Ford has launched the all-new Fiesta saloon with 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine options.
The 1.5-litre petrol motor is a scaled down version of the 1.6-litre engine that powers the Fiesta Classic. However, the newer engine comes with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) which boosts power to an impressive 108.46bhp.
The diesel motor is an enlarged version of the 1.4 Duratorq and now comes with an intercooler. The engine now develops 89.72bhp and 20.81kgm of torque. Both cars are equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox and a twin clutch auto ‘box is expected later this year.
Ford India claims that the Fiesta gives best in class fuel efficiency of 17kpl for the petrol and 23.5kpl for the diesel according to the ARAI test cycle.
The new Fiesta is available in four variants and the higher variants come loaded with first-in-class features like Voice control that allows the use of a person's voice to make and receive calls, change the radio station or music track and control the temperature. Other features include cruise control, USB/AUX-in connectivity and rear parking sensors. The Electric Power Steering (EPAS) has Pull Drift Compensation technology which aids stability.
The Style and Trend variants lack Bluetooth and Voice Control, but the latter gets automatic climate control while the base variant comes with a manual AC. All variants are offered with Aux-in port while only the Titanium and Titanium+ get USB connectivity and voice activated controls for the AC as well. All Fiestas are available with ABS, EBD and dual airbags. Base version makes do without turn indicators on ORVM and alloy wheels. Cruise control and reverse parking camera is available on the Titanium+ variant only. Fog lamps are available from the Trend variant up.
Ford Fiesta will compete head-to-head with the Honda City, Hyundai Verna 1.6 and VW Vento. The petrol variants are priced from Rs 8.23 lakh to Rs 9.24 lakh. In comparison, Verna 1.6 petrol is priced at Rs 7.64 lakh to Rs 8.95 lakh. The prices for diesel Fiesta start at Rs 9.27 lakh to Rs 10.42 lakh, while the Verna 1.6 Diesel is priced at Rs 9.34 lakh to Rs 10.04 lakh.
This new Mondeo 1.6 Duratorg is, in effect, a traditional car with a modern appetite. It’s big enough to carry lots of kids, dogs and luggage; despite solid depreciation, while delivering spectacular fuel economy, without any serious performance penalty. It takes you back to days when Mondeo-class cars cars were what everyone bought, before Golf/Focus-sized cars got roomier and more capable, premium manufacturers started offering cheaper cars and SUVs and MPVs got into the act. Still to be launched in India
What’s it like?
It’s a thoroughly likeable car, and not bad value. Things have stabilised lately as mass manufacturers have lifted their cars’ quality and equipment — and started achieving amazing results on economy. The new 114 bhp Mondeo 1.6 DCTi Titanium X (equipped with stop-start) is the perfect case in point: suddenly this spacious and well equipped family car can return the deeply impressive combined cycle fuel figure of 65.7 mpg, along with CO2 emissions of just 114g/km, which puts it securely in the zero VED band. Real world economy in all but the most difficult crawling traffic should be well into the 50s.
The great seems to cause no penalty in performance terms. The 1.6 Mondeo can still cruise easily with motorway traffic in its high sixth gear, or accelerate from zero to 60 mph in around 11.6 seconds, if you insist. Top speed is 118 mph. More important than any actual figure is the fact that the car feels both energetic enough for decent open-road passing, and flexible for dribbling smoothly around down. And it’s around 100 kg lighter than biger-capacity diesels. There is certainly no feeling that it’s underpowered. The engine is unobtrusive, too, which further aids the car’s role as a family cruiser: the 70 litre tank gives it a prodigious touring range around 750 miles.
Handling? Fords have been among the market’s best driver’s cars for several decades now — and it was a Mondeo model that showed how good they could become. The steering is beautifully weighted, the ride is well-damped but flat and quiet. Choose bigger wheels than 17-inch carefully, though. They firm things up quite a bit, perhaps too much for some. Should I buy one?
It’s a serious proposition, if you need an economical large car. Our test car had an impressive array of Titanium X gadgetry (the only gizmo you truly need is the £1250 touch-screen navigation), which make the smallest-engined Mondeo diesel a viable and sensible choice the many people who value economy as much as they need comfort and space. This is a former star that deserves rediscovery.
We’ve just driven the new Fiesta in India, and first impressions are very promising.
