Ford launches CNG variants of Aspire; prices begin from Rs 6.27 lakh

Ford has launched two CNG variants of the Aspire. The CNG variants are based on the Ambiente and Trend Plus variants and, are priced at Rs 6.27 lakh and Rs 7.12 lakh (both ex-showroom). Compared to their regular variants, the CNG-equipped versions are available at a premium of Rs 72,414 and Rs 52,414, respectively. Ford is offering the Ambiente variant only for commercial purposes. Private buyers, on the other hand, only have the option of buying the Trend Plus variant.

Comes with a 1 lakh km warranty for the car as well as the CNG kit.

Available in Ambiente and Trend Plus variants with the 1.2-litre petrol engine.

Only the Trend Plus can be registered as a private car.

Gets a stabilizer bar to maintain handling characteristics.

The only CNG powered sedan in India to have dual airbags as standard.

The Ford Aspire CNG has been launched in India today at Rs 6.27 lakh for the base Ambiente and Rs 7.12 lakh (both prices ex-showroom) for the Trend Plus variant. At these prices, the Ambiente CNG variant is Rs 72,414 more expensive, while the Trend Plus is priced at a premium of Rs 52,414, compared to their respective standard petrol variant. Out of the two, only the Trend Plus can be registered as a private car.

The CNG kit will be a dealer-level fitment and is being supplied and installed by Lovato, who will also be responsible for its warranty. Speaking of which, the car comes with a two-year/1 lakh km warranty and the CNG kit has a 1 lakh km warranty as well with a periodic maintenance interval of every 20,000km. Also, with the CNG kit, Ford is claiming a 46 paise/km maintenance cost.

Ford being Ford hasn't just added a CNG cylinder at the back. In fact, company has installed a front stabilizer bar in order to maintain the handling characteristics of the Aspire. Also, the CNG tank is a ‘suspension type cylinder fitment’ to free up boot space for better cargo capacity. In terms of features, the Trend Plus variant gets a rearview camera, remote central locking, automatic AC, power windows and a 7-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and Bluetooth. What’s interesting is that regular variants don’t come with this in-built navigation and it’s been possibly added keeping fleet owners in mind.

Available with the 1.2-litre petrol engine, the CNG kit is integrated with the engine control unit (ECU) and the specifications in the brochure are the same as the standard petrol car. The petrol engine makes 96PS of power and 120Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Apart from the Aspire, there is also the Hyundai Xcent Prime for fleet owners to pick from if they want a CNG-equipped sedan. And while the Xcent Prime is considerably cheaper than the Aspire, it misses out on a lot of features, and the safety kit offered on the Aspire.

Source: ZigWheels.com