FORD FIESTA

OVERVIEW

Manufacturer: Ford

Production: 1976–present

• Body and Chassis

Class: Supermini (B)

Body style: 3- or 5-door hatchback

                   4-door sedan/saloon (selected countries)

                   3-door van (Europe only)

Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive

HISTORY

The Ford Fiesta is a supermini marketed by Ford since 1976 over seven generations. It has been manufactured in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, Taiwan, China, India, Thailand, and South Africa.

In 2008, the sixth generation Fiesta (Mark VI) was introduced worldwide, making it the first Fiesta model to be sold in the United States of America since the Fiesta Mark I was discontinued at the end of 1980.

Ford has sold over 16 million Fiestas since 1976, making it one of the best selling Ford marques behind the Escort and the F-Series.

DESIGN

Unsurprisingly, the previous interior has been done away with completely. According to Ford, its replacement effectively halves the number of switches and buttons, many of them having been relocated to a new 8.0in touchscreen – although Zetec models make do with a 6.5in version and entry-level Style models get smartphone dock and a 4.2in TFT screen.

Nonetheless, in the format tested (and without physically plugging in a smartphone) the set-up seems curiously limited: there are tabs for audio and phone, the ‘Mobile apps’ tab doesn’t work without your phone’s help and ‘Settings’ contains nothing you’ll need on a daily basis.

Conversely, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a DAB tuner and standard Bluetooth, the Fiesta does supply the essentials. Sat nav went untested – our early build car was bereft of the system, usually standard with Titanium trim.

Around the display, Ford has endeavoured to upgrade the trim materials and employ more seamless surfacing. In our test car, a heated steering wheel featured, along with a 4.2in TFT display in the instrument cluster.

It is also not dramatically larger than before. This is to be expected from a car that has gained only a scant 4mm of wheelbase length and even Ford claims to have enhanced the notoriously stingy rear leg room by just 16mm.

As for trim levels there are a host to choose from, with plenty of options to supplement the Fiesta further. Entry-level Style models get 15in steel wheels, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, lane guidance system, auto headlights and electric front windows fitted as standard. Inside, there is air conditioning, a trip computer, height adjustable driver’s seat and a smartphone dock. Upgrade to Zetec and the Fiesta gets 15in alloy wheels, LED day running lights, a Quickclear windscreen, chrome highlights and a leather trimmed handbrake and steering wheel, alongside Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system complete with a 6.5in touchscreen display, USB connectivity and smartphone integration.

The mid-range Titanium trim adorns the Fiesta with 16in alloys, LED rear lights, electric folding door mirrors, keyless ignition, auto wipers, cruise control, velour floor mats and climate control, as well as an 8.0in infotainment display and sat nav. Upgrade to Titanium X and you’ll receive electric rear windows, keyless entry, partial leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, a rear view camera and a 360-degree Bang & Olufsen Play audio system.

For those looking for a bit more individuality have the choice of B&O Play trims for Zetec and Titanium trimmed Fiestas, which adds the upgraded stereo system, Ford Sync 3 with an 8.0in screen and sat nav, and a choice of a pastel mint green or copper body colour.

ST-Line models follow next, with the base model getting 17in alloy wheels, projector headlights, an ST-styled bodykit, a large rear spoiler, sporty suspension and front seats, while the ST-Line X adds electrically folding mirrors, tinted rear windows, climate control, partial leather upholstery and cruise control

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIESTA

People liked the old Fiesta, and it took up residence at the apex of Britain’s sales charts. So it’s justifiable that Ford hasn’t torn everything up and started again with the styling. Instead the designers modernized and evolved the look.

The big news though, is the inside. Everyone knew it had fallen way behind. Gritty blue display screens and a control system modelled on a Motorola RAZR (look it up kids) had long lost their relevance. So that’s where the main changes have gone on.

There’s now a smooth tablet screen, sized according to trim level, decent connectivity, and a completely restyled dash and instrument pack.

The familiar 1.0 three-cylinder remains, in a wide range of turboed outputs up to 140bhp. The old 1.25-litre four is gone, replaced by the three-cylinder in unblown 1.1-litre form. The diesels are 1.6s, up to a stout 120bhp. But no-one much buys Fiesta diesels. All turbocharged cars get six-speed gearboxes, a brand-new one for the petrols.

The suspensions are new, to provide the wider track. That said, they use the same principles: strut front, torsion beam behind. But we see bigger and more sophisticated bushings in many locations aimed at reducing ride harshness while boosting cornering precision. Stiffer arms do the same. Higher-spec dampers keep the motions better controlled. Bigger wheels and uprated brakes help the gripping and the stopping.

There’s also, standard or optional, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, speed-limit sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and cross-traffic warning for when you’re reversing out of a parking space into the road.

None of those things are unique but for a small car it’s a pretty well-stocked list.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR FIESTA?

What are the best ways to take care of your new car so it continues looking as good as the day it left the showroom? Here are a few tips on how to take care of your new Fiesta:

1. Clean the paint of your car with detailing clay – this can remove bonded surface contamination that might be stuck to the paint and can’t be removed with normal washing.
2. A good coat of wax will help repel water, the harsh elements, pollutants and dead bugs to keep your paintwork looking fresh for longer.
3. Be sure to know how to clean car windows properly so it’ll be streak-free
4. Dirt-proof the interiors – using shiny protectants can increase the likelihood of age-related cracks on new vinyl. Instead, use a fabric protector like Scotchgard to keep dirt and pollen from clinging.
5. Maintain your car regularly – get your car serviced every year and in-between this time, make regular checks to the engine oil, tyre air pressure, battery and air filter.
6. Invest in specialist Ford GAP Insurance with ALA to protect your new purchase and your investment.
7. When you invest in the impressive new Ford Fiesta, you’ll have a small hatchback that will make you fall in love with driving again. Follow our car maintenance tips to help make sure your Fiesta looks brand-new for longer.

Source: wikipedia, autosreign, auto.co, topgear.