For a start the car looks stunning in the flesh. The nose looks very modern with its Scimitar like headlights and slot like grille, and the new Fiesta has an attractive looking profile too. There is a large rear overhang however and this does make it look a bit ungainly from some angles.
The Fiesta however rides superbly. The suspension has been raised slightly for Indian roads and the tallish 195/60 R15 profile tyres help absorb most of the poor patches quite effortlessly. The very stiff and light new body shell on this new Ford also gives it a dynamic edge and the new Fiesta drives like a ‘proper’ Ford. And by that we mean shattering grip, pin sharp handling and impressive stability. In fact, we think the new Fiesta, that’s built on the B2E platform (shared with the award winning Mazda 2), drives even better than the current Fiesta Classic. And that’s saying something. The electric steering is almost as good as that on the Renault Fluence, one of the best around, and the confidence instilled in the driver is tremendous.
On offer are two strong engines, but neither fully exploit the Fiesta's brilliant chassis. It feels that the chassis could do with some more power. However, it still adds to the driver appeal. The 1.5-litre petrol is a scaled down version of the 1.6-litre motor that powers the Fiesta Classic, but power and performance are increased. The new engine uses variable valve timing, boosting power to 108bhp and performance from behind the wheel is effortless. Part throttle responses are very linear and the Fiesta petrol feels perfect for everyday driving. It’s no City though, and dosen’t feel as responsive or as eager to spin hard as the Honda.
Ford has also scaled down its new 1.6-litre diesel to 1.5 liters. A larger turbo and intercooler help deliver 90bhp and 21kgm of torque, and the diesel has plenty of punch in the mid-rage too. And this motor feels very refined and silent as well. There is however a bit of lag below 1800rpm, progress is jerky at low engine speeds and we think the clutch could have been lighter.
The five-speed gearbox on both cars however is impressive and cog swapping as a result is no chore. Ford will also introduce a twin clutch auto ‘box later in the year; a first in the segment. And that could be worth waiting for. With the tall gearing and light body, Ford’s also claiming class leading fuel economy for both cars under test conditions, which could be promising. We’ll however reserve our judgment for when we conduct our own real world fuel economy tests.
What’s certain however is that the new Fiesta feels like a very modern car. The interiors are very funky, courtesy the modern sloping dash and the steeply raked instrument panel, and there’s enough equipment here to keep even gadget freaks happy. Overall comfort is impressive as well. The large front seats have plenty of bolstering, ideal for sporty driving, and the rear seats are also reasonably comfy. Still, more rear legroom, headroom and the cabin width could have increased comfort substantially. And plastic quality and fit and finish should have been better in places as well. The overall build of the car however, amply demonstrated by the impressive door-shut, is very tough and this lends plenty of character to the Fiesta.
Ford will initially put two petrol and two diesel versions on sale and we expect prices to range from Rs 9 to Rs 11 lakh ex showroom, which could put the new Fiesta in contention for class honours. We just can’t wait to compare it to its rivals.
Fast Facts About New Ford Fiesta
Overview of New Ford Fiesta
Ford India unveiled the 2011 new Fiesta in New Delhi on 14th April but didn't announce the prices of the car. Exceptr the prices, the company has revealed all the details about the car includings technical specifications, features and variants of the car. The bookings of new Fiesta will start from tomorrow. The car is based on all-new platform and not resembles the current generation Fiesta in terms of design and styling. The interiors are also different with all-new design for central console, new steering wheel with audio controls on it and also features automatic climate control system. It is expected that Ford India is going to price the new Fiesta more than the current generation Fiesta and they will sell both the models simultaneously. This is the best strategy to cash-in by selling two generations of cars like Hyundai did with Accent and Skoda did with Octavia.
The website of New 2011 Ford Fiesta is up and the dealers have started accepting the bookings of the car. Display vehicles have reached the showrooms and brochures are available from the dealers. Booking amount is around fifty thousand rupees. The car is going to be launched in few hours.
