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• Revolutionary new interior, quality of materials, new technologies
• New suspension, improved safety
• SYNC3 connectivity
Joahnnesburg - New design, upgraded technology, enhanced suspension… Ford has launched its all-new Fiesta in South Africa.
Two derivatives are available (Trend and Titanium) available with two engine options (1.0 EcoBoost, 1.5 TDCi) mated to either a six-speed manual or auto. Prices start from R261 900 for the 1.0 EcoBoost Trend manual to R310 600 for the top-of-the-range Titanium auto.
Engines
Ford’s six-time International Engine of the Year, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, is offered in two variants. In the Trend derivative with a new six-speed manual, as well as the Trend and Titanium equipped with a six-speed auto, the 1.0 EcoBoost produces 74kW/170Nm. The Fiesta Titanium, mated with a six-speed manual, uses a 92kW version of this engine.
The 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel is only available with a six-speed manual, producing 63kW/175Nm.
All engines features auto stop-stop and there’s a new Eco button for manual transmissions.
Evolutionary exterior design
Simplified, straighter lines and de-cluttered surfaces deliver more visual strength, while the wider grille defines the upmarket appeal of the Fiesta. Sleek headlights offer a new wrap-around effect.
Image: Quickpic
The Fiesta grows by 71mm additional body length and 13mm. At the rear, new horizontal rear lights further enhance the Fiesta’s widened stance with broad shoulders, and feature a C-shaped signature light pattern.
Ford has introduced two all-new metallic colour options for the range, comprising Chrome Copper and Blue Wave.
Interior comfort and style
The number of buttons on the centre console is reduced by almost half, with many connectivity and entertainment controls relocated to the 6.5” touchscreen fitted as standard on the Trend models, or the 8” version on the Titanium incorporating SYNC3 with Navigation. There’s also a stylish new instrument cluster featuring a 4.2” multi-function TFT display that delivers an attractive welcome sequence on start-up.
Rear seat passengers benefit from 16 mm more knee room, supported by new slim-back seats that are softer, and offer greater side-to-side support.
The all-new Fiesta’s tailgate is wider for easier access to the boot, and improved storage for personal belongings is delivered with a 20% larger glovebox and a 1-litre storage bin and armrest in the centre console. Rear doors can store 0.6-litre water bottles for road trips.
Image: Quickpic
Parking sensors are now fitted flush with the body panels; windscreen washer nozzles are hidden beneath the upper bonnet lip; there are no visible screws in the taillights or rear fascia; and the shut line between the roof and the rear liftgate is reduced by more than 30%.
A one-piece centre console connects discreetly to the lower instrument panel for a more harmonious feel.
A stiffer body structure, reduced powertrain noise vibration and harshness, enhanced powertrain isolation, and an acoustic windshield contribute to a more comfortable driver and passenger experience.
According to Ford SA: "Drivers also will find the Fiesta easier to operate day-to-day; windscreen wipers that clear 13% more of the windscreen; and doors that require 20% less effort to close."
Smarter, stronger, safer
The all-new Fiesta body features 36% more boron steel for greater strength in key areas. Redesigned door cross sections further protect occupants against side impact intrusion, and the doors also now contain pressure sensors that enable restraint systems to be activated several milliseconds sooner. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard fitment across the range.
Rear outer seats also now feature load limiters and pre-tensioners – previously offered only for front seats occupants – to further restrain passengers and help prevent belt-related injuries.
Image: Quickpic
Pedestrian protection is enhanced with headlamps that are designed to travel rearwards on impact, and a collapsible cowl and wiper spindle assembly designed to give way in the event of head impacts.
All models boast an extensive list of driving aids, including ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), as well as Hill Launch Assist (HLA) Electronic Stability and Traction Control (ESC).
Even more fun to drive
A 15% increase has been achieved in torsional stiffness, while the front track is 30mm wider, rear track by 10mm. A lighter, stiffer hollow front anti-roll bar contributes to better roll control and steering feel. Steering friction is reduced and gearboxes now deliver smoother gear changes.
The Fiesta’s chassis now offers 10% more cornering grip, while braking distances at 100 km/h are reduced by more than 8%.
SYNC3 with Navigation
Ford’s SYNC3 communications and entertainment system enables Fiesta drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (once launched for the collective Middle East and Africa region).
Image: Quickpic
The Fiesta’s floating, tablet-inspired 8" colour touchscreen and infotainment system with built-in turn-by-turn navigation is standard on the Titanium, and can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures. The Trend model also incorporates SYNC3, using a floating 6.5" colour touchscreen.
The Fiesta is fitted with Bluetooth connectivity and two USB ports as standard on all models. A high-end seven-speaker sound system is featured on the Fiesta Titanium models, with a six-speaker set-up on the Trend models.
Prices:
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6MT - R261 900
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT - R277 300
Fiesta 1.5 TDCi Trend 6MT - R292 500
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6MT - R295 900
Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT - R310 600
All models are sold with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year or unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year or unlimited km corrosion warranty. A four-year or 60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.
