Ford’s hot next-gen Fiesta is India-bound…expected by 2010-2011, it’s sure to create a few waves in the market. AutoCar (January ’09) gives us a sneak preview.
Based on the award-winning Mazda from Japan, the new Fiesta will be lighter, more efficient and sleeker in design. A pioneering design that bucks the trend of successive models getting heavier, the new Mazda weighs in at 100kg less than the earlier model. And unlike cars like the Fiat Linea and the Honda City, which have also been developed from hatchbacks, Ford has taken the less expensive route and kept changes to a minimum. There is no extension to the Fiesta’s wheelbase, a major problem for our rear seat-centric market and there are no changes to the front half either but the boot section has been well integrated though reports AutoCar (Jan. ’09). The taillight design works well too, however there is an area of heaviness above the rear wheel arch, accentuated by the tiny wheels. Nevertheless the design overall has a lot going for it.
The nose of the car carries considerable Ford ‘Kinetic Design’ language. Key design elements include large dagger-like headlights, a low-mounted anvil-shaped grille and a nose section that tapers at the front. The windscreen is steeply raked and quarter-glasses are used at both ends for a sporty roofline.
Under the skin, the car has the now-standard MacPherson struts for the front and torsion beam suspension at the rear, all from Mazda. The car is built on a 2489mm wheelbase, almost the same as that of the Ikon and fiesta currently sold in India. And that’s about as much legroom as you can expect, unless there’s some intelligent re-jigging of seats and better use of space, says AutoCar (Jan. ’09).
 Despite having a new electric power steering, the next-gen Fiesta hatchback in Europe reputedly possesses genuinely entertaining handling. And ford is keen to carry this over to the saloon version as well.
The motors planned for India both displace 1.6 litres. There will be a high-output diesel 1.6 that develops 90bhp and 20.7kgm of torque. The other motor, the 1600cc Zetec is well known in India. The S version of the motor makes 118bhp and this is the one Ford should get to help it take on the likes of the new City.
On the inside too, the Fiesta has a really funky-looking dash and fresh looking interiors. Using Honda-like plastic inserts for the steering wheel as well as the instrument panel and central console, ford has created a really modern ambience for the cabin.
So, with its fresh sharp looks, funky interiors and perfect combination of Japanese and European engineering, the new Fiesta could take the game a step ahead for Ford. But the American carmaker has to remain healthy and strong in the near future for that to happen observes AutoCar (Jan. ’09), and that according to insiders is the only thing holding up this car. |
