The bad news first. The Figo Aspire is not the harbinger of beautiful sub-four metre sedans. Like its competitors, the Aspire looks disproportionate. It also lacks rear AC vents and any sort of visual or auditory parking aid.
Still with us? Great. Because, these things aside, what you see here is an extremely sound dynamic package. The Aspire, in our short drive in laid-back and beautiful Udaipur, showed quite a lot of, er, zest and pep that it hides beneath its humble appearance. There are three engines to choose from, of which we sampled two.
The 1.2-litre petrol(87bhp, 112Nm) is just about up to the task. You need to work it up to a good 3, 000 revs to get it going. And, beyond 5, 000, you get steady but glacial progress. The good thing with the 1.2, though, is despite it not being a powerhouse, it doesn’t need you to change gears frequently.
That sticks for the 1.5-litre diesel(99bhp, 215Nm) as well. But, cross 1, 500rpm, and this little sedan is open to a world of possibilities. On our roads, the Aspire never reminds you that it is a mere budget hatch that’s been converted into a sedan and should be treated accordingly