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The Ford Fiesta is a small front wheel drive supermini car designed by the Ford Motor Company and built in Europe, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, China, India and South Africa. The model is marketed worldwide, including Japan and Australasia, and was sold briefly in North America. It is one of Ford's most successful cars with over ten million sold in seven distinct generations since 1976 and production continues, with an eighth generation going on sale, initially in Europe, during the Fall / Autumn of 2008.
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The Ford Fiesta is a small front wheel drive supermini car designed by the Ford Motor Company and built in Europe, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, China, India and South Africa. The model is marketed worldwide, including Japan and Australasia, and was sold briefly in North America. It is one of Ford's most successful cars with over ten million sold in seven distinct generations since 1976 and production continues, with an eighth generation going on sale, initially in Europe, during the Fall / Autumn of 2008. It is also set to be produced at the company’s Cuautitlán Assembly Plant in Mexico starting in late-2009.
History
In the early 1970s, European demand from consumers for superminis was rising. Even Ford's smallest model, the Escort, was a conventional front-engined, rear wheel drive car; yet competitors were launching smaller, front wheel drive cars, like the Fiat 127 and the Renault 5. The effects of the 1973 energy crisis was also increasing demand for smaller cars. BMC (which had since merged into British Leyland) had entered the mini-car market with its Mini in 1959, while the Rootes Group had launched the ultimately less successful Hillman Imp in 1963, but times had moved on and people looking for small cars now wanted practical hatchbacks instead of conventional saloons. Vauxhall had entered the modern supermini market with its conventional Chevette three-door hatchback early in 1975.
The original plans for the "Bobcat" specified a desire that the new car cost US$100 less to produce than the Ford Escort. In addition, the car was to have a wheelbase longer than that of the Fiat 127, but with overall length shorter than that of Ford's Escort. The final proposal was put together by Tom Tjaarda at Ghia.
Bobcat was approved in autumn 1973, with Ford's engineering centres in Cologne and Dunton (Essex) collaborating. Customer clinics were held across Europe, targeting female buyers in particular.
Ford also planned 500,000 Fiestas would be produced per year, and built all-new engine factory near Valencia, Spain; a transaxle factory near Bordeaux, France; factory extensions for the assembly plants in Dagenham, Essex, and Saarlouis, Belgium. Final assembly also took place in Valencia.
Codenames
When Ford of Europe began to design the car, the design proposals were named Iris, Beta, The Deutschlander (from Ford's Cologne studios), Mini-Mite, the Blue Car (from Ghia). Codenames for the Fiesta prototype included Torino, but it became Project Bobcat.
The short listed names for the new car designed by the project Bobcat team (headed by Mr Trevor Erskine) were Amigo, Bambi, Bebe, Bravo, Bolero, Cherie, Tempo, Chico, Fiesta, Forito, Metro, Pony and Sierra. Despite more board votes for "Bravo", Henry Ford II personally overruled and named the car "Fiesta", while "Sierra" was introduced on the Cortina replacement in 1982, and ironically the "Metro" nameplate was introduced by rival manufacturer British Leyland for the similar-sized Austin Metro in 1980.
The name Fiesta belonged to General Motors at the time; however, it was freely given for Ford to use on their new B-class car. After years of speculation by the motor press about Ford's new car, it was unveiled in late 1975.
Mk1 (1976–1983): Birth of the Fiesta
Mechanically, the Ford Fiesta followed tradition, with an end-on four-speed manual transmission mounted to a new version of the Ford Kent OHV engine, dubbed "Valencia", named after the brand new Spanish factory in Almussafes, Valencia, developed especially to produce the new car. Ford's plants in Dagenham, England and Cologne, Germany were also used to manufacture Fiestas. To cut costs and speed up the research and development time, many modified Kent engines destined for the Fiesta were tested in Fiat 127s. This also allowed covert road testing across Europe. It was only the second hatchback mini-car to have been built in the UK by this stage, being launched a year after the Vauxhall Chevette, but a year before the Chrysler Sunbeam and four years before the Austin Metro.
