FMCSA has ensured that its starring attraction at the upcoming Johannesburg Motor Show, the all-new Ford Fiesta, won’t get lost in all the razmataz by launching its eagerly-awaited light car ahead of the big show.
By Mike Fourie – Editor
The launch of the new Fiesta is arguably one of the most significant introductions to South Africa this year, as the ultra-competitive B (light car) segment constitutes 30 per cent of the market. And Ford’s competitors should sit up and take notice – the new Fiesta is a) the prettiest car in its segment (the 3dr in Titanium trim is particularly tasty), b) a pleasure to drive, and c) has impressive build quality.
Yes, the cousin to CAR’s Top 12 Best Buy in the light segment, the Mazda2, seeks to be best light car in the world has been hailed as the Blue Oval’s first global car – it will be offered in all four of Ford’s major markets. First impressions are that the Fiesta is going to be a force to be reckoned with… the previous model was a good-looking hatchback, but such is the aesthetic advancement of the newcomer that one cannot immediately discern that the “little big car” is a humble Ford.
Notable exterior features include dramatic swept-back headlamp clusters, a prominent trapezoidal lower grille and a neatly curved profile that give a nod to the company’s Verve concept. The interior is similarly striking, with a bold combination of contours and a futuristic facia layout. Colour-coded bumpers, adjustable multi-function steering wheel, front power windows, an MP3 player input jack, air-conditioning, 4-way adjustable driver’s seat and central locking are all standard on the entry-level Ambiente, plus ABS with EBD and dual front and side airbags.
For the Trend and Titanium versions, you can get extra goodies such as Bluetooth connection, voice-activated functions, body-coloured mirrors and door handles, extra chrome bits, 15- and 16-alloys, remote central locking etc.
What impressed me most when evaluating the Fiesta models in Cape Town this week, is that although the Fiesta is a bigger car than its predecessor, indeed many of its rivals, it does not look cumbersome or bloated. In fact, it is notably longer and wider than before, and there are delicious detailing in the flanks behind the front wheels and the area where the shoulder lines blend with the rear light clusters.
Almost everything about the interior feels reassuring to the touch, too. The doors close with a reassuring thud, the indicator stalk and other switchgear are chunky in feel, but light to operate. And although the expansive, sloping dashboard is predictably plasticky, the cabin feels spacious. Rear legroom isn’t particularly ample, but there’s an abundance of oddment spaces, boot capacity is a more-than-useful 284 dm3 and there are ISOFIX child seat anchorage points in the back.
The Fiesta’s engine line-up includes an updated 71 kW 1,4-litre petrol unit, a new 88 kW Duratec Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) 1,6 litre and a similarly-sized common-rail Duratorq TDCi powerplant, which produces 200 N.m of torque. On the road, the Fiestas strike a good balance between sure-footed handling and an absorbent ride. The electric power-steering system does not feel as remote as those on other little cars and turn-in is always crisp. My only reservation was that the Fiestas’ clutches seemed to engage a bit late when I released their left pedals.
Don’t be surprised if the Ambiente-level 1,6 model becomes a popular choice in the segment. My favourite would be the 1,6 TDCi model, which could happily potter around town in third gear for an entire day without ever losing breath. Unfortunately, it’s the second most expensive model in the line-up, but only comes with Ambiente specification, which may prompt buyers to stick with the fancier petrol models.
JIMS will be a good opportunity for many people to have a good look at the new car, up close. In a addition to the Fiesta, show goers will also be able to have a close look at the current Ford vehicle line-up, including such upcoming models such as the facelifted Ford Focus range, Ford Bantam and the facelifted Ford Ikon.
All models in the Fiesta range comes standard with a four-year/120 000km warranty and four-year/60 000km service plan. Look out Mazda2, your title’s at stake.
Prices
1,4 5dr Ambiente R136 990
1,6 5dr Ambiente R145 990
1,4 5dr Trend R148 990
1,6 5dr Trend R157 990
1,4 3dr Titanium R158 990
1,6 3dr Titanium R165 990
1,6 TDCi 5dr Ambiente R166 990
1,6 5dr Titanium R168 990
