The Classic variant presented last week seemed like a Fiesta built for the BPO operators and that was a tad disappointing to see given the Fiesta’ driver-seat USP. But day before yesterday was a different story. I spent just ten minutes with the new Fiesta and it gave me a good feeling. This is what a Fiesta should really be like. It looks nothing like what you see today in India because it sticks to Ford’s tradition of being a fun to drive car. At least it seems like it.
Rear gels seamlessly into the C-Pillar winning Ford brownie points
Ford now sells 3 versions of the Fiesta in India – the Figo is the previous generation Fiesta, the Classic is a sedan on that platform and the new Fiesta is the current generation model.
Seen from directly behind, the rear does appear a little boxy
The Ikon was another booted Fiesta from the early 90′s, production of which came to a close early this year.
Kinetic design language in full flow - notice chrome linings on air dam and around fog lights
We’ll dive right into the new Fiesta and learn about what I’m going on about -
Reinforced side bolsters and the extended under-thigh support for front seats is exciting
Designed for the driver’ seat, the Fiesta’ a whole hearted attempt to add fun to driving. The fat seat bolsters and extra under-thigh support have the intention to keep the driver locked in during hard cornering.
Steering wheel feels good to grip and dials are easy to read too
The steering feels good to grip and the gear lever is shaped differently and the shifts felt lively. This is not a Point A-B car. It’s not going to be a taxi market’ love, I can say confidently.
There's a good level of chrome content on the body, the premium feel is present
Remember that these are interpretations from a static car and only after a spin we’ll be able to give you the real picture.
The gear lever is slightly twisted and shifts felt smooth on the static car
There are small things but significant things customers will appreciate like the ergonomically placed seat adjustment lever, drilled pedals, stylish and sensible floor mat clips, arm rest that takes in a pet bottle, pouch near the roof lamp for housing toll tickets and concaved seat backs liberate extra legroom.
Glovebox is not the biggest, but not bad for this segment
The glovebox is like a compact draw and operates smoothly. The height-adjustable head rest is a useful addition for tall passengers and the parcel tray is very usable.
Rear seat comfort not the best in class; notice concave seat back
Every element in the passenger compartment is given a sporty touch. The door locks, steering wheel and the neighboring buttons and levers, seats, head rests, aircon vents, gear lever, etc have a kink here and an accent there lending the interiors a fresh feel. The experience of operating the center console is like texting on a smart phone.
Height-adjustable rear head rest is awesome!
Many cars in this particular segment have components retrieved from a segment below partly because they are just an elongated hatchback and more because they have to be priced well.
Display on the dashboard provides useful information
The Fiesta has no visible signs of cost cutting, though the plastics and materials aren’t class leading.
Boot will take in a considerable level of luggage
The boot is decent for this segment and is bigger than it appears from the outside. It houses a smaller steel wheel, which is intelligent cost cutting.
Rear parcel tray is wide and can house big speakers or long-journey items
Once the seat is pushed back completely, there is no room for a 6-footer there. You can sit straight on this car because the adjustable head rest is supportive and there is plenty of head room. The arm rest will come in handy during long journeys.
Smart phone type buttons and display is a delight to operate for the tech-savvy
This car has things the Figo lacks. Usually these small additions are what differentiate the sedan from the hatch standing right next to it in a dealership.
Dials are sporty and easy to read
The features build the car’s impression in a customer’s mind because he hasn’t yet taken a drive. It’s easy to understand because many customers look at the neighboring product to begin benchmarking to understand why he’s paying extra.
Spare wheel is made from steel even on the top-end model
Ford is not looking to go out and dominate this segment. With a driver-centric product, it wants to address a significant level of customers in this segment who are for driving dynamics instead of rear seat comfort. That said, Ford is not short-changing the customer on the fuel economy front. According to the company, the Fiesta will have class-leading fuel efficiency figures.
Front seat adjustment lever is placed in a very ergonomic fashion
Ford will manufacture this car in Chennai and strap it with locally-manufactured engines. India will get the 1.6-liter petrol and diesel engine capable of delivering 118bhp and 90bhp respectively. The petrol engine will host variable valve timing while the diesel will have turbocharging and CRDI technologies.
Ford Fiesta reveal – Image Gallery
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- Rear parcel tray is wide and can house big speakers or long-journey items
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- Boot will take in a considerable level of luggage
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- Spare wheel is made from steel even on the top-end model
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- The gear lever is slightly twisted and shifts felt smooth on the static car
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- Dials are sporty and very visible
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- Rear seat comfort not the best in class, but the action here clearly is behind the wheel
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- Glovebox is not the biggest, but not bad for this segment
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- Display on the dashboard gives you useful information
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- Seen from directly behind, the rear does appear a little boxy
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- Front seat adjustment lever is placed in a very ergonomic fashion
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- Smart phone type buttons and display is a delight to operate for the tech-savvy
worst car of the segment!!!!!!!!!
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I WANT TO BUY THIS CAR
the dashboard is quite impressive too. Priced right – it can be a winner . Will it be priced in CITY or CRUZE segment ?!!
looks fresh . if it going to be a pleasure to drive (than my Jazz) , I will sure go for it . Bit curious about how soft the pedals are . it’s really hard in current Fiesta.
Hey good information but one of my friend from Ford Chennai Factory told me the Diesel engine is 1.5L and not 1.6L??
Really Amazing design..sure they can easily sell 4000+ cars a month…first perfect aerodynamic car in Indian market…
Impressive! Will love to find out how it compares with the new Chevy Cruze.
will new fiesta is coming with button start just like the US version. The cruise control is first time in asia i think even in thailand and malasiyan model there is no cruise control. I think this is a great addition to midsize sallon
your article is really awesome. you gave ech and every small details of this new fiesta. i am dying to buy this one but i think i have to wait more months. But the face is now i cant wait any more. Thank you for providing the details of ford fiesta. I sure no any other is providing this kind of in depth information then IAB. IAB is number 1.
hey a really nice article….. so could u get any info on fiesta hatch launch??? my friend told me that it’ll be Q1 – Q2 2012 as Ford people are trying to cut costs so that the fiesta hatch becoms a VFM car… can u please confirm it???
wats the diesel engine like >>>>
A 1.6 or the same 1.4
Rear seat and plastic quality seems to be an issue.
its a nice and will be the best in its segment