Fiesta feast

A highly distinctive new exterior treatment complimented by a stylish interior makeover and a wide array of 'big-car' electrical features are just a few of the key changes that have been made to the new Fiesta range.

Not only will the Fiesta range receive an overall product freshening but the new line-up also includes an automatic as well as two diesel derivatives.

Both diesel options will be powered by a 1.6-litre TDCi power plant in both 3-door and 5-door body styles and two trim levels.

The five-door TDCi is offered in Ambiente guise and encompasses a more family oriented styling, offering space and practicality in a stylish package.

The TDCi Trend is available in 3-door configuration. Fiesta 3-door is sportier and more agile, reflecting the aspirations of 3-door buyers and signalling the dynamic driving quality of the new Fiesta.

Mated to a 1.6-litre petrol engine the Automatic Fiesta is offered in Ambiente specification in the versatile five-door style. The combination offers the driver flexible performance and a comfortable smooth shifting drive.

"Customer expectations for small cars are becoming ever more demanding and competition is stiffer than ever before. The changes to the Fiesta range would have been unheard of in the B-segment only a few years ago," explains Ford Marketing Manager Neale Hill.

"Ford has set out to offer the buyer more - more style, more quality, more features and more choice. Our aim has been not just to answer buyers' expectations but to exceed them," concluded Hill.

New features at a glance:

• Connection socket for portable MP3 player.
• One-touch driver's power window.
• Body coloured power/heated door mirrors that fold inwards when the remote central locking is activated or in manual mode when tight spaces need to be navigated.
• Trip computer to inform the driver of: kilometres to empty, average and actual fuel consumption, average speed, trip distance and external temperature.
• New, high quality audio unit.
• Optional technology pack including Bluetooth hands free system, auto headlamps and rain sensitive wipers.
• Automatic headlamps with "home-safe" setting so they will stay on for 30 seconds after the ignition has been switched off.

The Fiesta's distinctive new exterior physique, fresh interior vibe and spirited new colours offer a greater variety of choice than ever before. Modern new seat fabrics and fascia colour combinations provide a contemporary look.

The exterior changes include new bumpers and grille, new headlamps, new rear lamps, thicker body side mouldings and body coloured handles and mirrors on selected models.

Fiesta's designers created the new headlamp look by separating out the three lighting elements (headlamps, parking lamps, indicators) and surrounding each with a chrome finish ring, packaged behind new-look covers.

Completing the new nose treatment the lower grille openings have been re-shaped with a wider and deeper mesh pattern while the newly penned front bumper now wraps up around the side grille. The lower section of the bumper has also been reshaped with kicked up curves and the addition of new, front fog lamps.

Similarly the Fiesta's rear-end received a major revision, again centring around stylish new tail-lights. Like the front lamps, these are designed to show off the individual lighting elements.

Fiesta also gains a new rear bumper with more shape, a kicked-up lower section and round reflector. The new exterior styling is completed by Fiesta ST-style tapered bodyside mouldings for both three- and five-door models.

The Fiesta's new colour palette is sure to have something on offer to reflect your personality. In addition to the existing colour line-up four new colours include Sea Grey, Tango, Viola and Apple. Metallic colours are available as an optional extra.

Similarly the interior has been spruced up allowing for a bright and upbeat environment. Featuring a high-quality fascia with a slush moulded, soft-feel top section, the overall quality feel of the vehicle is pushed up a notch. In addition the instrument panel has been re-designed to meet aesthetic desires as well as being easier to read.

Fiesta's new two-tone instrument panel with soft-feel texture comes in a choice of various colours; Japanese Pearl, Bohemian Ruby, Rhodium Wave and Onyx Haze are just a few of the options available depending on the model and trim level.

The new fascia is a major enhancement. The most noticeable change is to the instrument cluster where there are new, highly readable instruments, including

analogue minor gauges. The new look dials are white rimmed with white on black read-outs.

Service intervals for the Fiesta are pegged at 15 000 km for the 1.6 TDCi while all petrol models will need a scheduled service every 20 000 km. A 3year / 100 000 km warranty is standard across the entire Fiesta range as is a 5 year Corrosion warranty.

Ford Protect provides a 3 year / unlimited km Roadside Assistance plan for all new Fiesta buyers while a range of optional Scheduled Service and Maintenance Plans from 3year / 60 000 km upwards can be purchased as an optional extra.

Prices

1.4i Trend 3-door R120 450
1.6i Trend 3-door R134 950
1.6i Trend 3-door (diesel) R146 950
2.0i ST 3-door R171 950
1.4i 5-door R99 950
1.6i Ambiente 5-door R122 450
1.6i Ambiente 5-door (auto) R133 950
1.6i Ambiente 5-door (diesel) R139 950
1.6i Ghia 5-door R141 950