The Fiesta was a runaway success overnight, and the one millionth Fiesta was produced on 9 January 1979. The car was available in Europe with a 957 cc (58 CID) (high compression and low compression options), either a 1.1 and 1.3 L OHV petrol engines and in Base, Popular, L, GL (1978 onward), Ghia and S trim, as well as a van. The US Mark I Fiesta was built in Saarlouis, Germany but to slightly different specifications; US models were Base, Decor, Sport, and Ghia, the Ghia having the highest level of trim. These trim levels changed very little in the Fiesta's three year run in the USA, from 1978-80. All US models featured the more powerful 1.6 L Kent (97 CID; 1597cc) 4 cylinder engine (retrofited with a catalytic converter and air pump for lower emissions), energy-absorbing bumpers, side-marker lamps, round sealed-beam headlamps, improved crash dynamics and fuel system integrity as well as optional air conditioning (a/c was not available in Europe). The Ford Escort replaced the Fiesta in the US in 1981.
A sporting derivative (1.3 Supersport) was offered in Europe in 1980, effectively to test the market for the similar XR2 introduced one year later, which featured a 1.6 L version of the same engine. Black plastic trim was added on the exterior and interior, and the car looked exciting. The small square headlights were replaced with larger circular ones resulting in the front indicators being moved into the bumper to accommodate the change. With a quoted performance of 0-60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 9.3 seconds and top speed, the XR2 hot hatch became a cult car beloved of boy racers throughout the 1980s.
Minor revisions appeared across the range in late 1981, with larger bumpers to meet crash worthiness regulations and other small improvements in a bid to maintain showroom appeal ahead of the forthcoming Mk2.
In 1978, the Fiesta overtook the Vauxhall Chevette as Britain's best selling supermini, but in 1981 it was knocked off the top spot by British Leyland's Austin Metro and was still in second place at the end of 1982.
Mk1 specifications
Crayford convertibles
In 1982, coachbuilders Crayford produced the Fiesta "Fly" — a convertible version of the Mk1 Fiesta 1300 Ghia, and a total of just fifteen vehicles were produced. The following year the more powerful 1600 Mk1 Fiesta XR2 was the donor car, and a further seven conversions were carried out, part of which involved welding the boot shut.
Mk2 (1983–1989): Fiesta updated
The 'Mk2 Fiesta' appeared towards the end of summer 1983. The bodyshell was essentially a Fiesta Mk1 design with a more aerodynamic front end and an overhauled interior design. It also featured an altered bootlid design which mirrored the swage lines from the sides of the car. The 1.3L OHV engine was dropped, being replaced in 1984 by a CVH powerplant of similar capacity, itself superseded by the lean burn 1.4L two years later. 957 and 1117 cc engines continued with only slight alterations and for the first time a Fiesta diesel was produced with a 1600 cc engine adapted from the Escort.
The XR2 model was thoroughly updated with a larger bodykit. It also featured a 1.6L CVH engine as previously seen in the Ford Escort XR3, and five-speed gearbox (also standard on the 1.3L CVH models). The engine was replaced by a lean burn variant in 1986 which featured a revised cylinder head and carburettor. This replacement engine was significantly cleaner from an environmental viewpoint but was slightly less powerful as a result (95 bhp/ 71 kW).
A "Fiestamatic" had been rumoured for some years and the new CTX continuously variable transmission, also fitted in the Fiat Uno, eventually surfaced early in 1987 on 1.1 models only.
A truly "hot" Fiesta was never produced by the factory to avoid impacting on sales of performance Ford Escort variants but many aftermarket conversions were available, the best-known being that by the English firm Turbo Technics boosting power to a well documented , this hike in power and torque made it easily outclass all its "standard" rivals. Ford appreciated the high quality of this conversion and was keen to look after its customers: the installation was undertaken by approved fitting centres and thus all the warranties remained valid after.
The most bizarre feature of the Mk 2 was that the fitment of an almost completely different dashboard was perpetuated on the lower-series trim levels compared to the more expensive variants, the sole common visible components (save for minor switchgear and, where fitted, lighter socket) being the fuse-box cover and fuel/water gauges.
The face-lifted Fiesta quickly reclaimed its place as Britain's most popular supermini, and retained top spot for the remainder of its production life. In its best-ever year, 1987, over 150,000 Fiesta models were sold in the UK, though it missed out on first place in the sales charts to the Ford Escort. It was well-regarded by both men and women. But towards the end of the decade, it began to show its age compared to more modern rivals like the Citroen AX, Peugeot 205 and Fiat Uno.
