Saar: Both are expected to launch in India before the end of this year.

When Ford India unveiled the Freestyle earlier this year, we got a fair idea on how the refreshed Figo and Figo Aspire would look like. Well, Ford has taken the wraps off the latter two but in South Africa. While Indian-spec Figo siblings could differ a bit, we can at least get a better idea on how they will look. Before we move ahead though, let’s make it clear that Figo Aspire in South Africa isn’t sold in Titanium variants. The range-topper there is the Trend. Moreover, it is over 4 metres in length.

Understandably, the front of the Figo and Figo Aspire look quite similar to what we saw on the Freestyle. Compared to the outgoing Figo and Figo Aspire models, the refreshed ones get a new front bumper, reprofiled headlamp enclosures and a chrome mesh grille. On the sides, the only noticeable difference is the design of the alloy wheels (could be market specific). At the rear, both models get new bumpers and that’s about it.

The inside of the refreshed models is quite different from what will be offered in India. So instead of focusing what’s on offer in South Africa, let’s focus on what the Indian-spec models might get. To keep costs in check, the Figo and Figo Aspire are expected to be sold in four variants, just like the Freestyle. The kit inside the cabin is expected to remain identical too.

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What will they gain over the outgoing versions? For starters, the 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system will come in the equation, which will also be offered with Ford’s SYNC3 system. Range-topping variants will get the support of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic headlamps and wipers and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The biggest change, however, will be in the engine department, specifically the petrol engine. The 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol that debuted with the Ford Freestyle will be offered with the refreshed Figo and Figo Aspire. It has 96PS of power and 120Nm of torque on tap, which will come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The same transmission will also do duty with the 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder diesel mill, which will produce 100PS/215Nm.

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Ford Freestyle Interiors

Any automatics? We sure hope so, but only with the petrol-powered engine. People might speculate that both models might borrow the 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine from the EcoSport, which is offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission. But that is unlikely to happen. Why? To keep the applicable taxes down on both the car in question. Ford might offer a brand new automatic transmission, which will be tail-made for the 1.2-litre petrol motor.

Ford cannot afford to ignore automatic transmission with either of these models. In the case of the Figo Aspire, nearly all the rivals offer a two-pedal setup in more than one variant. Expect Ford India to launch the refreshed Figo and Figo Aspire before the end of this year.

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Rachit Shad Trehan
A car nutter by heart. A hopeless engineer by education. Gunning for one goal - simplify cars.

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