Fast Facts About New Ford Fiesta
- Unveiled on 14th April in New Delhi - Will be launched tomorrow (14th July, 2011) - Is based on all-new platform, Features all new interiors, New design for central console - Even the base model gets safety features like SRS airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) - Ford India will sell the old Fiesta as Fiesta Classic in India - The base variant of petrol is expected to be priced around 7.5 lakh rupees - The base variant of diesel is expected to be priced around 8.5 lakh rupees - Will be available in eight variants - 4 of petrol and 4 of diesel - Both engines are of 1.5 litre displacement and are expected to be very fuel efficient - Will be available in seven attractive shades - Exact prices will be announced at the time of launch on 14th July
Expected price of New Ford Fiesta
- New Ford Fiesta Petrol Style - 7,50,000 - New Ford Fiesta Petrol Trend - 8,00,000 - New Ford Fiesta Petrol Titanium - 8,50,000 - New Ford Fiesta Petrol Titanium+ - 9,00,000
- New Ford Fiesta Diesel Style - 8,50,000 - New Ford Fiesta Diesel Trend - 9,00,000 - New Ford Fiesta Diesel Titanium - 9,50,000 - New Ford Fiesta Diesel Titanium+ - 10,00,000
It is expected that Ford India is going to price the New Fiesta very competitively around 7,50,000 rupees for the base model of petrol and 8,50,000 rupees for the base model of diesel. This means that new Fiesta will be a steal at this price because it offers loads of comfort and safety features in comparison to its rivals including the Honda City, Volkswagen Vento and Hyundai Verna. Even the base models of New Fiesta will feature dual SRS airbags, EBD, ABS, Dash integrated music system, Steering mounted audio controls, rear defogger, power steering, power windows, air-conditioner, remote central locking and tachometer. Exact prices will be announced at the time of launch on 14th July.
Design and Interiors of New Ford Fiesta
New Fiesta is seriously a looker, it has got very energetic and dynamic looks. It looks much better in comparison to the last generation model of Fiesta. The large peeled-back headlamps and wrap-around tail lights give new Fiesta a very distinct look. The top model of Fiesta will comes with rear-view mirror integrated turn indicators, seventeen inch alloy wheels, crystal clear fog lights. The interiors are also all-new with new design for the instrument cluster, central console and steering wheel. The top model of new Fiesta will come fully loaded with power steering, power windows, remote central locking, automatic climate control system, multimedia display screen above the central console, cruise control and steering mounted audio controls.
The interiors of new Fiesta are very spacious and comfortable in comparison to the 2010 model of Fiesta. The only drawback is that the rear leg-room is little less for six feet plus passengers. The mobile phone-inspired controls in the console and on the steering wheel make it easy to activate Cruise Control and voice control, while the multi-function LED display gives you all the information you need. The Voice Control feature allows the use of one’s voice to take control of multiple devices and to make and receive calls, change the radio station, climate control settings or music track, while the music plays through a six-speaker sound system.
Expected Launch Date of New Ford Fiesta
Ford has only unveiled the new Fiesta in New Delhi and no official announcement has been made about the price of the car. It is expected that bookings of New Fiesta will start from tomorrow (14th July, 2011) and deliveries will start soon.
New Ford Fiesta will be available with two engine options - 1 diesel and 1 petrol. The 1.5 litre petrol engine develops maximum power of 108 Bhp at 6045 rpm with maximum torque of 140 Nm at 4500 rpm. The 1.5 litre diesel engine develops maximum power of 90 Bhp at 3750 rpm with maximum torque of 204 Nm at 2000 rpm. It is expected that apart from being powerful and reliable, both the engines are expected to be very fuel efficient. The ARAI claimed fuel efficiency figures are 23 kmpl for diesel and 17 kmpl for the petrol version.
Variants of New Ford Fiesta
- New Ford Fiesta Petrol Style - New Ford Fiesta Petrol Trend - New Ford Fiesta Petrol Titanium - New Ford Fiesta Petrol Titanium+
- New Ford Fiesta Diesel Style - New Ford Fiesta Diesel Trend - New Ford Fiesta Diesel Titanium - New Ford Fiesta Diesel Titanium+
New Ford Fiesta will be available in eight variants - four of petrol and four of diesel.
Shades Available in New Ford Fiesta
New Ford Fiesta will be available in seven attractive shades:
- Sea Grey - Panther Black - Diamond White - Chill Metallic - Moon Dust Silver - Kinetic Blue (New Shade) - Squeeze (New Shade)
Safety Features of New Ford Fiesta
New Ford Fiesta is a very safe car, even the base variants will come with dual SRS airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution). The stylish body of new Fiesta has been injected with ultra high strength boron steel, four times stronger than standard high strength steel, yet much lighter. New Fiesta creates a strong safety capsule, reinforced by driver and passenger side airbags, without compromising on fuel efficiency.