This version of the Fiesta was still a common sight on British roads as recently as the beginning of the 2000s, though as the decade nears its end, it is becoming a rare sight. However, it is still a more frequent sight than its main rival, the Austin Metro.
The Mk2 Fiesta lives on as the donor vehicle for Quantum Sports Cars' 2+2 convertible with several hundred manufactured at the factory in Stourbridge before production moved to Kingsbridge.
Mk2 specifications
Mk3 (1989–1997)
The introduction of the Fiesta Mk3, codenamed BE-13, strengthened the Fiesta's popularity, helped largely by the addition of a five-door version.
Sometimes considered the 'quintessential' Fiesta, this model had the longest production life of any Fiesta to date, and also achieved the highest yearly sales of any Fiesta in the early 1990s. The car's longevity meant it was the Fiesta that went through the most changes in its life. For example, the car had four different versions of standard steering wheels during its lifetime (the launch wheel, then updated in 1992, 1994 and 1995) and the most changes to standard UK trim levels of any Fiesta (examples across the years show the large line-up: Popular, Popular Plus, L, LX, Ghia, 1.6S, XR2i, RS Turbo, RS1800, Fiesta, LA, DL, SX, Azura, Si, Classic, Classic Quartz, Classic Cabaret). A Fiesta-derived van, the Ford Courier, was launched in 1991.
Fuel injection engines became available in 1991. Major changes were introduced to the range in 1994: steering wheel airbags were made standard across the range, a move not echoed by arch-rival Vauxhall's Corsa until November 2000. Major structural improvements were made to improve safety, as well as a new immobiliser being fitted to petrol models. The UK trim line-up was also simplified to Fiesta, LX, Si (which also boasted a new bumper and seat designs) and Ghia. Revised door mirrors were also fitted, as were a line-up of fresh wheel trim designs.
As for sports models, 1992 saw the RS Turbo being supplanted by the RS1800 — as the CVH engine was being phased out, the RS1800 shared its 1.8 L Zetec fuel-injected engine with the version of the then-current Ford Escort XR3i and had a top speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). The XR2i name was also dropped in early 1994, and the insurance-friendly "Si" badge appeared in its place on a slightly less sporty-looking model with either the 1.4 L PTE (a development of the CVH) or the 1.6 L Zetec engine.
Trim levels were again revised in October 1995, to coincide with the introduction of the Mk4 Fiesta: the range was marketed as the "Fiesta Classic" from 1995 until production finally ceased in 1997.
Mk3 specifications
Mk4 (1995–1999): Major restyle
The Mk4 (internal code name was BE91) was launched in 1995 and became Britain's best selling car from 1996 to 1998.
Essentially a re-skin of the previous model, with the doors of the five-door version carried over, this car featured many Italian design influences, including a recessed dashboard on the passenger side, as popularised by Alfa Romeos. The model used the chassis of Mk3 car, but most components were heavily revised, including a new suspension system, which gave the Fiesta one of the best handling abilities in its class.
The model featured a range of new Zetec engines, available in 1.25 L and 1.4 L forms, the 1.8 diesel engine was slightly modified for the Mk4, now marketed as the "Endura DE". The 1.3 L OHV engine was carried over from the Mk3. As well as the major changes to the chassis, the Mk4 also benefited from a new interior and exterior styling, including a soft painted instrument panel for the first year of production, albeit maintaining a similar dimensions to the Mk3. The Mk4 Fiesta shared a production line and design with the Mazda 121, which sold in much lower volumes and was not produced for the British market after 1999.
In Brazil a 1.0-litre version was available, in L, LX and GL trim levels; it was sold in Argentina and Chile. The UK trim level line up had relatively few changes over the years: (1995, Encore, LX, Si, Ghia; 1996, Ghia X added as range-topper; 1998, Si replaced by Zetec, petrol LX models briefly renamed Zetec LX, Ghia X models axed; 1999, Finesse added between Encore and Zetec).
The Mk4 was not sold in North America. The German-built Ford Puma was based on the Mk4, sharing its underpinnings. For this reason the 1.7 VCT engine from the Ford Puma has become an extremely popular engine swap into the Mk4 and the Mk5 fiesta. Thus giving the popular hatchback an extra 100cc's over the previous largest engine size available, variable cam timing and better ratio gearbox while still retaining a factory finish as all components are a direct swap.
