Ford Figo Aspire Titanium Diesel vs. Volkswagen Ameo Highline Petrol: A Comprehensive Comparison
Choosing between the Ford Figo Aspire Titanium Diesel and the Volkswagen Ameo Highline Petrol can be quite a dilemma. The decision largely depends on your driving needs, budget, and specific priorities. Here's a thorough comparison between the two models to help you make an informed choice.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Both the Figo Aspire and Ameo offer different advantages when it comes to performance and fuel efficiency:
Performance
The Figo Aspire diesel variant comes with a 1.5L TDCi engine producing 99 BHP and 215 Nm of torque. It is significantly more powerful than the Ameo's 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol engine, which only develops 74 BHP and 110 Nm of torque. The Figo Aspire shines on the highway, easily crossing 120 km/h and feeling 3 seconds faster to 100 km/h compared to other compact sedans.
In contrast, the Ameo's engine is less powerful and suffers from refinement issues. Its engine design and performance make it the "only 3-cylinder engine in the segment and also the least powerful" as mentioned by industry experts.
Fuel Efficiency
The Figo Aspire Diesel excels in fuel efficiency. According to user feedback, the Figo Aspire delivers an impressive range of 18-19 kmpl in the city and up to 24 kmpl on highways. This makes it a more economical choice, especially for daily commutes and weekend trips.
The Ameo's petrol version, on the other hand, should also deliver decent fuel efficiency, though it may not quite match the Figo Aspire's performance in terms of fuel economy. Reports from Polo owners indicate average fuel consumption figures of around 12 km/l in the city and 15 km/l on highways.
Interior Features and Space
Both models offer different strengths in terms of interior features and space:
Interior Features
The Ameo boasts a long feature list, including modern amenities like cruise control, automatic rain-sensing wipers, and even anti-pinch power windows. The infotainment system includes a touchscreen head-unit with connectivity options including Android MirrorLink, CD/MP3, USB, SD Card, Aux-In, and Bluetooth. However, it lacks navigation and Apple CarPlay, though it does feature a reversing camera.
The Figo Aspire offers a well-designed cabin with a two-tone interior, resulting in an airy feel. While it lacks some advanced features like touchscreen infotainment, it compensates with a feature called MyDock, which uses your phone as a multimedia or navigation device. The center console tilts towards the driver, and the materials used are of high quality with excellent fit and finish.
Space
When it comes to cabin space, the Figo Aspire offers better legroom and under-thigh support, making it more comfortable for rear passengers. The boot capacity is also better, with a 359-liter capacity compared to the Ameo's 330 liters. Also, the Ameo has a prominent floor hump that can be intrusive, while the Figo Aspire’s is less prominent.
Cost of Ownership and Reliability
The Figo Aspire has an edge in terms of cost of ownership and reliability:
Cost of Ownership
The Figo Aspire is more economical to travel thanks to its fuel-efficient diesel engine. The Ameo, despite being a well-made car, has a higher cost of ownership due to the unforeseen expenses incurred on the DSG gearbox, which can be pricey to fix or replace. Additionally, Volkswagen's after-sales service can also add to the overall cost.
While the Figo Aspire’s service network is improving, it still offers better value for money over the long term.
Final Verdict
While both the Ford Figo Aspire and Volkswagen Ameo offer unique strengths, the Figo Aspire Diesel emerges as the clear winner. It provides superior fuel efficiency, performance, and overall value for money, making it the more practical choice for most drivers. If you prioritize a feature-packed car with advanced in-car technology, the Ameo might still be worth considering. However, for those seeking a well-rounded, high-performing, and reliable car, the Ford Figo Aspire is the ultimate pick.