|
By
EWAN KENNEDY
15 December 2008
Ford
was late in getting into the Australian market with its Fiesta.
Though the small car has been in the international range for over
30 years, it wasn’t until the fifth generation model was
launched in 2004 that the car received the nod for local imports.
Now
the sixth generation has arrived and this time around the company
is getting very serious about Fiesta. Buyers are interested in
both saving money on petrol and in lowering their emissions
output.
Important
though these ideals are, the main reason for buying the newest
Ford Fiesta is to get a stylish European car at a modest price.
The
shape of the Fiesta is brilliant, even in the five-door, though
the sporty looking three-door is the one many will opt for. Just
look at that big grill, with more than a hint of Aston Martin a
company owned by Ford at one stage, then cast your eyes over the
sculpted headlights, at the flowing shape of the aerodynamic
roofline and finally at the standout tail-lights.
Inside,
it’s just as futuristic, with a clever dual-top treatment of the
instrument binnacle and a centre stack that not only protrudes
nicely, but is finished off in a contrasting material to give it a
modern theme.
Material
quality inside the cabin has obviously been dictated by price,
after all the rrp begins at just $15,750, but the finish is to a
high standard and there's certainly no reason to suppose it
won’t last well. Also on the cost saving side are a rear-seat
backrest that’s painted rather than trimmed, and some visible
body-colour on the inside of the cabin.
Also
pleasing from the driver’s seat are the thin A-pillars. Ford's
designers have show that it’s possible to have body strength
without creating a huge blind spot. Stylists at other marques,
please take note.
Fiesta's
strength is proven by it gaining a maximum five-star rating in
recent European NCAP tests. The car hasn’t been tested in
Australia at this time, but the local Ford people fully expect it
to gain the same results in this country. Note that the test car
in Europe was fitted with five airbags, whereas the standard
models only have two. The additional airbags are offered as part
of a Safety Package, which also includes ESP (Electronic Stability
Program), and is priced at a very reasonable $1000.
Powertrains
are either a 1.6-litre 88 kW engine with a five-speed manual
gearbox, or a 1.4-litre 71 kW unit mated to a four-speed automatic
transmission. The use of a lower-powered engine with an auto
isn’t unusual in Europe where fuel saving is all important
(think three dollars a litre and you will understand), but may
appear rather odd in Australia. Having said that, Ford Australia
is confident that many will be happy with the car’s performance.
At
the time of the introduction of the new Fiesta to Australia this
week only cars with the manual gearbox were available, so we will
have to reserve judgement on the small-engine/auto combination.
The
1.6-litre is a little gem, it pulls strongly from as low as 2000
revs, is more than happy to rev to the top end of the tacho, and
has a businesslike sound that will appeal to the keen driver. The
fact that its official fuel rating in Australia is only 6.1 litres
per hundred kilometres is a real bonus. (The 1.4-litre automatic
has been measured at 6.9 litres.)
From
behind the wheel the sixth generation Ford Fiesta is a real
delight. There's a feel about European cars you simply don’t get
in ones from Asia. The small Ford turns into corners quickly and
precisely, almost in sports car fashion – though a bit more
weight in the steering would have been appreciated. It remains
neutral through corners, almost in rear-wheel drive form, until
it’s travelling at speeds much higher than those likely to be
reached by the average owner.
The
brakes match the rest of the wonderful chassis, with strong,
precise performance that give plenty of confidence. Critics might
question the use of drum brakes at the back, but really you
don’t need anything more in a light car like this that only has
moderate engine performance.
There's
adequate room for four adults, but it’s necessary for the front
occupants to move their seats forward a few notches to give decent
legroom for those behind them. The boot is deep, well-shaped and
capable of carrying a lot more luggage than you might imagine from
looking at the stylish tail of the car.
New
Fiesta is sold in several formats: with three and five doors, and
in CL, LX and Zetec luxury levels. The range of equipment is high
and we suggest you call into your local Ford dealership to look at
the various permutations on offer.
If
you enjoy your driving and are looking for a practical car capable
of transporting a family with a couple of pre-teen children with
ease, then the Ford Fiesta should sit high on your short list.
There really is something special about its European heritage that
makes it sure to appeal.
The
new Ford Fiesta range with prices, excluding on-road costs, is:
Fiesta CL three-door: $15,750
Fiesta CL five-door: $16,490
Fiesta LX five-door: $18,490
Fiesta Zetec three-door: $20,250
Fiesta Zetec five-door: $20,490
Automatic transmission: $1500
Safety Pack: $1000
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
|