Mk4 specifications
Mk4 facelift (1999–2002)
In 1999, the Fiesta received a minor facelift aimed at giving the car a New Edge look, with a Focus-inspired face, new bumpers and wheel designs. Other changes include:
- A 1.6i 16V Zetec engine, fitted to the new Zetec S model, and later available in Ghia and Freestyle trims.
- New features such as side airbags and (after launch) the reintroduction of leather trim
- An environmentally-friendly 'E-Diesel' model for 2001, with CO2 emissions of 120g/km.
- the Lynx 1.8TDdi engine (also introduced after launch)
The MK4 facelift was the last generation of Fiesta to be built at Dagenham in England. Its internal code name was still BE91. The UK trim level line-up consisted of: 1999, Encore, Finesse, Zetec, LX, Ghia; 2000, Zetec S added; 2001, E-Diesel added at bottom of range, Flight and Freestyle respectively replace Finesse and Zetec.
The Zetec S
The Zetec S was the highest Fiesta trim, and although its 1.6 16v Sigma engine was available in other Fiestas (such as the Freestyle) the Zetec S pushed out 102bhp, and had major alterations to the suspension, with stiffer anti-roll bars.
The Zetec S was never developed for outright straight line speed. The main aim of the Fiesta is to be a small runabout.
The Zetec S Mk4 facelift has a sizeable following, with many websites dedicated to the vehicle. Most noteably is ZSOC, the Zetec S Owners Club (www.zsoc.com).
There is also a sizeable tuning culture devoted to this cause, with reputable companies such as Milltek Sport, and Shawspeed, developing performance parts Solely for the sigma engine.
To date, it has been proven that 120bhp is an easy task, and that 160bhp is achievable.
This model formed the basis of the Ford Ikon (code name C195), which is a four-door Saloon designed for India, where Ford was now producing cars in a joint venture with Mahindra. The Ikon was also introduced in other developing countries, such as Brazil (where it is known as the Fiesta Sedan), South Africa, Mexico and China, where saloons (sedans) are preferred to hatchbacks. They are extremely reliable, and became one of Ford's successes.
The Fiesta was still Britain's best-selling supermini in 2001, by which time it was making use of a design over a decade old (though heavily updated visually and mechanically). In three-door form, it was sold alongside the Mk5 Fiesta from April to December 2002.
Mk4 facelift specifications
Mk5 (2002–2006): Five generation
In September 2002, the all new five-generation car was unveiled, with no genetic links to the 1976 original. Of this Mk5 Fiesta, most engines were carried over from the previous Fiesta, but renamed "Duratec" with the "Zetec" tag used for the sportier models in place of the previous Si. Trim levels available initially were Finesse, LX, Zetec and Ghia, with limited edition variants soon following. The Mk6 was also the first Fiesta to feature the Anti-lock Braking System and passenger airbags as standard.
Engines available include 1.25 L, 1.3 L, 1.4 L, 1.6 L, 2.0 L petrol (gasoline), plus 1.4 8v and 1.6 16v Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesels built in a joint venture with PSA.
In Brazil, the engine options include 1.0 L 8v, 1.0 L 8v Supercharged (95 hp, not sold any more in Brazil, though still assembled and exported to Colombia), as well as a Brazilian specific 1.6 L 8v alcohol/gasoline (110 hp) "RoCam" flexible-fuel version. The internal codename of this model is B256 (5-door) and B257 (3-door). The South American-market Fiesta was facelifted in early 2007 as a 2008 model, with new rectangular headlights and grille.
This was also the first Fiesta to be sold in Asia and Australasia (all 1.6 L LX 3dr/5dr, Zetec 3dr, Ghia 5dr), replacing the Kia-based Festiva. In Brazil and Argentina, a Fiesta Saloon version was introduced in late 2004. A similar Fiesta Saloon model, with a different front end, was released in India in late 2005. Although the Mk5 Fiesta was ergonomically and mechanically more advanced than any previous Fiesta generation, it was criticized for being too dull and 'heavy' looking. However, the Mk6 facelift came with an improved exterior.
