Raising the stakes for compact cars: new Ford Fiesta
THE all-new Ford Fiesta is set to raise the stakes in the compact car segment by building on the proud heritage of the very successful outgoing model, while lifting the benchmark in terms of quality, refinement, technology and safety.
The Fiesta’s widely-acclaimed fun-to-drive character has been lifted to new heights, and its eye-catching new design embodies trend-setting style and sophistication.
The revolutionary interior design also delivers significant gains in space, comfort, ergonomics and technology.
“It’s because we share our customers’ passion for Fiesta that we’ve been able to take this iconic small car’s lovable, fun and sporty-to-drive character to the next level,” says Tracey Delate, general manager, marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
Globally, the Fiesta is Ford’s best-selling passenger car, and the all-new model represents a step forward in every area, from styling to the exceptional build quality, the craftsmanship evident in the new interior to the smart features, safety and technology.
Simplified, straighter lines and de-cluttered surfaces deliver more visual strength, while the wider grille gives upmarket appeal. Sleek headlamps offer a new wrap-around effect immediately recognisable as part of the new model’s visual character.
Ford has introduced two allnew metallic colour options for the range: Chrome Copper and Blue Wave.
The user-centric Fiesta interior execution is influenced by consumer interactions with smart devices and tablets. It delivers a more spacious ambience through ergonomic design and soft-touch materials.
The number of buttons on the centre console is reduced by almost half, with many connectivity and entertainment controls relocated to the 6.5-inch touchscreen fitted as standard on the Trend models, or the 8-inch version on the Titanium incorporating SYNC®3 with navigation.
There’s a new instrument cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-function TFT display that delivers an attractive welcome sequence on start-up.
The 6.5-inch touch was a pleasure to use, with my Apple phone connecting into the car system automatically.
We enjoyed a fun driving experience along the 130km route from Joburg to Sun City. The all-new Fiesta remains true to the character that has delighted generations of drivers, with the sharpest, sportiest and most balanced performance yet, offering more style, more refinement, more technology, and more fun.
Gear changes in the manual derivative were effortless and we reached speeds in excess of 120km/h very quickly. The car is zippy and sticks to the road. Ford’s best-selling small car is more Fiesta than ever, with:.
Contemporary new design that is more fluid and elegant – but distinctly Fiesta.
Revolutionary new interior with unprecedented quality of materials, craftsmanship and technologies.
Fun-to-drive character enhanced with new suspension and improved safety.
SYNC®3 connectivity supported by floating high-definition touch screens up to 8-inches, and navigation on Titanium models.
Recommended retail prices: Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6MT R261 900; Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT R277 300; Fiesta 1.5 TDCi Trend 6MT R292 500; Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6MT R295900; Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT R310 600.
All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/ unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/ unlimited km corrosion warranty. A four-year/60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.