Photo: Ford
The European supermini market is all-important. Here, the platforms that are used for global vehicles are usually first developed, and the competition between manufacturers is very fierce.
Renault has just launched a new Clio hatch, which is mode upmarket than ever before, while Peugeot hopes the 208 will be as big a success as the 206 was. VW is still going strong, with the Polo still being a top seller.
But the car everybody is concerned about is the Fiesta. It’s been the performance benchmark ever since it was launched in 2008. And thanks to the kinetic design Ford introduced in 2005, it was also good looking.
Now, four years after the Fiesta was launched, Ford has given it a facelift, which gives the supermini a more distinguished grille, much like that used by the new Mondeo/Fusion sedan. There’s also a second grille at the bottom of the bumper, feeding the radiator, the two grilles together forming a hexagon shape.
The headlight assembly has changed and now includes LED daytime running light at the button. At the back, the taillight graphics have been revised, while inside there aren’t any major changes.
“Fiesta has been one of the world’s best-loved small cars across five decades, and the sporty appeal of the last generation Fiesta inspired real passion among global compact car customers, contributing to its status as the world’s most successful small car,” said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe executive design director. “We had to keep that vital part of Fiesta’s make-up – but we also wanted to give it a more sophisticated look.”
The technology package inside the car has been increased, with the first European maker use of the MyKey system, voice-activated in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC and Active City Stop, which help drivers avoid low speed collisions.
The Fiesta facelift will also be fitted with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which is the 2012 “International Engine of the Year” and is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.
But the car everybody is concerned about is the Fiesta. It’s been the performance benchmark ever since it was launched in 2008. And thanks to the kinetic design Ford introduced in 2005, it was also good looking.
Now, four years after the Fiesta was launched, Ford has given it a facelift, which gives the supermini a more distinguished grille, much like that used by the new Mondeo/Fusion sedan. There’s also a second grille at the bottom of the bumper, feeding the radiator, the two grilles together forming a hexagon shape.
The headlight assembly has changed and now includes LED daytime running light at the button. At the back, the taillight graphics have been revised, while inside there aren’t any major changes.
“Fiesta has been one of the world’s best-loved small cars across five decades, and the sporty appeal of the last generation Fiesta inspired real passion among global compact car customers, contributing to its status as the world’s most successful small car,” said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe executive design director. “We had to keep that vital part of Fiesta’s make-up – but we also wanted to give it a more sophisticated look.”
The technology package inside the car has been increased, with the first European maker use of the MyKey system, voice-activated in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC and Active City Stop, which help drivers avoid low speed collisions.
The Fiesta facelift will also be fitted with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which is the 2012 “International Engine of the Year” and is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.
Google News