Fiesta ST
This is a performance model Fiesta. It includes a 2.0L Duratec petrol engine rated in standard form, with top speeds of up to 130mph (210 km/h) and hopes to relive the success of the XR2. To differentiate it from the standard Fiesta, it also has visual enhancements, including 17" alloy wheels, different front and rear bumpers, side skirts, body colour handles and bump strips, partial leather seats and a ST logo on the steering wheel.
In Australia, the Fiesta ST was sold as the Fiesta XR4. Like all Euro sporty Fords sold in Australia, they all use the 'XR' badging, instead of the 'ST' badging used in Europe.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2004 Geneva Motor Show.
Fiesta RallyeConcept
This is a British 3-door concept car designed by Ford RallyeSport and Ford Design Europe, designed for the Super 1600 rally. The 1.6L Duratec engine was rated 200bhp. It includes four-two-one Arvin Meritor exhaust, 6-speed Hewland sequential gearbox, MacPherson strut front and twist-beam rear suspensions, 15-spoke magnesium wheels with 18" Pirelli P-Zero tyres.
The car was unveiled in Birmingham Show.
Fiesta RS
This is a concept model based on the 2002 Fiesta RallyeConcept. It includes many of the RallyeConcept Fiesta features such as the cooling vents in the front bumper, deep side rockers, white ceramic-coated brake calipers and exhaust tips, and large rear spoiler. It also includes 18-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres, extended wheel arches, lowered and stiffened suspension. Engine was rated over 180bhp. If the car had been approved for production, it could have be in production by the end of 2005.
Mk5 facelift revision (2005–2009): Facelift & moderate revisions
In November 2005, a revised version of the Mk5 Fiesta went on sale. Also known as the Mk5 facelift. A number of cosmetic changes were introduced: front and rear lights featured new detailing (known as nipple lights), and bumpers, side mouldings and door mirrors were altered. A bright new colour palette was introduced.
Inside, the dashboard featured both a new design and better quality soft touch materials, following criticisms of the hard, cheaply textured original. A new analogue instrument display features in a style similar to the Mk 2 Ford Focus.
New technology was made available, including power folding mirrors, automatic and 'home-safe' headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, Bluetooth with voice control, Trip computer, MP3 player connectivity and the Electronic Stability Program.
The changes had immediate effects on sales. After years being outsold by Vauxhall's Corsa, among others, in February 2006 Ford announced sales in the preceding month were up 25% on January 2005 for the previous model. Furthermore, the Fiesta captured the title of Britain's most popular supermini in both 2006 and 2007, for the first time since 2001.
In the United Kingdom, the car is available in Studio, Style, Style Climate, Zetec Climate, Zetec S, ST and Ghia trim levels.
In 2007, more limited editions were added — the Fiesta Zetec Blue, and (following on from the hugely successful Fiesta Zetec S "Anniversary" edition), the Fiesta Zetec S 'Celebration'. In 2008, following in this tradition, the Fiesta Zetec S Red was added, as well as an ST500 model.
Fiesta Zetec S "Anniversary" edition
It is a limited (400 cars) edition based on Zetec S, but includes Radian Yellow body, chequered roof, black mirrors and door handles, tinted glass, 16" alloy wheels, black roof spoiler, sports seats, leather trim, an alarm and an iPod socket.
The car went on sale in the UK on March 2007 for £12,595. Despite the name suggests, Ford Fiesta was 31 years old when the anniversary model was released.
Fiesta Zetec S 'Celebration'
It is a limited (400 cars) edition based on Zetec S, but includes Celebration Green body, black and white chequered roof decal, unique identity number, chequered scuff plates and mats, full 'Ebony Haze' leather interior, privacy glass and Panther Black door mirrors, bodyside mouldings, roof spoiler, tailgate handle, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, trip computer, electric windows, CD player with portable music connection socket, sports front seats and lowered sports suspension.
The car went on sale in the UK for £12,595.
Fiesta Zetec S Red
It is a limited (400 cars) edition based on Zetec S, but includes Colorado red body, black and white chequered roof decal, dark privacy glass on the rear windows, panther black door mirrors, door handles, bodyside mouldings, roof spoiler and tailgate handle; Quickclear heated front windscreen, ebony leather seats, 16in alloy wheels, air conditioning and heated electrically-operated door mirrors.
The car went on sale in the UK for £13,000.
