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There is just one thing common between the all-new and the older model of the Ford Fiesta, and that's the name. Being an entire generation apart, there can be no trouble telling these two apart.
The all-new Fiesta (code: B299) goes against Ford's practice of introducing India-specific cars. The Ikon, the current Fiesta and even the Figo were essentially used platforms adapted purely for the Indian market. The Fiesta that it plans to sell here is the one that is being sold in China, the U.S. or Thailand. What's good for India is good for the rest of the world is what Ford wants to convey emphatically.
Hence, the Fiesta saloon which we drove in Thailand won't be too different from the Indian model except for some basic differences in specifications and engine options.
The new Fiesta is built on the company's B2E platform which is shared with the Mazda 2. This platform has won much acclaim for its light yet stiff construction, thanks to the increased use of innovative elements in the body that allows for the use of less material overall. The hatchback version, sold primarily in Europe, won't be coming soon to India and it's the saloon derivative developed primarily for China and other Asian markets that we will get. The Fiesta saloon's wheelbase is the same as the hatchback. Sources in the company tell us that Ford India wasn't a part of the B299 programme in the early stages when it could have asked for a longer wheelbase, which is so crucial in a segment where the rear seat is important.
The boot section has been integrated seamlessly. The new Fiesta's design has a lot going for it. The nose is particularly striking . Ford's ‘Kinetic Design' language is amply evident in the new Fiesta. Sharp cuts, strong creases and taut skinning make the Fiesta look like it's full of energy. The swept-back, dagger-like headlights straddle a slot-like intake while the large, lower trapezoidal grille is a common Kinetic Design feature. The steeply raked front and rear pillars and quarter-glasses at both ends support a sporty looking roofline. The rear tail-lights have some Mondeo influence in them and straddle an upright boot lid.
The new Fiesta is underpinned with conventional MacPherson struts in the front and a twist beam suspension at the rear, which is nothing exceptional, but what is of note is the exceptionally rigid chassis which makes suspension tuning a lot easier. The new Fiesta also comes with electrically assisted steering which uses a column-mounted motor. For the Indian market, Ford is using a higher profile tyre (195/60 R15) which has increased the new Fiesta's ground clearance by 15mm.
Dramatic interiors
Open the new Fiesta's door, and you're struck by how different and dramatic it looks from the present car. Plain surfaces and straight lines are done away with, and there's a wing-like design theme to the dashboard. The stack of buttons on the central console fan outwards as do the instrument pods which house deep-set dials. The large screen, which displays the various audio and Bluetooth functions, is very easy to read, and is a useful feature that's missing in the Fiesta's rivals. Electronic climate control, a feature missing in the current Fiesta, will be available in the new car as will steering-mounted audio controls. The all-black insides of the Thai-spec Fiesta are likely to change for the Indian model that is expected to be launched with lighter shades and richer materials. The dashboard is nicely-textured with soft-touch material, but lower down in the dash and on the door trim, the plastics look shiny and not very upmarket. Some of the switchgear also do not feel premium enough for this class. Ford will have to spruce up the insides to entice Indian buyers. Headroom and rear legroom are not generous, and the small rear windows, a result of the high beltline, add to the cooped-up feeling. But, the seats are quite comfy with good cushioning.
Get into the driver's seat, and there will be little reason to complain. The driving position is superb, the pedals are well-spaced and there's even a dead pedal to rest your foot. Boot space is average by class standards but what adds to the versatility is the 60:40 split of the rear seats.
For the Indian market, the new Fiesta will come with both petrol and diesel engine options. Though Ford hasn't officially confirmed it, the new Fiesta will use Ford's DV6 or 1.6-litre Duratorq diesel engine that develops around 90bhp. We expect it to be more responsive just like the smaller 1.4 Durtatorq in the old Fiesta. What Ford has confirmed is a 120bhp 1.6-litre petrol, which will put the new Fiesta on a par with the City and Linea T-Jet. This engine is essentially the same Sigma engine in the current Fiesta, but gets variable valve timing, which boosts power by a whopping 20bhp.
The responsiveness of the 1.6 engine is what immediately strikes you when you have to dart through crowded Thai towns.
The new Fiesta is quick off the line and the 1.6 motor revs eagerly and smoothly. Also impressive are the low noise and vibration levels of the engine. Even at max revs, it doesn't sound thrashy or strained. That the 1.6 petrol Fiesta is quick there is no doubt, but special mention must be made of Ford's PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission 3, a twin-clutch unit that feels more direct and connected than a conventional torque converter.
Gearchanges are quite seamless, especially at higher speeds, but in slow-moving traffic, the transmission feels a bit jerky. The big advantage of Ford's dual-clutch PowerShift transmission is superior fuel efficiency and it is for this reason alone that Ford should consider launching an automatic option for the Fiesta sooner.
If the present Fiesta sets the benchmark for ride and handling, then the new Fiesta raises it to a new level. Within a few metres of driving the Fiesta, you can tell that its dynamics are special, and poorly-surfaced roads we found underscored this attribute further. Helping in no small measure is the steering, which is the best example of an electrically power assisted system we have experienced. It has a pleasing weight to it, a consistent feel and lets you place the nose accurately where you want to.