Main Features of New Ford Fiesta
The top variant of new Ford Fiesta will be fully loaded with following features:
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking system) and Airbags - Engine Start/Stop button, Bluetooth music system - Human machine interface (HMI) LCD atop center console to set music, vehicle settings etc. - Black and silver interiors, Plum, black and silver confirmed for titanium model - Automatic climate control, Multimedia Display screen - Leather seats, Electrically Adjustable and foldable ORVMs - Steering mounted audio controls, Music player featuring a keypad to dial numbers - Power steering, Power windows, Remote central locking - Electronic Cruise Control system with controls on the steering - Voice activated control system, Mobile inspired center console - USB/Aux-in connectivity in dash integrated music system with 6 speakers - Reverse parking sensors for hassle-free parking
Press Release - New Ford Fiesta Unveiled in New Delhi
All-new Fiesta Wows Indian Customers at Fiesta Café Reveal
- Ford India unveils the all-new globally acclaimed Fiesta Sedan – with its eye-catching kinetic design, world-class quality, convenience, and comfort, with rich interiors and voice-activated entertainment and communication consoles – as its premium sedan offering in India
- Dazzling new interactive Fiesta Café experience accompanies the reveal at an upmarket Delhi shopping mall
- Digital ambience, imagery and activities invite all to see, touch and experience the car
- The all-new global Fiesta brings a mix of comfort, performance and connectivity that extends an `always connected’ feel, previously unseen in its segment
New Delhi, 14 April, 2011 – The all-new Fiesta enthralled customers in India at a first ever Fiesta Café reveal at the Select CITYWALK Mall in Saket, New Delhi today. Taking the crowd of urbane shoppers by surprise, the innovative digital Fiesta Café pavilion revealed the latest new-generation wheels from Ford to complement their active lifestyles and persona – the all-new Ford Fiesta.
The Fiesta four-door premium sedan arrives in India with a tremendous reputation built on the back of an amazing track record of auto award wins, critical acclaim and record-breaking sales. The car has topped international sales charts including over 1 million sales worldwide, and has wowed customers, critics and dealers alike globally.
“The new Fiesta will be a segment-leading product in India with intuitive first-in-class smart features and fuel economy that raises the bar in every way,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director of Ford India, unveiling the car. “Fiesta is a dynamic, premium car that elicits an emotional response from both the observer and driver,” he added.
Bold kinetic design - Fiesta’s striking new design is a perfect match for the upwardly mobile and strongly independent Indian customer who wants to make a style statement with his new set of wheels. Fiesta’s kinetic design imparts a sense of movement – even while standing still – harmonising ‘unmistakeably Ford’ character elements to reflect a strong identity, enabling Fiesta to project an air of confidence, style and individuality.
Sleek wraparound “Foxy eyes’ headlamps sweep back sharply, hugging the sides of a sculpted, clamshell bonnet. Prominent wheel arches reflect muscularity, athleticism and confident handling. From the side, the Fiesta looks like a sprinter ready to spring out of the starting blocks.
Intuitive, aesthetic interiors - The all-new Fiesta’s seductive and aesthetic interiors reveal an advanced technological cockpit which is intuitive and impressively modern. Fiesta is as dramatic on the inside as it is on the outside. Boldly sculpted surfaces, contrasting colours and comfortable, supportive materials make the interior as individual as the driver. The instrument panel centre stack – focal point of the new Fiesta interior – was designed to feel as useful and intuitive as the keypad on a mobile phone.
Designers found inspiration in modern consumer electronics to create the futuristic look and feel of the Fiesta’s cabin and driver controls. This new approach to form and function is a reflection of Ford’s Human Machine Interface (HMI) strategy. With high-quality finishing touches in its interior, appealing contemporary materials and user interfaces inspired by the latest personal electronics, the all-new Fiesta is no ordinary car.
Superior driving dynamics - New Ford Fiesta models feature modern, fuel-efficient powertains that deliver exceptional power, class-leading fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. Powered by new top-of-the-line Ti-VCT petrol and TDCi diesel powertrains developed for India, the new sedan delivers excellent handling in city as well as highway conditions, without sacrificing its essentially sporty character. It also comes equipped with Cruise Control that adds to ease of driving and is a first for its segment.
