Ford Fiesta

Launched in 2011, the new Fiesta is longer and wider than the current Classic version and has a longer wheelbase as well. This new Fiesta is also the first car from Ford to adhere completely to the Kinetic Design philosophy.  Its striking and the huge pulled back multi-element headlamps stand out. The grille is tight and thin with the huge air-dam below it. The rear three quarters of the Fiesta is smart with the only let down being the huge body area between the rear wheel and the tail-lamps. This is because by the time the design lines of the Kinetic philosophy reach the rear of the car ,  a lot of dead space ends up being created in the bottom half of the rear three quarters. The Kinetic Design philosophy from the exterior is carried on to the insides as well. Within the first glance , you appreciate the whole look of the fascia and the console. There is a certain degree of aggression in the design lines here as well.

For starters , the twin pod speedometer console looks terrific and also houses the driver information display for functions like distance to empty , fuel economy , average speed etc. The steering wheel has controls for various functions and also rest area for the thumbs. We loved the soft touch feel of the buttons and the same goes for the climate control and audio system too. The voice activation is done via the left stalk behind the steering and easy to get used to. In fact , this will be a selling point for the Fiesta. This new Fiesta will feel comfortable for four full sized adults , if not five! One of the biggest changes in the new Fiesta is its engines. The petrol motor is an all new advanced 1.5-litre Duratec motor that features twin independent variable camshaft timing technology or Ti-VCT. It displaces less capacity as compared to the current Fiesta but develops 9 extra horses , taking the maximum power to 110Bhp.

It is also over 20% more fuel efficient and carries an ARAI certified fuel economy of 17kmpl! For diesel lovers , Ford has plonked in an all-new 1.5-litre motor in the Fiesta. This Duratorq inter-cooled and turbocharged diesel engine produces a massive 23 extra horses over the current Classic’s engine. Moreover , it is 17.5% more efficient with an ARAI certified fuel economy of 23.5! The diesel motor is a joy to drive both in city and out on the open highways. Ford engineers have been talking a lot about the new EPAS or Electric Power Assist Steering. This basically replaces the conventional systems with hydraulic pumps that sap the engine of power. This new Fiesta is also the first ever Ford car to come with EPS (electronic power steering). The steering feel is impressive. The ride quality is a little on the firmer side with only the driver on board but with four adults on board ,it becomes perfect. The Fiesta starts at 7.4 lakhs for base petrol to Rs 10.4 lakhs for top end automatic titanium. The Fiesta is well equipped and even base variants get air bags, ABS. Its a sporty and value sedan. For a detailed analysis read below.

The Kinetic Design philosophy from the exterior is carried on to the insides as well. Within the first glance , you appreciate the whole look of the fascia and the console. There is a certain degree of aggression in the design lines here as well. For starters , the twin pod speedometer console looks terrific and also houses the driver information display for functions like distance to empty , fuel economy , average speed etc. The steering wheel has controls for various functions and also rest area for the thumbs. We loved the soft touch feel of the buttons and the same goes for the climate control and audio system too. The voice activation is done via the left stalk behind the steering and easy to get used to. In fact , this will be a selling point for the Fiesta. From audio system to the climate control , you can control a variety functions with it.

The Fiesta also gets Bluetooth connectivity for the audio system. The design of the audio system draws inspiration from high end gadgets like a mobile phone. Below the system sits the climate control system – it did seem to work pretty well in South India’s humid summers. In fact , it has the biggest compressor on a Fiesta yet! There are umpteen cubby holes and places to keep your bottle / glasses. These include 2 net pockets , 3 small cup / bottle holders , storage space under the co-driver’s seat , big door pockets , a deep glovebox etc. The overall quality of interiors is decent if not terrific. The same goes for the interior space as well. This new Fiesta will feel comfortable for four full sized adults , if not five! The front seats are very supportive and the seats hug you well. The omission of a driver arm-rest is a little shocking here. The rear seat gets an arm-rest with cup-holders. A plus point due to a sloping roof is the big rear parcel shelf you get here. Ford has worked very hard on reducing the NVH levels and infact this car has the quietest cabin in its segment! This has been due to sound absorbent materials , acoustic lamination of the glasses etc.