If Ford manages to price this car competitively, it could zoom right to the top of the class.
The all-new Fiesta (code: B299) goes against Ford's practice of introducing India-specific cars. The Ikon, the current Fiesta and even the Figo were essentially used platforms adapted purely for the Indian market. The Fiesta that it plans to sell here is the one that is being sold in China, the U.S. or Thailand. What's good for India is good for the rest of the world is what Ford wants to convey emphatically.
Hence, the Fiesta saloon which we drove in Thailand won't be too different from the Indian model except for some basic differences in specifications and engine options.
The new Fiesta is built on the company's B2E platform which is shared with the Mazda 2. This platform has won much acclaim for its light yet stiff construction, thanks to the increased use of innovative elements in the body that allows for the use of less material overall. The hatchback version, sold primarily in Europe, won't be coming soon to India and it's the saloon derivative developed primarily for China and other Asian markets that we will get. The Fiesta saloon's wheelbase is the same as the hatchback. Sources in the company tell us that Ford India wasn't a part of the B299 programme in the early stages when it could have asked for a longer wheelbase, which is so crucial in a segment where the rear seat is important.
The boot section has been integrated seamlessly. The new Fiesta's design has a lot going for it. The nose is particularly striking . Ford's ‘Kinetic Design' language is amply evident in the new Fiesta. Sharp cuts, strong creases and taut skinning make the Fiesta look like it's full of energy. The swept-back, dagger-like headlights straddle a slot-like intake while the large, lower trapezoidal grille is a common Kinetic Design feature. The steeply raked front and rear pillars and quarter-glasses at both ends support a sporty looking roofline. The rear tail-lights have some Mondeo influence in them and straddle an upright boot lid.
The new Fiesta is underpinned with conventional MacPherson struts in the front and a twist beam suspension at the rear, which is nothing exceptional, but what is of note is the exceptionally rigid chassis which makes suspension tuning a lot easier. The new Fiesta also comes with electrically assisted steering which uses a column-mounted motor. For the Indian market, Ford is using a higher profile tyre (195/60 R15) which has increased the new Fiesta's ground clearance by 15mm.
Dramatic interiors
Open the new Fiesta's door, and you're struck by how different and dramatic it looks from the present car. Plain surfaces and straight lines are done away with, and there's a wing-like design theme to the dashboard. The stack of buttons on the central console fan outwards as do the instrument pods which house deep-set dials. The large screen, which displays the various audio and Bluetooth functions, is very easy to read, and is a useful feature that's missing in the Fiesta's rivals. Electronic climate control, a feature missing in the current Fiesta, will be available in the new car as will steering-mounted audio controls. The all-black insides of the Thai-spec Fiesta are likely to change for the Indian model that is expected to be launched with lighter shades and richer materials. The dashboard is nicely-textured with soft-touch material, but lower down in the dash and on the door trim, the plastics look shiny and not very upmarket. Some of the switchgear also do not feel premium enough for this class. Ford will have to spruce up the insides to entice Indian buyers. Headroom and rear legroom are not generous, and the small rear windows, a result of the high beltline, add to the cooped-up feeling. But, the seats are quite comfy with good cushioning.
Get into the driver's seat, and there will be little reason to complain. The driving position is superb, the pedals are well-spaced and there's even a dead pedal to rest your foot. Boot space is average by class standards but what adds to the versatility is the 60:40 split of the rear seats.
For the Indian market, the new Fiesta will come with both petrol and diesel engine options. Though Ford hasn't officially confirmed it, the new Fiesta will use Ford's DV6 or 1.6-litre Duratorq diesel engine that develops around 90bhp. We expect it to be more responsive just like the smaller 1.4 Durtatorq in the old Fiesta. What Ford has confirmed is a 120bhp 1.6-litre petrol, which will put the new Fiesta on a par with the City and Linea T-Jet. This engine is essentially the same Sigma engine in the current Fiesta, but gets variable valve timing, which boosts power by a whopping 20bhp.
The responsiveness of the 1.6 engine is what immediately strikes you when you have to dart through crowded Thai towns.
The new Fiesta is quick off the line and the 1.6 motor revs eagerly and smoothly. Also impressive are the low noise and vibration levels of the engine. Even at max revs, it doesn't sound thrashy or strained. That the 1.6 petrol Fiesta is quick there is no doubt, but special mention must be made of Ford's PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission 3, a twin-clutch unit that feels more direct and connected than a conventional torque converter.
Gearchanges are quite seamless, especially at higher speeds, but in slow-moving traffic, the transmission feels a bit jerky. The big advantage of Ford's dual-clutch PowerShift transmission is superior fuel efficiency and it is for this reason alone that Ford should consider launching an automatic option for the Fiesta sooner.
If the present Fiesta sets the benchmark for ride and handling, then the new Fiesta raises it to a new level. Within a few metres of driving the Fiesta, you can tell that its dynamics are special, and poorly-surfaced roads we found underscored this attribute further. Helping in no small measure is the steering, which is the best example of an electrically power assisted system we have experienced. It has a pleasing weight to it, a consistent feel and lets you place the nose accurately where you want to.
If Ford manages to price this car competitively, it could zoom right to the top of the class.