Fiesta ST
In 2008, Ford offered Mountune Performance options for Fiesta ST vehicles, available at specialist British Ford dealers beginning 2008-03-01. It was developed by Roush Technologies Ltd, which owns the Mountune Racing motorsport brand. Mountune Performance Stage 1 (£1,435) includes high flow catalyst and tubular manifold, and re-calibration of the engine to produce . Mountune Performance Stage 2 package (£1,838) adds new camshafts and valve springs to the basic package to deliver .
Fiesta ST 500
It is a limited production (500 vehicles) model of Fiesta ST. It includes 17-inch 11-spoke black alloy wheels, red brake callipers and carbon fibre pattern interior trim. The interior also features a Sony audio system and ebony leather heated seats. The vehicle cost £15,000.
Mk5 specifications
Sales figures
In 2002, it was the fifth best selling new car in the UK, but was pushed down to third place in the supermini charts by the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 206, not claiming top spot in its sector until 2006.
The Fiesta is one of Brazil's best-selling vehicles, selling around 5,000 units per month. From September 2002 to April 2007, more than 336,000 units have been sold, outselling its competitors: Chevrolet Corsa (183,000 in the same period) and Renault Clio (122,267). Ford Brazil also makes a Fiesta Sedan, which has sold 113,000 units since its launch in 2004.
Marketing
Since the launch of the 2005+ model, the advertising motto has been "StupidDogbot, CleverFiesta", with the car showing a new gadget, while the robotic dog does something stupid; e.g. the Fiesta showing MP3 connectivity, while the Dogbot sticks its head into an old record player.
The September 2008 advert for the UK-spec Fiesta used Transient by Pluxus as backing track.
Strategy for India
While Fiesta continued to impress people all over the globe, Ford had different plans for the Indian market. Ford engineers in Melbourne, Australia, designed a car from scratch specifically for the Indian market and badged it as Fiesta (2005).
This sedan was sold with two engine options, 1.4 Diesel (TDCI) and 1.4/1.6 Petrol. The 1.6 Petrol version was marketed for its acceleration and performance to keep it competitive with other car makers. The Diesel version saw much success as its main selling point was the fuel efficiency. Ford test delivered a whopping 30+Km/L. Since cost of fuel was rising this was the right time for Ford to showcase its turbocharged direct-injection diesel technology. Ford claims to have sold more diesel variants than its petrol ones.
Recently Ford gave some minor facial uplift to the well sold Fiesta and also reworked on safety features. Dual Airbag was included because the competitors the Suzuki SX4 and Hyundai Verna had this and other safety features.
There are rumors that Ford will shift the super hit 1.4 diesel engine of the Fiesta into the Ikon, a B category sedan from Ford. Fiesta will relaunch with a 1.6 Diesel variant. This will give Ford an edge over Hyundai Verna and Chevrolet Magnum.
Mk6 (2008–): Sixth generation
The Mk6 Fiesta was shown in concept form as the Ford Verve at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007. This sparked rumours that Ford was considering replacing the Fiesta name with Verve, but recent press reports claim that replacing the name was never an option as the Fiesta badge has such a strong identity. The car is already on sale in principal European markets including Germany and Great Britain. It shares its platform with the Mazda 2.
Ford intends this to be a truly global vehicle, going on sale in Europe, the Far East, and North America. It will become available in North America in 2010 where it will be built at Ford’s Cuautitlán plant located in Mexico. It will be sold to the American market as a 2011 model. Recently it was announced that the Mk7 Fiesta will be built by AutoAlliance Thailand, a factory of both Ford and Mazda for Ford Australia. The new Ford Fiesta will be available in Australia in January 2009. Ford announced in August 2008 that Fiesta production had begun in the Cologne plant and in January 2009 at the Almussafes plant in Valencia, Spain.
Also in January, Fiesta was added to the production roster at the Chang'an Ford Mazda plant in Nanjing, China.
The production version of the new Ford Fiesta was revealed on 14 February 2008 and shown at the Geneva Motor show in March 2008. The car features Ford's 'kinetic' design direction, now seen across the Ford range. It is lighter and stronger than the current Ford Fiesta, with similar dimensions.
