We’ve become big fans of the Ford models launched in the last couple of years, and feel that their sales figures don’t really reflect their worth. The Bantam bakkie, the Mondeo and the Focus are all favourites of ours, and now that the all-new Fiesta has arrived we can add it to our list. Styled along the lines of the Focus, with similar shaved edges, the Fiesta is a huge improvement on earlier efforts.
The Fiesta line-up is available in five derivatives involving two engine sizes and two body styles. The five door versions come in basic 1.4i, 1.6i Ambiente and top-of-the range 1.6i Ghia models, while the sporty three-door body is sold in 1.4i Trend and 1.6i Trend versions. Driver and front passenger airbags are standard in all models across the range, while ABS brakes with EBD and a radio/CD player are to be found in all except the 1.4i base model five door,
The petrol engines fitted to the Cologne built cars are not the same Rocam engines as used in other Ford models, but the more powerful Sigma double-overhead camshaft 16 valve units. Ford reckons they’re also busy looking at a suitable diesel option which will probably arrive here sometime next year, as well as a sporty ST version which should be worth waiting for. The 1.4 motor on sale here at the moment dishes up a healthy 60 kW, while the 1.6 is good for 75. Service intervals for both 1.4- and 1.6-litre Fiesta’s are 20 000 kms , and the cars come with a 3 year / 100 000 km warranty. There’s also a 3 year /unlimited km’s roadside assistance plan to cover all eventualities.
We haven’t driven the new Fiesta yet, but we’ve given it an intense look-over and like what we’ve seen. Spec levels are good, safety standards are high and build quality is streets ahead anything offered by Ford just a few short years ago. If it’s as good on the road as other recent Fords we reckon it’ll be a winner in the market place.
Ford Fiesta Prices:
5 Door:
Ford Fiesta 1.4i R97 905
Ford Fiesta 1.6i Ambiente R118 195
Ford Fiesta 1.6i Ghia R136 275
3 Door:
Ford Fiesta 1.4i Trend R116 316
Ford Fiesta 1.6i Trend R131 165
Airconditioning optional on 1.4i (5 door) and 1.6i Ambiente (5 door) R7 900