Extreme entertainment and comfort - A first in this segment, the Fiesta is equipped with smart Voice Control technology paired with Bluetooth®, which provides wireless connectivity to a mobile phone. The Voice Control feature allows the use of one’s voice to take control of multiple devices and to make and receive calls, change the radio station, climate control settings or music track, while the music plays through a six-speaker sound system.
“The new Fiesta includes several exciting entertainment and comfort features keeping our Indian customers in mind. We believe the personal electronics inspired centre stack will be a hit among our gadget-savvy customers for whom technology is a way of life – with its purposeful functionality and aesthetics,” said Nigel Wark, executive director, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford India.
“The introduction of the Fiesta further supports our One Ford strategy of providing a full family of vehicles that lead in safety, quality, fuel efficiency and innovative technology,” Boneham added.
“Fiesta, which we believe is the right sedan that befits the desired esteem and attitude of our customers, will add further dynamism and diversity to our showrooms nationwide.”
Fiesta Café experience - Realising that the Fiesta is an all-round expansion of the personality of the young and upwardly mobile customer with its new connectivity and entertainment features, Ford introduced a unique and interactive ‘Fiesta Café’ at its reveal pavilion.
Customers can walk in to the café and soak in the Fiesta ambience amidst a digital media environment, cool gadgets and imagery. While a ‘Fan Wall’ beams live social media feeds about the Fiesta, sonic chairs with integrated speakers invite the customers to sit awhile and learn more about the sedan’s new features via iPad applications and an all-new Fiesta menu caters to their tastes. The café is expected to be a huge attraction among Fiesta enthusiasts with crowds thronging it to check out the cool all-new sedan and its enthralling array of smart features.
The new Fiesta, which will be built at Ford’s Maraimalai Nagar plant, is the first model to be introduced under a plan announced by the company last year to launch eight new global Ford vehicles to India by the middle of the decade. “This youthful spirit is complemented by a dazzling array of smart technologies and features designed to provide a safer and more comfortable ride – features that will engage a whole new segment of customers to drive Ford’s momentum in India’s high volume and fast growing passenger car B-segment,” Wark concluded.
More About New Ford Fiesta
All the right connections - The smartly intuitive technology in the all-new Fiesta keeps your busy life on the move in a way that’s totally effortless. Voice control and Bluetooth®^ put you in total control on the road and your life. Just ask and all-new Fiesta will get important people on the phone, so you’re always in touch with your business and home. It will keep your air conditioning at just the right temperature for you – a little cooler, a little warmer, more fan - just say what’s on your mind and it’s done. It will even play your favourite iPod^^ playlists CD tracks and change radio stations. It allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on what’s ahead.
Quality surrounds you - There’s a very good reason why the all-new Fiesta is taking the world by storm. Not only is it equipped with advanced technology that puts you in control, but its spacious interior design delivers a quiet sophistication that perfectly combines form and function. Quality and craftsmanship are evident in every elegant curve of the cockpit-like interior that embraces you and places all controls where you need them. Close at hand and in sight. As soon as you close the door, the hustle and bustle of the outside world remains where you want it. Outside the car. With best-in-class in-cabin noise, the rarefied atmosphere inside your all-new Fiesta is a true oasis of calm. The mobile phone-inspired controls in the console and on the steering wheel make it easy to activate Cruise Control and voice control, while the multi-function LED display gives you all the information you need. And when you park your car, the outside mirrors automatically fold inward so there’s less chance of damage from passers-by. So your Fiesta’s good looks stay that way.
Make the right impression - The bold, athletic lines of the all-new Fiesta are an arresting sight on any street. From its strong sculptured curves to the sweeping lines of its headlamps, its perpetual sense of energy and motion draws the eye. And while its every curve and nuance shouts style, alloy wheels and Ford’s signature inverted trapezoid grille deliver just the right amount of sophistication.The European styling of the tail lights merges effortlessly with all-new Fiesta’s dynamic lines making this a car that commands attention, from any angle.
