Reborn Fiesta Calls For A Party

The Age

Wednesday February 27, 2008

Jez Spinks

The next-generation Ford Fiesta baby car has been revealed ahead of its Geneva motor show debut next month, reports Jez Spinks.

FORD Australia's small-car sales are set to get a boost next year with the arrival of the stylish next-generation Fiesta.

The sixth version of the Fiesta has been revealed by Ford of Europe ahead of the car's public debut at the Geneva motor show next month and reaches European showrooms towards the end of the year.

The new Fiesta stays remarkably faithful to the funky-looking Verve concept first shown at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show.

It shares its underpinnings - carried over from the current Fiesta - with the second-generation Mazda2 that went on sale in Australia in 2007.

Like its Japanese cousin, the Fiesta is said to be lighter than the model it replaces, which should benefit fuel economy, emissions and handling.

The next-generation Fiesta is designed and developed in Europe but kickstarts Ford's new global strategy of creating one vehicle and nameplate for all markets.

Australia is expected to import the European three- and five-door body styles, with North America adopting a four-door sedan version.

The new Fiesta's styling is based on Ford's "kinetic" design language, which made its debut in Australia late last year on the Mondeo mid-size sedan and has more recently been shown on the new FG Falcon.

The dominant lower grille, rising waistline and angular headlights are all elements of the "kinetic" design.

Inside is a real-world interpretation of the Verve concept's space-age interior, with an instrument panel Ford says is inspired by mobile phones. The quality of materials is also said to be improved.

Keyless entry and engine start will be standard, as will MP3 and USB compatibility. Bluetooth connectivity with voice control will be an option.

European Fiestas will be offered with a choice of four petrol and two diesel engines, with power outputs ranging from 44 kW to 85 kW.

A five-speed manual transmission is mated as standard to all engines with an optional four-speed auto for selected Fiestas.

If Ford Australia follows its Fiesta strategy, it will import only the 85 kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

"Fiesta is an extremely important model in our line-up," says Ford Australia spokeswoman Sinead McAlary. "It sits in one of the fastest-growing segments in Australia and in January we had one of our best ever sales results for Fiesta.

"The new Fiesta has outstanding styling and we expect it to continue that (positive sales) trend."

Ford Australia sold 5610 Fiestas in 2007, well behind the segment-leading Toyota Yaris (29,663). The Fiesta was also a sales runner-up to the Holden Barina, Honda Jazz, Mazda2, Kia Rio and Suzuki Swift.

Ford will build the latest Fiesta in Germany and Spain, with production also spreading to Asia and possibly North America.

The Fiesta is Ford's most successful small car, with 12 million sold since the model launchedin 1976.

© 2008 The Age

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