Ford's Convers+ menu system, as seen on the Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy and complemented by steering wheel button controls, will be available for the first time. Ford anticipates that more than 85 per cent of Fiesta orders will feature such a multifunction display. Also available for the first time will be keyless entry with 'Ford Power' starter button, reach and rake adjustable steering wheel and a USB port for portable music players. Ford Easyfuel, the capless refuelling system recently introduced with the Ford Mondeo designed to prevent accidental misfuelling, will also feature, and 'ambient lighting,' casting a soft red glow over the interior, will also be an option.
Ford has also revealed the engine line-up for the new Fiesta: both and 1.25-litre, 1.4-litre and 1.6 Ti-VCT (Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing) Ford Sigma petrol engines; and reworked versions of the current Fiesta's 1.4TDCi and 1.6TDCi diesel engines. Both a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmissions will be available, the former standard on all engines and the latter optional with the 1.4 petrol engine. The US-market version of the new Fiesta will offer Ford's "Powershift" dual-clutch transmission. Electric power assisted steering (E-PAS) is also introduced to the Fiesta for the first time; this differs from the standard hydraulic system as it does not operate when not needed, increasing fuel economy.
UK trim levels for the new Fiesta have now been revealed, progressing through Studio, Style, Style+, Zetec, Zetec S and Titanium. All models will include powered door mirrors.
Motor Trend called the new generation of Fiesta a "superb little car" whose "greatest problem is that it's still a year away", a reference to the fact that the Fiesta won't arrive in the USA until late 2009. British magazine Auto Express called the car a "new class leader"; UK's Car Magazine said it was a "huge achievement" which will "please just about everyone". The February 2009 issue of Britain's prestigious What Car? magazine named the new Fiesta "Car of the Year" and the Ford Mondeo "Best Family Car" and "Best Estate."
The new Ford Fiesta was featured on episode 6 of series 12 of Top Gear in a series of "serious" road tests, from escaping 'baddies' in the Festival Place Basingstoke shopping mall, to participating in an amphibious beach assault with the Royal Marines.
ECOnetic model
Ford have also revealed details of an ECOnetic model, which Ford states will emit 98g/km of carbon dioxide. Driven by the 90 PS 1.6TDCi diesel engine, the Fiesta ECOnetic achieves its environmental credentials through weight loss and aerodynamic adjustments. This would exempt the car from UK Vehicle Excise Duty. The ECOnetic will arrive in Europe a few months after other new Fiesta models go on sale in late 2008. The ECOnetic will get a fuel consumption (United States Environmental Protection Agency? estimated) .
The model will not be available in the United States because, as Business Week noted, the company "doesn't believe it could charge enough to make money on an imported ECOnetic" and doesn't think it would sell enough of the model (350,000/year) to justify the $350 million in upgrades required at their Mexico plant in order to manufacture it in North America.
Fiesta ST
The performance model was unveiled in 2008 Geneva Motor Show. It was expected to include 1.6L turbo EcoBoost engine rated 190hp.
The car was expected to go on sale in 2009 in UK and cost £15,500.
Fiesta RS
It would be an upgrade to the Fiesta ST model. Engine is rated 200bhp. The car has top speed of 140mph.
The car was expected to go on sale in 2010 in UK and cost £17,000.
Future
In 2010, the Fiesta will be produced at plants in Germany, Spain, Mexico, Thailand and China for sale in markets around the world. The Fiesta for the North American market will be built at the Cuautitlán plant in Mexico.
Motorsport
Rallying
Two Ford Fiestas famously starred in the 1979 Monte Carlo rally — the British entry driven by Roger Clark and aided by co-driver Jim Porter, and a German entry piloted by Ari Vatanen and co-driven by David Richards.
Both cars were highly modified with special motorsport components throughout and featured pioneering Limited Slip Differential (LSD) technology. The cars were powered by competition tuned versions of the 1600 cc Kent crossflow engine — a later version of which appeared in the Mk1 Fiesta XR2.
The 2 cars worked well in the arduous ice and snow that year. Roger Clark did not set any records but the German car achieved 9th position overall — a very encouraging result which sparked demand for sportier Fiestas.
Since this there have been sporting and "hot hatch" editions. Versions include Supersport, XR2, S(Sport), XR2i, Si, RS Turbo, RS1800, Zetec S, Zetec RS, and ST. All of these were powered by a range of engines from the Ford Kent engine to the Ford Duratec engine.
