Ford has lifted the wraps off its 2013 Fiesta at a pre-launch event in the Netherlands. The new car ushers in a host of new technologies as well as Ford’s much-vaunted 1,0-litre EcoBoost engine.
The 2013 Fiesta features tweaks to the frontal styling, such as a bolder take on the trapezoidal grille, redesigned headlamps with LED elements and a re-sculpted bonnet with a power dome detail. The interior also gets an overhaul to make its facia layout more intuitive.
The 2012 International Engine of the Year Award-winning 1,0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine will make its way into the Fiesta range. This turbocharged three-cylinder unit with direct injection and variable camshaft timing produces 74 or 90 kW, depending on the state of tune, and 170 N.m of torque – from as low down as 1 700, all the way up to 4 500 r/min. It also emits less than 140 g/km of CO2 and impressed our technical editor Nicol Louw when he sampled it in the new Ford Focus. This engine will find its way into the local Fiesta lineup next year.
Among the new technologies lined up for European models are Ford SYNC (voice control for the phone and USB/Bluetooth-connected audio systems as well as a module that automatically contacts emergency services in the area following an accident). Local Fiestas will receive a moderately different system dubbed Syn Gen1 – further details of which will be disclosed closer to the car’s local launch next year.
Another innovation is the MyKey system which allows parents to set the speed limit and audio system volume when for teenagers are using the car. It also mutes the audio system if the seatbelts aren’t fastened and ensures that visual and aural safety alerts cannot be overridden.
More details will emerge closer to the Fiesta’s Paris Motor Show appearance.
