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Ford introduces new PowerShift six-speed, dual clutch automatic transmission in the upgraded Fiesta, providing superior fuel efficiency and excellent driving performance.
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Three engines are available – 1.4-litre Duratec, 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT and 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi.
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Standard quality and safety features on all Fiesta models include remote central locking, immobiliser, driver and passenger airbags, height adjustable steering wheel and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
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Sport model features seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain airbags and driver knee airbag)
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New Fiesta features Ford’s state-of-the-art kinetic design, available in four series levels – Ambiente, Trend, Sport and Titanium – in hatch and sedan body styles.
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Fiesta offers Voice Control technology, paired with Bluetooth®.
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Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control and Hill Hold and Hill Launch Assist (HLA) standard in PowerShift derivatives.
The latest version of Ford’s popular Fiesta has arrived in South Africa. Since its introduction, more than one million Fiestas have been sold globally. Customers will now be able to choose between a four-door sedan, five and three-door hatchbacks.
“The Fiesta offers the perfect blend of striking styling and performance with peace of mind and practicality,” says Ben Pillay, Ford Marketing Manager. “For 2010 we enter the next chapter with the Fiesta as we introduce the sedan body-style and further upgrade the Fiesta range to meet customer’s ever-changing needs.”
Ford is meeting growing customer demand for sporty small cars with a sleek, sophisticated design. The kinetic design philosophy can best be described as ‘energy in motion’. From front to rear, the Fiesta exudes presence and individuality.
“The Fiesta was initially designed to evoke emotion and character. The sleek sculpted design, characteristic of the kinetic design language, has found favour around the globe and with the upgraded model range these elements are further enhanced,” adds Pillay.
The front end features the familiar Ford signature grille with the Blue Oval trademark. Sweeping, elongated headlamps frame the hood. The Fiesta’s rear end stands out with chamfered rear lift gate glass, a low roofline, a spoiler and dramatic tail lamps. Muscular rear quarter panels wrap tightly over the wheels, giving the car a bold, muscular look.
The design features that set Fiesta apart on the outside also contribute to an inviting interior, with sculpted surfaces and contrasting colours. The instrument panel centre stack is designed to feel as familiar and useful as the keypad on popular hand-held electronic devices.
The Ford Fiesta delivers on spirited performance and fuel efficiency. The standard 1.4-litre engine is a proven performer with 70kW @ 5650rpm and maximum torque of 128Nm @ 4200rpm, while the larger 1.6-litre engine provides 88kW @ 6000rpm and 152Nm @ 4300rpm.
The 1.6-litre diesel model produces 66kW @ 4000rpm and 212Nm @ 1750rpm while using only 4.5ℓ/100km on the NEDC combined cycle.
The new PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission, available with the larger 1.6 petrol engine, combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual, with the convenience of an automatic, perfect for urban driving. With six forward gears, the engine can run at lower rpms for better fuel economy and less wear and tear. This technologically advanced transmission is normally found in larger, more expensive vehicles.
Hill Hold and Hill Launch Assist (HLA), available on PowerShift derivatives, is another important safety feature. It keeps the car at a standstill on an incline without having to use the handbrake, preventing the vehicle from rolling back. Brake pressure is maintained until the engine delivers enough torque to move the vehicle up the hill, providing improved driver confidence and comfort. The system works in forward and reverse gears.
In addition a gradient assist function can be activated when climbing steep gradients where there may be a tendency for the transmission to continually shift between gears. By activating a button located on the gear lever, it allows for improved drivability in hilly terrain.
The new Fiesta is strong on safety features. An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is standard across the entire Fiesta range. EBD automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle’s brakes based on road conditions, speed and loading to maximise stopping power while still maintaining control of the vehicle.
PoweShift models are equipped with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). ESP senses when your vehicle is losing road grip and automatically applies braking force to individual wheels, to stabilise it in all driving conditions. These models also feature standard traction control.
Specially tuned front struts, bushings, damper stabiliser bars and a rear twist-beam axle provide sure-footed performance and comfort.
