GOOD MOTORING
Price-winning Fiesta
H. Kishie Singh

THERE is yet another offering from Ford and this one is designed to knock the socks off the competition in the mid-size car segment. Ford Fiesta is targeting competition from Honda City and Opel Optra. It may also make a dent in its sales of Ikon and Fusion.

The mid-size passenger car segment in India is the focus of all car manufacturers. It is the fastest growing segment in the Indian auto industry. Ford is playing the numbers game with its competitive and aggressive price. It is bound to trigger a price war. Actually, the war has already started. Hindustan Motors has already announced a Rs-90,000 slash on its mid-size Mitsubishi Lancer. That’s a good start. There could be more to follow.

Fiesta is being offered in four variants. The entry level Fiesta is for Rs 5.59 lakh. This is the EXi with a 1.4-litre petrol engine. The 1.6 litre petrol engine ZXi is for Rs. 6.29 lakh. The sporty model, Sxi, also with 1.6-litre engine, is priced at Rs. 6.89 lakh. At the top end is the 1.4-litre CRDi diesel at Rs. 6.99 lakh. The engine is turbo charged and at this price it’s one of the lowest priced CRDi cars in the market. These prices are ex-show room (Delhi). In contrast, the entry-level Honda City and Opel Optra come for approximately Rs 6.7 lakh and Rs 7.36 lakh, respectively

Ford Fiesta has the sleek, good looks that any car today shows off. The upturned headlights and body coloured this and that. My first test drive was in the rear seat. This is one area which is ignored in most sedans. Some models have extremely uncomfortable rear seats. Not so, for Fiesta. Headroom, legroom and thigh support is ample. It is a really comfortable seat, with seat belts for three.

The interior has cubbyholes, pockets, glove box, cup holders and storage for magazines — all that can bring order to your driving life. It has a sound system but it may not be the best. Unless you decided to buy a fifth alloy rim, there is nothing the car needs in the way of accessories.

However, it’s the engineering work that sets the Fiesta apart. The diesel engine, referred to as Duratorq TDCI, is an all-aluminium engine weighing 33 per cent less than similar engines.

It promises performance, like 18 km per litre in town and 23-25 km per litre on the highway. The engine is turbo-charged and uses common rail technology. There are just two things that I don’t approve of. One, Fiesta comes with four alloy wheels. The spare wheel has a steel rim. In case of a puncture, the car will be running on three alloy-rimmed wheels and one steel-rimmed wheel. For me, this is the surest way to ruin the looks of the car, and this comes in the 1.6 Sxi — the most expensive model.

Two, the use of aluminium on the dashboard doesn’t look attractive. The upper part of the dashboard is an expanse of black plastic with aluminium in the centre. The silver accented large circular things around the AC/heater vents are distracting. And, one more point. The anti-braking system (ABS) is optional, even on the 1.6 SXi. People will try and save money and not opt for ABS as they may not be fully aware of its advantages. This is a compromise on safety. Air bags are also not available on any of the models.

Fiesta is a big step up from the Ikon but a long way from Mondeo.

Happy motoring.