Production Ford Fiesta Unveiled

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Article from Drive.com.au

The next-generation Ford Fiesta baby car has been revealed ahead of its Geneva motor show debut in March 2008 – and if good looks sell, it should be a winner.

Next-generation Ford FiestaNext-generation Ford FiestaNext-generation Ford FiestaNext-generation Ford Fiesta

Ford Australia’s small-car sales are set to get a boost in early 2009 with the arrival of the stylish next-generation Fiesta.

The sixth iteration of the Fiesta has been revealed by Ford of Europe ahead of the car’s public debut at March’s Geneva motor show, and reaches European showrooms towards the end of 2008.

The new Fiesta stays remarkably faithful to the funky-looking Verve concept first shown at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show.

It shares its underpinnings – carried over from the current Fiesta – with the second-generation Mazda2 that went on sale in Australia in 2007.

Like its Japanese cousin, the Fiesta is said to be lighter than the model it replaces, which should benefit fuel economy, emissions and handling.

The next-generation Fiesta is designed and developed in Europe but kickstarts Ford’s new global strategy of creating one vehicle and nameplate for all markets.

The car will be tailored for different markets such as North America, Asia and Europe but each will be based on a common platform.

Australia is expected to import the European three- and five-door body styles, with North America adopting a four-door sedan version.

The new Fiesta’s styling is based on Ford’s ‘kinetic’ design language, which made its debut in Australia late last year on the Mondeo mid-size sedan and has more recently been shown on the new FG Falcon.

The dominant lower grille, rising waistline and angular headlights are all elements of the ‘kinetic’ design.

Inside is a real-world interpretation of the Verve concept’s space-age interior, with an instrument panel Ford says is inspired by mobile phones. The quality of materials is also said to be improved.

The sixth-generation small car will also include features usually associated with bigger, more expensive vehicles.

Keyless entry and engine start will be standard, as will MP3 and USB compatibility. Bluetooth connectivity with voice control will be an option.

Next-generation Ford FiestaNext-generation Ford FiestaNext-generation Ford FiestaNext-generation Ford Fiesta

European Fiestas will be offered with a choice of four petrol and two diesel engines, with power outputs ranging from 44kW to 85kW. An ECOnetic variant

A five-speed manual transmission is mated as standard to all engines with an optional four-speed auto for selected Fiestas.

If Ford Australia follows its current Fiesta strategy, it will import only the 85kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

The new Fiesta’s equally stylish relative, the Mazda2, has already enjoyed a significant spike in local sales since it launched in September 2007.

Ford Australia says it is hoping the new Fiesta can achieve similar results.

“Fiesta is an extremely important model in our line-up,” says Ford Australia spokeswoman Sinead McAlary. “It sits in one of the fastest-growing segments in Australia, and in January we had one of our best ever sales results for Fiesta.

“The new Fiesta has outstanding styling and we expect it to continue that [positive sales] trend.”

Ford Australia sold 5610 Fiestas in 2007, well behind the segment-leading Toyota Yaris (29,663). The Fiesta was also a sales runner-up to the Holden Barina, Honda Jazz, Mazda2, Kia Rio and Suzuki Swift.

Ford will build the latest Fiesta in Germany and Spain, with production also spreading to Asia and possibly North America.

The Fiesta is Ford’s most successful small car, with 12 million sold since the model launched in 1976.

Pics from worldcarfans.com

[Ives]

""The sixth iteration of the Fiesta has been revealed by Ford of Europe ahead of the car’s public debut at March’s Geneva motor show, and reaches European showrooms towards the end of 2008.""

I believe the next generation Fiesta is Mk.7, not 6.

Bring it on I say.

[Daymoe]

Not bad not bad, will the interior be the same?

[Steffo]

Super ugly.

[MAFIA]

Looks like the new Mazda 2! Weird.....

[paul_r_d]

Looks between Mazda 2 and Hyundai i30. It hasnt got my "wow" factor yet.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Steffo

Super ugly.

Steffo the super conservative, who would have thought!

[the_scotsman]

The current model is rather bland and does nothing for me at all..this one looks like it will spice it up a bit...hopefully it has an interior to match...again the current one has shocking interior IMO.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by the_scotsman

The current model is rather bland and does nothing for me at all..this one looks like it will spice it up a bit...hopefully it has an interior to match...again the current one has shocking interior IMO.

Ohh that will stir up the smurfs!

[MeestaNob!]

I reckon it looks good. Whilst clearly more suited to people who tend to buy these sort of cars (women, fuel consumption conscious types, people disinterested in larger vehicles), it certainly would look awesome in RS/ST/XR4 form.

Release the photochoppers, let no image go unmolested!

[HLC]

the fron on view looks sweet.

the rear is a bit korean.... looks like, hyundai-ish or something.

i like the way the kinetic design is flowing throughout the range now.

[andrewts]

Certainly is a groovy little thing isn't it! much more exciting to look at than the current crop.