Figo Aspire is Ford's answer to Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze

Ford has taken the wraps off Figo Aspire, their new sub-compact sedan that will take on Suzuki Desire and Honda Amaze in this increasingly crowded segment.

The Figo Aspire was first unveiled in concept form at the Auto Expo on the outskirts of Delhi last year. 13 months later, the production of the car has begun with sales due to start later this year.

It will be come in both petrol and diesel variants - each mated to a six-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox. Power figures weren’t disclosed by the American car maker.

On the inside, the Figo Aspire sports company’s in-car communication and entertainment system, Sync. Safety needs are also well taken care of with side and curtain airbags.

The launch took place at Ford’s new production facility in Sanand, on the outskirts of Ahmadabad. The 460 acre facility is Ford’s second factory in India and is built at a cost of $1 billion. It is capable of producing 240,000 cars and 270,000 engines in a year, taking Ford’s combined capacity to 440,000 cars and 610,000 engines.

A significant proportion of the cars will be exported to the other parts of the world while Indians will enjoy cars at cheaper rate due to local production. Ford has deliberately chosen the state of Gujarat where the government offers a slew of incentives to strengthen its stranglehold as the industrial capital of the country.