By Dan Strong

15th February 2008

The party has started at Ford – the wraps are off the all-new Fiesta and Auto Express has the first official pictures!

Described by the blue oval as fun-loving and functional, sensational and safe, the thrilling supermini makes its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month before it goes on sale in November.

Inspired by the daring Verve concept car, and penned by a team led by top designer Martin Smith the new Fiesta is undoubtedly the most spectacular evolution of the popular small car since its introduction in 1976.

But if it is to match the huge success of its predecessors, it certainly has a lot to prove.
It’s hard to overstate the importance of the Fiesta to the UK market – and the world. More than 14 million examples have found homes over the last 32 years – a number that underlines not only the car’s popularity, but the quality of its design and engineering too. So what has Ford done to ensure the newcomer delivers?

For starters, there’s no escaping the stunning looks… Beautifully proportioned with a dramatic nose, the Fiesta manages to turn heads without trading on an overly aggressive design.

Both three and five-door evolutions of the car will be offered for sale, and both models will share very similar proportions.

The gaping radiator grille takes centre stage at the front, while a swooping waistline and purposeful stance help to create a sporty, almost coupé like profile. At the rear, practicality is blended with large tail lights to create a hatch large enough to take bulky items but compact enough not to overwhelm the simplicity of the design.

Inside, drivers can expect an equal serving of style and luxury. Ford’s versatile Converse+ system will be offered. Already available in the S-Max and Mondeo the system controls satellite navigation, trip computer and mobile phone connectivity functions.

Keyless go also features, together with the distinctive “Ford Power” starter button on the dashboard. And, says Ford, it’s that balance between form and function that’s set to take the Fiesta forward into the 21st Century.

Despite the looks, the Fiesta remains true to Fiesta fundamentals of practicality, affordability, agility and safety – not least because the bodywork wraps a chassis that is both lighter and stronger than before.

Using a mixture of high strength and lightweight steels, the Ford Fiesta shares its platform with the acclaimed Mazda 2 – noted for its fine handling and swift reflexes.
The chassis retains the MacPherson Strut type suspension of the previous generation Fiesta as well as the twist beam rear axle. However the set up has been the subject of a significant amount of development to improve both the car’s ride and its refinement. All new, however, is the electric power steering. Introduced to the Fiesta for the first time.

Under the bonnet, 1.25 and 1.4-litre duratec petrol engines are joined by a new 1.6-litre Ti-VCT engine, while diesel fans will be offered 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre TDCi units. Later in 2008 a new ECOnetic version, capable of producing less than 100g/km of CO2 will be announced.

Summing up the latest Fiesta ahead of its Geneva debut Martin Smith, Executive Director of Design at Ford said “All the Vital elements of Ford’s Kinetic Design philosophy have been translated into the new Fiesta to create a dynamic spirit of fun and energy.”

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