Getting ahead has never been easier - With the latest drive technology in your hands, taking to the road in the all-new Fiesta is a revelation. Smooth, effortless and responsive, you feel more connected to the road than ever. And with Cruise Control, available for the first time in its class, the type of long-haul driving that often leaves you feeling drained, instead leaves you feeling energised. At the same time, Cruise Control’s ability to maintain a constant speed contributes to all-new Fiesta’s class-leading fuel economy. The steering is built for ease too, with Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS with Pull Drift Compensation technology) automatically adjusting to the road conditions. It makes light work of parking and driving around city roads, while it becomes more ‘rigid’ with speed on the open road to prevent the possibility of over-correction in corners and give you more control. Add the reduced engine vibration and noise from the advanced technology of Fiesta’s all-new, highly-refined engines and you have one of the most exhilarating driving experiences on the road today.
Peace of mind for you and your family - Your safety and that of your family is not just your priority. It’s also the priority of the all-new Fiesta. Its stylish body has been injected with ultra high strength boron steel, four times stronger than standard high strength steel, yet much lighter. It creates a strong safety capsule, reinforced by driver and passenger side airbags, without compromising on fuel efficiency. Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (ABS with EBD) is standard across the range. So you have more control, even when braking suddenly or swerving to avoid the unexpected. With such high safety standards built-in, one of the outstanding benefits of driving the all-new Fiesta is the confidence and peace of mind it brings. For you and your family.
Power packed performance while frugal on fuel - Adding to the superior drive of the all-new Fiesta is the outstanding performance and efficiency of its engines. Leading the way is the new TiVCT petrol engine, designed specifically for local driving conditions. Its advanced, twin independent variable cam timing delivers optimum performance to deliver new levels of fuel economy, power and reduced emissions. Or you can choose the highly-refined TDCi diesel, which delivers class-leading fuel efficiency and performance that will change your perception of diesel engines forever.
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that's it for now.............Drive safe make sure you wear your seat belts and please do not use high beams........
The all-new Fiesta is the first contemporary saloon that Ford will launch in India in May 2011. Ford is now bringing its latest products to the Indian market and the company’s new ‘One Ford’ mantra means Fiestas sold in China, Thailand or the US are ostensibly the same as the ones that will come to India.
The new Fiesta is built on the company’s B2E platform, which has won much acclaim for its light yet stiff construction. The hatchback version won’t be coming soon to India. India will get the saloon derivative currently sold in China and other Asian markets. The Fiesta saloon’s wheelbase is the same as the hatchback. Ford India wasn’t part of the B299 programme in the early stages when it could have asked for a longer wheelbase, which is so crucial in a segment where the rear seat is important.
The boot section has been integrated seamlessly, and merges well with the rest of the body. There is however an awkward-looking area above the rear wheel arches that makes the rear tyres look a touch puny. However, the nose is striking and, apart from the Honda City, the Fiesta looks far more futuristic and cutting edge than any of its competition. Ford’s ‘Kinetic Design’ language is amply evident in the new Fiesta. Sharp cuts, strong creases and taut skinning make the Fiesta look like it’s full of energy. The swept-back, dagger-like headlights straddle a slot-like intake while the large, lower trapezoidal grille is a common Kinetic Design feature. The steeply raked front and rear pillars and quarter-glasses at both ends support a sporty looking roofline. The rear tail-lights straddle an upright boot lid.
The new Fiesta comes with an exceptionally rigid chassis that makes suspension tuning a lot easier. It also comes with electrically assisted steering which uses a column-mounted motor. For the Indian market, Ford is using a higher profile tyre (195/60 R15) which has increased the new Fiesta’s ground clearance by 15mm.
The new Fiesta’s interiors are dramatically different from the present car. There’s a wing-like design theme to the dashboard. The large screen is very easy to read and is a useful feature that’s missing in the Fiesta’s rivals. The new Fiesta will be the first Ford in India to get electronic climate control and steering-mounted audio controls. The Indian Fiesta is expected to be launched with light shades and richer materials. The dashboard is nicely textured with soft-touch material but some plastics lower down look shiny and cheap; some of the switchgear too doesn’t feel premium either. But what really lets the interiors down is the rear seat which simply can’t match a City or Vento for legroom. Headroom too is not as generous and the small rear windows add to the cooped-up feeling. The saving grace is that the seats themselves are quite comfy with generous cushioning. The driving position is superb, the pedals are well spaced and there’s even a dead pedal to rest your foot. There isn’t an abundance of storage space inside the cabin and the flattened glovebox, which improves kneeroom, can’t hold much and neither can the door pockets. Boot space is average but the 60:40 split of the rear seats is useful.
