The diesel options comprise of a 68PS 1.4TDCi and a 90PS 1.6TDCi. The latter will also be available in a green guise when installed in the Ford Fiesta Econetic. An automatic version will be available with the 1.4-litre petrol engine early in 2009.
This model has the lowest CO2 emissions of any mass-produced car currently on sale in Britain, emitting just 98g/km. In fact, Ford claims the engines in the new Fiesta range could save a massive 11,000 tonnes of CO2 compared with the previous model.
Five star EuroNCAP rating is expected to follow as the Ford Fiesta hasn’t been put through the EuroNCAP crash test programme yet, but the company is certain of a full five star rating. Ford says the new Fiesta is 10 per cent stiffer than the previous car, and is loaded with safety kit. Up to seven airbags are available, including the first use of a driver’s knee ‘bag in a small car.
The Fiesta also packs in a whole host of ‘big car’ features. Electric mirrors are standard across the range, as is a CD player and central locking. Up from the entry-level Studio to the Style, which around 30% of buyers are expected to do, and the Fiesta packs body-coloured trim, electric windows and remote central locking. The Style + adds Ford’s clever Quickclear heated windscreen.
The most popular model in the range is predicted to be the Zetec, which comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, leather steering wheel, chrome bits and Ford’s aesthetic lighting, which is a strip of ambient lighting along the passenger side of the dash.
The Fiesta Zetec S, comes with 16-inch alloys, sports suspension and front and rear spoilers come as standard. The rear spoiler is big enough to please young, image-conscious drivers, but discreet enough not to be an eyesore, petrolheads though may be disappointed, no hot Fiesta ST is planned for the new model.
The range-topping Titanium adds climate control, tinted glass, cruise control, automatic headlamps, and power folding mirrors.
Other clever features available include a start button and a USB socket into which can be connected a cheap memory stick loaded with MP3 tracks. These can then be searched via the car’s standard audio controls from the steering wheel, and avoids the security issues of carrying an iPod in the car. Ford’s EasyFuel system is also fitted, which makes it impossible to fill up with the wrong fuel.
Fiesta running costs: The 1.25 Studio model with a 1E insurance rating - the lowest ever for a Fiesta, while used values are expected to be around eight per cent higher which should make the same model worth around £1,000 more after three years/36,000 miles.
Range price: £8.995 - £13,695
Insurance group range: 1E - 6E
Company car tax %: TBC
EuroNCAP result: TBC
We test the Fiesta in the world of the working woman