The updated Ford Fiesta will introduce revised styling, added technology and three new engines when it arrives in local showrooms in September.
The overhauled WZ?Ford Fiesta range comes into line with the Focus and Kuga, trading the old CL, LX and Zetec badges for Ambiente, Trend and Sport nomenclature, while the Fiesta ST pocket-rocket also joins the line-up as the flagship performance variant.
Entry-level Fiesta Ambiente and mid-spec Fiesta Trend models feature a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 82kW of power and 140Nm of torque – 7kW/11Nm less powerful than the previous 1.6-litre, but five per cent more fuel efficient at 5.8 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.
The 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged 'EcoBoost' petrol engine powers the Fiesta Sport grade, and effectively takes the place of the diesel, which has been dropped from the updated range.
The 92kW/170Nm unit consumes as little as 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle, and like the four-cylinder engine, can be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or – for $2000 – a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Ford is yet to announce specifications of the Fiesta ST, though we know it will be powered by a 132kW/240Nm 1.6-litre turbo four, which produces a meatier 147kW/290Nm on overboost.
The mid-life upgrade sees the introduction of Ford's Sync hands-free voice-activated connectivity system, which allows occupants to pair mobile phones and media players wirelessly via Bluetooth or via a USB port.
The base model Ambiente – $335 dearer than the CL – now comes standard with cruise control, front and rear power windows, trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel with phone and audio controls, and a six-speaker audio system.
The Fiesta also gains 'EcoMode', which measures the driver's gear shifting anticipation and speed, and rewardes fuel-efficient drivers with leaf icons displayed on the instrument cluster.
The addition of a driver's knee airbag takes the count to seven, while hill launch assist helps drivers to pull away when stopped on an incline.
The $2000 premium for the mid-level Trend adds front fog lights, 15-inch alloy wheels and Trend badging.
Another $2700 affords the Sport, which, along with the more powerful and more efficient engine, also adds 16-inch alloys, front and rear spoilers and Sport badging on the exterior, as well as part-leather sports seats and an eight-speaker Sony audio system with a 4.2-inch colour display.
For $1000, Fiesta Sport buyers can also option in the Sports Executive Package, which includes automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, keyless entry with push-button start, climate control, and a perimeter alarm.
Ford Fiesta manufacturer's list prices:
Ambiente manual – $15,825 Ambiente auto – $17,825 Trend manual – $17,825 Trend auto – $19,825 Sport manual – $20,525 Sport auto – $22,525 document.getElementById('zcpage').innerHTML='Car News ? '; if(document.getElementById("zNews")) document.getElementById("zNews").className = "selected"; document.getElementById('zcptitle').innerHTML='Ford ? Ford Fiesta'; Tweet Daniel