The new Fiesta is likely to use Ford’s DV6 or 1.6-litre Duratorq diesel engine which develops around 90bhp. Though it’s not as powerful as the Vento’s 1.6 diesel, we expect it to be more responsive just like the smaller 1.4 Durtatorq in the old Fiesta. What Ford has confirmed is a 120bhp 1.6-litre petrol which will put the new Fiesta on par with the City and Linea T-Jet. This engine gets variable valve timing which boosts power by a whopping 20bhp. The Indian Fiesta will get the same IB5 manual gearbox.
The responsive 1.6 engine is quick off the line and revs eagerly and with smoothness that makes it more than a match for the City. Also impressive is the low NVH levels. Even at max revs, it doesn’t sound overly thrashy or strained. Power delivery is fairly linear. The 1.6 petrol Fiesta is undoubtedly quick but special mention must be made of Ford’s PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission, a twin-clutch unit that feels more direct and connected than a conventional torque converter. Gear changes are quite seamless, especially at higher speeds, but in slow-moving traffic, the transmission feels a bit jerky. The big advantage of Ford’s dual-clutch PowerShift transmission is superior fuel efficiency and Ford should consider launching an automatic option for India.
The Fiesta’s ride and handling is miles ahead of the competition. Its dynamics are very special and it handles uneven and poorly surfaced roads very well. The brilliance of the Fiesta’s chassis lies in how supple the suspension feels and the way it glides over bumpy surfaces with just the right amount of vertical movement. The body control and grip is so good that you can scythe through a series of bends with complete confidence. Straightline stability at highway speeds is terrific, and the Fiesta is very reassuring to drive. The steering is the best example of an electrically power assisted system we have experienced. It has a pleasing weight to it, a consistent feel and lets you place the nose accurately where you want to. The key to the Fiesta’s class-leading dynamics lie in the stiff and rigid chassis.
The present Fiesta is a pretty good car, but it’s the new model with its modern and upmarket looks, strong engines and amazing ride and handling that has the potential to go straight to the top of the class. It isn’t very spacious and the interior quality is a bit of a letdown but for sheer driving pleasure nothing comes close. With the right pricing, it could prove to be the most serious threat to the Honda City yet.
FACT FILE>>>>>>>>
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that's it for now.............Drive safe make sure you wear your seat belts and please do not use high beams........
Ford has launched its latest generation Fiesta saloon in India. The company hasn’t revealed the prices yet, but as per our sources the new Fiesta will be slightly cheaper than its main rival and the segment leader, the Honda City.
The new Fiesta is the first in a series of eight new global products that the American carmaker plans to bring to India by 2015. The new Fiesta (codenamed B299) employs Ford’s global kinetic design theme and is bigger than the Fiesta Classic currently sold in our market.
The next-gen Fiesta is built on a platform shared with the Mazda 2, and has a wheelbase of 2489mm – almost the same as the Fiesta Classic. Ford has tuned this platform to its own high standards and this should give it a very comfortable ride and agile handling.
The new Fiesta gets a more powerful 1.6-litre petrol motor producing 120bhp. The diesel gets 90bhp of max power from its 1.6-litre motor, up from the current 1.4’s 68bhp and it will have a very useful 20.7kgm of torque, giving it a very petrol-like feel.
Speaking at the event Nigel Wark, executive director for marketing, sales and customer service of Ford India said, “this model is part of Ford’s plan to launch eight new models by middle of this decade in India.”
The car will be targeted at the premium end of the midsize market and will take on the Honda City for price. Ford is banking on technology to push sales of the new saloon. The car comes with plenty of features including voice control tech with Bluetooth to pair with mobile phones. It also features pull drive compensation, a suspension feature that helps reduce understeer in a front wheel drive car. The Fiesta will also get rear parking sensors as part of the features list.
Manufactured at Ford's Chennai plant, the next-gen Fiesta comes with fresh sharp looks, better interiors and is a perfect combination of Japanese and European engineering. The new Fiesta is here to take the game a step ahead for Ford.
that's it for today.............Drive safe make sure you wear your seat belts and please do not use high beams
