PREVIOUS ARTICLENEXT ARTICLE
NEWS
By 22 January 2013 | Categories: news

0

Ford’s Fiesta is very popular with local buyers and the US carmaker now aims to boost sales even further with the all-new 2013 edition, which sports updated styling, and introduces the company’s International Engine of the Year - the 1.0-litre EcoBoost power plant - to the Fiesta line-up.

The Fiesta’s revamped exterior is highlighted by a redesigned front that is dominated by a large trapezoidal grille, which makes the Fiesta look a lot like a more compact Focus from the front. This grille is flanked on either side by laser-cut headlamps with daytime running lamps that use LED technology and a more aggressive looking power-dome bonnet design.

A range of 12 vibrant colours including Copper Pulse, Hot Magenta and Candy Blue also add to the new model’s exterior appeal. On the inside, the 2013 Fiesta features new central armrest that provides additional storage along with bigger door pockets that are more practical than those of the outgoing model.

One fuel efficiency Fiesta

Ford promises exceptional levels of fuel efficiency from its patented new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that it asserts will deliver 4.3 litres of petrol per 100 km on a combined cycle (highway and town) route, as well as reduced emission levels of just 99 g per km. Helping to keep the fuel usage down is the introduction of Auto-Start-Stop technology on this power plant, which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle and restarts it when the driver wants to move off. This diminutive engine still manages to churn out an impressive 92 kW of power and 170 Nm of torque.

Beyond the new engine, Ford also makes its tried and tested 1.4-litre petrol and 1.6-litre TDCi engines available within the new Fiesta line-up, with the 1.4-litre powerplant delivering 71 kW and 125 Nm of torque with fuel usage coming to 5.7 litres per 100 km. The 1.6-litre turbo diesel model produces 70 kW and 200 Nm, while only using 3.6 litres of diesel per 100 km.

“Customers want cars that are expressive and fun to drive without breaking the bank,” explained Ford marketing manager, Gavin Golightly. “Fiesta delivers all the excitement and performance drivers are looking for with the added bonus of exceptional fuel efficiency.”

Syncing to the needs of modern drivers

TechSmart recently tested Ford’s Sync in-vehicle infotainment system in the new Focus, via which the carmaker caters to the trendy multimedia needs of local drivers. Sync is available in the 2013 Fiesta, allowing drivers to utilise voice commands and steering-wheel mounted buttons to access functions such as making- or answering incoming calls, or controlling music playback for tracks streamed over Bluetooth.

Also making its debut on the Fiesta is Ford’s MyKey, which the firm says enables parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their children’s exposure to risk while behind the wheel. The system enables owners to configure factors such as maximum speed and audio system volume limits for the car key, so kids won’t be able to drive faster than 120 km/h nor wreck their ears on too-loud Lady Gaga for instance. In addition, the system mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids and other safety systems cannot be deactivated.

“This car was built for the digital generation,” Golightly said. “With Bluetooth connectivity and MP3 capabilities, tech-savvy people who use social media to be constantly connected with the world around them won’t be slowed down when they get in this car.

 

Small car that is big on safety

Ford offers a significant amount of substantial safety features on the Fiesta as anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) that is standard across the entire Fiesta range. EBD automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle’s brakes based on road conditions, speed as well as loading to maximise stopping power while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

Hill Launch Assist is also offered as an option on Trend models and standard on Titanium versions, and helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when you stop on a slope or incline.

The Fiesta comes in three specification grades (Ambiente, Trend and Titanium), with the range topping Titanium models being extensively equipped with premium features the likes of keyless entry, power start button, auto headlamps, auto dimming rearview mirror, rain sensing wipers, auto folding mirrors and cruise control.

Ford Fiesta is available with a fully comprehensive 4-year / 120 000 km warranty, 4-year / 60 000 km service plan, 3-years of roadside assistance and a 5-year corrosion warranty. Service intervals are staggered at 20 000 km intervals for the petrol derivatives and 15 000 km for the diesel models.

Pricing for the Ford Fiesta MY2013 models:

Fiesta 1.4 Ambiente 5 door - R164 400
Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Ambiente 5 door - R178 400
Fiesta 1.4 Trend 5 door - R187 600
Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Trend 5 door - R201 400
Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost Trend 5 door - R211 200
Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium 5 door - R231 500

USER COMMENTS

Read
Magazine Online
TechSmart.co.za is South Africa's leading magazine for tech product reviews, tech news, videos, tech specs and gadgets.
Start reading now >
Download latest issue

Have Your Say


What new tech or developments are you most anticipating this year?
New smartphone announcements (43 votes)
Technological breakthroughs (27 votes)
Launch of new consoles, or notebooks (14 votes)
Innovative Artificial Intelligence solutions (28 votes)
Biotechnology or medical advancements (21 votes)
Better business applications (132 votes)