The new Fiesta gets economy boost

10:33am Friday 1st August 2008

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FORD has unveiled the new Fiesta, a completely new model that marks something of a departure for the company.

In contrast to previous generations of Fiesta, this car has been conceived and developed by the European arm of Ford’s global product development team.

It is also the blueprint for future Ford global product development, bringing together Europe, the Americas and Asia, where it will be tailored for each region and go on sale progressively between now and 2010.

“I believe this is the most dramatic Fiesta since the very first model and it is the most complete and expressive interpretation yet of our kinetic design philosophy, echoing both inside and out the major elements of the exciting Verve Concept vehicles that inspired such a positive reaction around the world,” said John Fleming, president and chief executive officer, Ford of Europe.

The development team has made the new Fiesta stronger, safer and more comfortable, yet lighter and more fuel-efficient than the car it replaces. An exceptionally rigid body structure means a robust crash protection, even before you include up to seven airbags available as part of new Fiesta’s Intelligent Protection System.

Chief among a range of efficiency improvements is the extension of Ford’s ECOnetic ultra-low CO2 range, with a new 1.6-litre ECOnetic Duratorq TDCi offering CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km, while each and every engine in the range has been revised and enhanced for greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Ford is also introducing a 1.6-litre Ti-VCT engine and a Zetec S model for driving enthusiasts.