Fiesta’s ability to hug the road and cruise quietly is made possible by its rigid body structure, which Ford engineers have strengthened in many critical areas. More than 55% of the structure uses high-strength steel with ultra-strong boron steel reinforcing several key points.
The result is occupant safety – passengers are better protected in the event of a side impact. Safety is also enhanced by standard driver and passenger airbags on all models. The Sport model features seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain airbags and driver knee airbag) as standard equipment, which earned it a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Customers will notice lower levels of road noise due to the use of an exclusive, specially- laminated windshield. A hood blanket keeps a lid on engine noise and double door seals help reduce wind noise.
All new Fiesta models are equipped with Radio/CD with MP3 and AUX input connections for personal entertainment devices. The Trend, Sport and Titanium models are also equipped with Voice Control technology paired with Bluetooth®. This provides wireless connectivity to a mobile phone, allowing you to use your voice to make and receive calls, change the radio station or music track, all playing through a six-speaker sound system. Sport and Titanium models also are available with a USB audio plug-in feature.
FIESTA RANGE
There are now 13 Fiesta models on offer in varying specification grades allowing customers to choose the Fiesta that best suits their individual needs. The range comprises of the following:
Fiesta four-door sedan:
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1.4 Ambiente
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1.6 Ambiente
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1.6 TDCi Ambiente
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1.6 Trend PowerShift
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1.6 Trend
Fiesta five-door hatch:
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1.4 Ambiente
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1.6 Ambiente
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1.6 TDCi Ambiente
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1.6 Ambiente PowerShift
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1.4 Trend
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1.6 Trend
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1.6 Sport
Fiesta three-door hatch:
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1.6 Titanium
The newly introduced four-door model range is made up of five derivatives. The entry level Ambiente remains well equipped with features like 15″ steel wheels with wheel covers; ABS with EBD; driver and passenger airbags; remote central locking; ISOFIX child seats anchors; air- conditioning; front power windows; Radio/CD with MP3 capability; auxiliary audio connector and four speakers.
The 1.6 Trend is available in manual guise or with the option of Ford’s innovative PowerShift transmission. The Trend boasts a number of features over and above the Ambiente, these include 15″ alloy wheels; a perimeter alarm with double locking; rear power windows; three-spoke steering wheel with remote audio controls; fuel computer which displays information such as distance to empty; average fuel consumption; average speed and outside temperature. Radio/CD/MP3 comes standard with six speakers; Bluetooth connectivity and voice control.
The 1.6 Trend PowerShift benefits from the addition of an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control, Hill Hold and Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and a gradient assist function.
Similar to the four-door range the Ambiente models are positioned as the entry to the hatch range. The five-door Ambiente range consists of a 1.4, 1.6 5-speed manual transmission, 1.6 PowerShift and 1.6 TDCi derivative. Both the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines are on offer in the Trend range, as well as a higher specification 1.6 Sport derivative.
The Sport, new to the range, features seven airbags including side and curtain airbags; a driver knee airbag; sports seats; leather covered steering wheel with remote audio controls; a USB connector over and above the Trend models. The Sport model is also differentiated by its sports suspension; 16″ alloy wheels; body colour front and rear bumpers with Sport trim; a unique Sport lower radiator grille with twin feature rings; front fog lamps with chrome bezel and a larger, sporty rear spoiler.
Completing the range is the 1.6 Titanium three-door model, this derivative employs high contrast finishes for a sleek, technical appearance inspired by premium technology brands. Exterior styling cues include chrome accents; 16” alloy wheels; halogen projector headlamps; front fog lamps with chrome bezel and a full sporty body kit that includes a bumper grille and large rear spoiler.
“Since its introduction in 2008 the Fiesta has been well-received offering many big-car features in an affordable and desirable package. We are now able to offer even greater appeal to our customers by introducing a new body-style and enhancing a number of features on offer,” concludes Pillay.
The Ford Fiesta is available with a fully comprehensive 4-year / 120 000km warranty and 4-year / 60 000km service plan. Service intervals are staggered at 20 000km intervals for the petrol derivative and 15 000km for the diesel models. Customers will also benefit from 3-years of Roadside Assistance and a 5-year corrosion warranty
