New Fiesta Goes on Sale in Brazil

The Ford Fiesta is getting ready to hit the Brazilian market this week, two months after the vehicle has been launched in the US and more than a year after it was released in Europe. Unlike the previous generation of the Fiesta, the New Fiesta, as it is known locally, will be manufactured in Mexico, not Brazil.

The model will hit the Brazilian market in sedan form only for the time being, with other body styles to follow. It will be sold alongside the Fiesta Rocam, the Brazilian version of the old generation Fiesta, and will come equipped with the 1.6l Sigma DOHC engine which develops 113 bhp. The unit being offered in Brazil is capable of running on petrol and E100 ethanol.

The American manufacturer plans to sell around 12,000 units of the model, with the prices to start from R$50,000 ($28,000). The car will come equipped, on the higher level versions, with leather upholstery, ABS and seven airbags.

The American manufacturer has big plans for the New Fiesta on the Brazilian market. Starting from 2012, the carmaker will be producing the model at the Camacari plant in the state of Bahia, together with the EcoSport SUV.

As the Brazilians are getting ready to receive the car, the Americans are still fighting delivery issues caused by the hurricane Alex and tropical storm Bonnie, which struck Mexico in July. Ford didn't mention how long the delays in deliveries will last.

Customers still waiting for a Fiesta in the US are being given a $50 MasterCard gift cards.