Ford Fiesta 2011 – Profile
Recently released are the specifications for the 2011 model Ford Fiesta which will be released in North America in 2010 and later in Australia.
Capitalising on the success of earlier models the new Ford Fiesta has been redesigned to integrate sleek styling with high quality safety features and unsurpassed fuel economy.
According to Mark Fields, Ford President of the Americas “Customers are savvy. They want expressive cars that deliver not just great fuel economy but also high quality, new technologies and a fun driving experience, we plan to answer the call with Fiesta; an all-new vehicle in North America we hope will set a new standard for small cars.”
The Fiesta represents the next milestone under the ONE Ford plan which is to design and develop vehicles that meet the differing needs, wants and expectations of customers around the world. The success of the Fiesta to date is evident by the fact that in Europe and Asia more than 500,000 Fiestas have already been sold.
In developing the new Fiesta the main criteria was style and if the photos are anything to go by this certainly has been achieved. What is also evident is similarities in other similar size cars and in particular the styling of the Mazda 2.
Exterior Styling
The external design of the Ford Fiesta integrates the the global Ford face, centering the Blue Oval badge on the grille over the signature inverted trapezoid lower grille opening which provides the consumer with a level of familiarity across the Ford passenger vehicle range.
The sweeping, elongated headlamps are designed in such a way as to frame and connect the bonnet to what Ford describe as “muscular, sculpted front mud guards”.
At the rear of the car there is a chamfered rear liftgate glass, a low roofline sweeping into a spoiler and dramatic tail lights which are mounted high in the five-door’s corners and join with the “muscular rear quarter panels”, the overall appearance of the Fiesta is one of style and vibrance.
Interior Styling
The new Fiesta internally comprises “Boldly sculpted surfaces, contrasting colors and comfortable, supportive materials” which according to Ford “make the interior as individual as the driver”.
If the PR blurb is to believed the interior will comprise “Soft, sculptured surfaces and the centerstack layout provide the Fiesta with a sense of harmony. Intuitive switchgear placement, comfort zone seating and available ambient lighting allow a driver to maximize the mood with seven complementary colors – switchable among three levels of intensity – for interior accent lighting.”
Fuel Economy
The standard engine in the North American Fiesta will be a 1.6-litre DOHC I-4 engine with an estimated 119 horsepower and a fuel economy expected to be 40 mpg.
Standard to the Fiesta features will be a five-speed manual transmission which will highlight and extenuate the “sporty” driving experience expected from the new Ford Fiesta. A six speed automatic transmission will also be available as an option.
Safety
The new Fiesta will comprise an array of safety features including dual-stage first-row air bags, a class-exclusive driver’s knee air bag, side air bags and side curtain air bags. AdvanceTrac® with ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is standard on Fiesta, along with seat belt pretensioners, rear door child safety locks and a Safety Canopy® system.
Overall
Overall given the significant shift of Australian consumers towards more fuel efficient cars without compromising safety and style it is anticipated that once the new Fiesta is released to the Australian market it should have wide consumer appeal so long as the quality and design are as per the specifications.
For Further Information: www.ford.com.au
Category: Reviews
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