Ford’s new Fiesta has arrived in South Africa, and it promises to also be a winner. The new little runabout, which comes with 60 kW 1,4 and 75 kW 1,6 litre petrol engines is bigger and safer than its predecessor, with specification levels varying from fairly high to full-house. All models now boast two-stage dual airbags and central locking.
At the launch I drove the range-topping five door Fiesta Ghia, which retails at R136 275. Specifications here are superb, with a dash-mounted 6 CD player, air-conditioning, electric front windows, leather upholstery, 15” alloy wheels shod with 195/50 R15 rubber and ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.
Build quality is very high and soundproofing excellent, giving the little car a feeling of class.
I also enjoyed a spell behind the wheel of the three-door 1,4i Fiesta Trend and found it to be a lively performer at sea level. Priced at R116 315, this car boasts 15” alloy wheels, aircon, a radio with a single CD player, electric front windows and, of course, the standard airbags. Perhaps the bargain of the bunch though is the base model 1.4i Fiesta five door, which at R97 905 breaks into the under R100 000 category. This model comes with 14” steel wheels, no aircon, no sound system and no electric windows, but the sound system and aircon can be added for an additional R2 750 and R7 900 respectively to take the total to R108 555.