Bangkok--29 Mar--Ford Motor
- Kinetic design cues provide Ford Fiesta with its dynamic look
- The innovative PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission is introduced for the first time in a Ford small car in Asia, providing best-in-class fuel efficiency and excellent driving performance
- Two E20-capable petrol engine choices will be offered - 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre
- Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, as well as a voice control system, are unique to this segment in select models
- Quality features of new include remote keyless entry and a tilt steering wheel as standard
- New Fiesta is available in five-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles
Internationally acclaimed with more than half a million units sold worldwide, Ford's popular Fiesta compact is set for another debut at the 31st Bangkok International Motor Show. The unveiling of the four-door Fiesta in ASEAN follows a whirlwind series of introductions for Ford's global compact that started in Europe one year ago and has progressively moved across the world.
The Fiesta's full arrival in ASEAN also signifies the continued role of Thailand as a global production hub for Ford Motor Company, where both the four-and five-door models will be producted for the ASEAN markets, with exports also planned for markets that include Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Available in four- and five-door body styles, the new Fiesta will include a choice of two E20-capable petrol powertrains and a comprehensive list of features for safety, connectivity and technology.
The new Ford Fiesta will be available in Thailand at all Ford showrooms in August.
Kinetic design
Ford conducted extensive global customer research for the new Fiesta. Customers in Thailand and the entire ASEAN region clearly indicated that style in a distinctively designed small car topped their list of desires.
Fiesta, with Ford's kinetic design elements, imparts a sense of movement even when the car is standing still and reflects confidence, style and individuality.
"Fiesta customers relate to the design philosophy of 'energy in motion' because it reflects their personal outlook and lifestyle," said Kevin George, Fiesta design manager.
Up front, the familiar Ford face includes the signature inverted trapezoid lower grille opening centred with the Blue Oval badge. Additional cues include sweeping, elongated headlamps that frame and connect the hood to muscular front fenders.
At the rear, where many of the design elements merge, Fiesta stands out from the crowd with chamfered rear lift gate glass, a low roofline sweeping into a spoiler and dramatic tail lamps with honeycomb detailing mounted high in the five-door's corner. Fiesta's muscular rear quarter panels, wrapped tightly over the wheels, project a bold, confident stance.
The design features that set Fiesta apart on the outside also contribute to the dramatic, inviting interior. Boldly sculpted surfaces, supportive materials and contrasting colours combine to make the interior as individual as the dirver.
The instrument panel centrestack - a key component of the Fiesta interior - is designed to feel as familiar and useful as the keypad on a personal communication device. Intuitive switchgear, comfort zone seating and available ambient lighting are just some of the interior features customers will find useful in the new Fiesta.
Fun and fuel efficient
Whether it's the standard 1.4-litre manual or a available 1.6-litre equipped with Ford's six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, Fiesta delivers on both spirited performance and fuel efficiency. Vehicles with PowerShift also get Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and traction control as standard.
The standard I-4 is more than capable with 69 KW at 5750 rpm, while the larger 1.6-litre engine provides 87 KW at 6000 rpm. Combined fuel economy ratings, to be announced during the introduction of the new Fiesta, are expected to be among the class leaders when the model goes on sale.
The 1.6-litre engine utilises Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) that optimises camshaft phasing for exceptional throttle response, performance and flexibility across the rpm range.
With both the manual and automatic transmissions, gear rations have been selected to provide spirited acceleration characteristics
Drivers opting for the larger engine also will benefit from the new PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission that combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual with the conventience of an automatic that is preferred in busy urban traffic. Often found in larger, more premium cars, the availability of a six-speed automatic in a small car signals Ford's commitment to offer the latest vehicle technology across a spectrum of passenger cars.
Fiesta is the first Ford small car in the region to be equipped with the PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed combines the sportiness of a manual transmission and, with six forward gears, allows the engine to run at reduced speeds for better fuel economy and less wear and tear on the engine.
Strong, safe and quiet
Fiesta's confident road-holding capabilities and quiet composure are the result of a rigid body structure that has been strengthened in many critical areas. More than 50 percent of the structure uses high-strength steel with ultra-strong boron steel adapted in several key structure points.
Front rails, beams and the integrated body reinforcement ring, including the "A" and "B" pillars, are designed to protect occupants in the event of a side impact.
The steels are lightweight and contribute to superior structural efficiency. Less weight in the structure also helps contribute to improved fuel economy.
Safety is enhanced with a standard driver airbang on all models.
Connectivity
Inside the new Fiesta, the audio system has been designed with personalisation in mind. All models are equipped with MP3 and AUX-in connections for personal devices, as well as CD players. Four speakers are offered as standard, while the top model is equipped with six speakers. Bluetooth capability and a voice control system are available in select models, and unique to this segment.
Noise, Vehicle Harshness tuned perfectly
Specially tuned front struts, bushings, damper stabliliser bars and a rear-twist-beam axle provide sure-footed performance and comfort throughout the driving range. All models also include standard anti-lock brake and electronic brake distribution for even braking and superior control in panic stop situations.
Regardless of rural road conditions or heavy urban traffic, customers also will notice higher levels of road and noise isolation due to the use of a special, class-exclusive, laminated windshield that absorbs and helps contain noise. Engine noise is contained with a hood blanket, while door seals help reduce wind noise. Fiesta also benefits from special padding behind the instrument panel and foam baffles mounted within the pillars.
The result is best-in-class occupant safety and a quiet cabin environment free from harsh road inputs.
Remote keyless entry and a tilt steering wheel are among the standard features included in the new Fiesta.
Full range of colours available
A full rainbow of colours will be available for Fiesta models. The colour palate includes Black Mica, Cool White, Highlight Silver, Metropolitan Gray, Sparkling Gold, Phantom Blue, True Red, Aurora Blue and Chili Orange.
Long associated with outstanding drive quality, design and value in Europe, the new Fiesta will provide consumers in Thailand with a stylish, road-capable, fuel-efficient choice in just a few short months.