The Ford RallyeConcept in 2002 and Fiesta JWRC. Ford RallyeConcept has been realised through an intensely close collaboration between Ford RallyeSport, the motorsport experts behind the Puma Super 1600 and the Focus WRC rally cars, and Ford Design Europe, the creative team responsible for the new three-door Fiesta on which the RallyeConcept is based. Ford RallyeConcept’s marriage of the motorsport engineer’s objective for performance functionality with the eye for detail of the designer has been so effective that Ford has committed to an engineering development programme to bring a Fiesta-based rally car to reality. Aiming for FIA homologation by the summer of 2003, Ford RallyeSport is hoping that it will become Ford’s next success story in national and international rallying. Fiesta Super 1600 debut Rally Greece 2004.
The "Fiesta Sporting Trophy" is a One Make Championship; beginning its 1st season in March 2006. It combines keen competition with equal performance and leaves the decision about winning or losing to the drivers and co-drivers capabilities. The driver, co-driver and mechanics work as a team to compete against the toughest adversary of all — the clock.
The Fiesta Sporting Trophy will be based around the Fiesta ST Group N car. The car has from the 2-litre Duratec ST engine which when combined with the conversion kit from M-Sport, has been designed to provide all of the safety equipment and performance upgrades to enable the car to be competitive and reliable at any event around the world.
In March 2007, the Pirtek Rally Team introduced the Ford Fiesta Super 2000 rally car, which will compete in the Australian Rally Championship.
Fiesta ST Group N specifications
| Engine: | 1999 cc (122.0 CID) Duratec engine. Four cylinders in line, DOHC, 16 valves, alloy cylinder head and block.
Electronic multipoint fuel injection. | | Power: | | | Torque: | | | Transmission: | Five-speed 'dog' engagement gearkit fitted to standard ST road car casing.
Upgraded driveshafts fitted as standard. Plated LSD. | | Suspension: | Upgraded suspension of ST road car includes revised front knuckles and strengthened twist beam rear axle.
Reiger dampers, adjustable for rebound, and revised spring rates. Uprated suspension bushes. | | Brakes: | Standard ST road car front and rear disc brakes. | | Wheels: | Gravel: 15-inch OZ Racing wheels
Asphalt: 17-inch OZ Racing wheels
Wheels manufactured in both Super T and Rally Racing style. | | Bodyshell: | Multipoint roll cage designed by M-Sport, complying with FIA regulations.
Includes three X braces in rear and twin tube door bars with no cross-over. | | Electronics: | 'Piggy back' loom supplements standard loom.
Includes electronic circuit breaker and wiring for additional requirements. | | Fuel tank: | | | Dimensions: | | Width: .
Height: .
Wheelbase: .
Circuit racing
In the United Kingdom, the Fiesta is commonly used in numerous club level motorsport series but has its national one-make series called the Ford Fiesta Championship. During its peak in the 1980s and 1990s it had manufacturer support and it even was a support race to the British Grand Prix and numerous BTCC rounds. The series has gone through numerous name changes including Ford Credit Fiesta Championship, Ford Fiesta Zetec Championship and BRSCC Ford Si Challenge and is nowadays run by the BRSCC (British Racing Sports Car Club) as a club racing championship. The organisation also run the other series that consists of Fiestas.
- Ford XR Challenge, for XR2 and XR2i models, also consists of the Escort XR models.
- Ford Saloon Championship, mainly for a wider range of Ford models but fiestas are mostly seen in clases C and E with a Mk 4 example winning the title outright in 2006 at the hands of Ollie Allen.
Awards
- Winner of UK Design Council Efficiency Award for "exemplary contribution to the reduction of running and maintenance costs" in 1978. The award was presented by Prince Philip.
- Winner Australia's Best Small Car in 2004.
- Winner of Business Standard Motoring Jury Award, 2006.
- What Car's Best Used Supermini for 2006 - 1.4 Zetec 3dr 2003 - Runner Up Toyota Yaris 1.0 T2 3dr 2003.
- Winner of Brazilian Auto Esporte magazine Car of the Year in 2005 (Fiesta Sedan).
- Named Scottish Car of the Year 2008 at the 11th annual Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) awards dinner in St Andrew's, Scotland.
- Named 'Car of the Year 1989' by Britain's What Car? magazine
- Named 'Car of the Year 2009' by Britain's What Car? magazine
External links
Fiesta") - History of the Fiesta
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