power and substance similar to people featured in NGC Mega Icons series, our compact sedan - New Ford Aspire - celebrates people who didn’t follow the crowd and went beyond the ordinary. The partnership with NGC Mega Icons, therefore, is a natural extension of inherent values that New Ford Aspire promotes and we are confident that the show will inspire people to carve their niche, just like the new Ford Aspire."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2018 04:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).