An all-new Fiesta has recently been launched in Europe, but, in the meantime, the South African version has received a final facelift to make it more competitive before the introduction of the new model.
An all-new Fiesta has recently been launched in Europe, but in the meantime the South African version has received a final facelift to make it more competitive before the introduction of the new model.
The new local Fiestas are available in both three and five-door configurations with two engine derivatives: the 1,6-litre RoCam and a new edition to the range, the 1,3-litre RoCam.
"The new Fiesta range is the perfect car for rewarding the freedom of young adulthood and the fun it represents," explains Ford marketing director, Alan Hatton. "Brilliant driving dynamics, energetic performance and flexible New Edge design are just some of the attributes that make the Fiesta a car that will deliver more than expected at all times."
There are five models in the range. The Fiesta 1,6-litre RSi three-door is the range-topper. "The Fiesta RSi is, without a doubt, the best-handling car in this class, bringing new excitement to the Ford Oval. However, the fabulous performance of this car doesn’t come at the expense of practicality and running costs," says Hatton. "Combined with the low-down torque and excellent fuel economy of the 1,6-litre RoCam engine, the Fiesta RSi is the ultimate small hatchback for the image-conscious, performance-orientated individual."
The Fiesta RSi has an aggressive body kit, which incorporates unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, front fog lamps and a mesh front grille with body colour surround. Chrome badging also sets this model apart.
Standard equipment on the Fiesta RSi includes a four-speaker sound system with front loader CD player, power steering, air-conditioning, front electric windows, electric mirrors, central locking, a sports suspension and remote keyless entry. The 2002 model Fiesta RSi now features new suspension derived from the Ford Puma Sport.
Outstanding levels of grip, roll-control, and road to driver communication are claimed to await the RSi driver.
According to Ford, the five-door Fiesta 1,6-litre Forte combines the performance and luxury of the RSi with the practicality of a five-door body shell. It also features a standard driver’s airbag.
The Fiesta 1,6 five-door is enhanced further externally by a chrome tailpipe, and the appearance of the Fiesta 1,6 Forte is set apart with protective side mouldings, chrome badging, body colour side mirrors and a tailgate spoiler thrown in for good measure.
The five-door Fiesta 1,6 Flair slots in a level below the Forte with fewer standard features. Apart from the 1,6-litre RoCam engine, the Fiesta Flair 1,6 boasts a four-speaker sound system with front-loader CD-player, power steering, central locking and remote keyless entry.
Ford says the five-door Fiesta Flair 1,3 RoCam combines the practicality of a five-door body shell with dynamic performance not usually expected from an engine displacing 1,3 litres.
"With standard features such as a four-speaker sound system with front loader CD player, power steering, central locking and remote keyless entry, the Fiesta Flair 1,3 offers a lot of car for the money," continues Hatton.
The baby of the 2002 Fiesta line-up may be the three-door Fiesta Flite 1,3, but it still reportedly delivers handling and performance out of the top drawer.
There are wide, body colour bumpers on all models excluding the Fiesta 1,3 three-door (black bumpers), asymmetrical tail lights. The New Edge design themes are continued on the inside with triangular dashboard air vents and stylish ovoid door handles carrying through the Ford theme in a high quality and luxurious package, particularly for this class of vehicle.
Apart from the Fiesta 1,3 three-door, all models feature power steering, remote central locking incorporating a boot release, a digital clock, courtesy light dimming and a radio/CD sound system with four speakers and a roof-mounted antenna.
A new addition to all Fiestas in 2002 is a brand new noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) package designed to increase occupant comfort and well being. Thicker carpeting, the extensive use of insulating materials, and the addition of foam insulators in the rear suspension cavities are claimed to improve NVH to levels unseen in this class before.
To further ease the comfort of drivers and passengers, the Fiesta RSi and the Fiesta 1,6 Forte are fitted with air-conditioning as standard equipment, as well as electric front windows and mirrors and a lights-on warning buzzer.
"The Fiesta is sold with a three-year/ 100 000km warranty with 15 000km service intervals. Its combination of practicality, economy, luxury and dynamic performance will ensure that Fiesta owners will learn to expect more," Hatton said.
CARtoday.com reported last year on the all-new Fiesta. The car is 97mm taller, 49mm wider and 89mm longer than the current model. Three new engines will be offered in the Fiesta. There is the new 1,4-litre Duratorq TDCi, developed with Peugeot, which is a lightweight aluminium turbodiesel with second-generation common rail direct injection. It develops 160 N.m of torque and achieves 4,5 litres per 100 km on the European combined test cycle.
There are also 1,4 and 1,6-litre Duratec d-o-h-c petrol engines derived from those currently in the Focus.
Ford spokesman Craig von Essen said last year that the earliest the all-new Fiesta could arrive in South Africa would be 2003.
Fiesta prices (including VAT):
Flite 1,3i 3Dr R70 590
Flite 1,3i 3Dr R73 340
Flite 1,3i 3Dr R80 840
Flite 1,3i 3Dr R84 250
Flair 1,3i 5Dr R86 110
Flair 1,3i 5Dr R93 420
Flair 1,3i 5Dr R96 830
Flair 1,3i 5Dr R99 580
Flair 1,6i 5Dr R89 260
Flair 1,6i 5Dr R96 590
Flair 1,6i 5Dr R99 690
Flair 1,6i 5Dr R102 190
Forte 1,6i 5Dr R104 420
Forte 1,6i 5Dr R107 170
Rsi 3Dr R106 100.