Ford Fiesta: Australian International Motor Show 2008

Motoring Channel Staff - 9/October/2008

Sydney, Australia — Ford Australia has announced details on the all-new Fiesta, which will be in Australian dealerships in early 2009.

The hot new Fiesta was one of the star attractions

Priced from $15,790 for the entry-level 3-door CL model, it is more affordable than the current model and brings with a range of new features and a trendy new look.

"The all-new Fiesta will be the hottest property in the light car segment," said Ford Australia's new president Marin Burela.

"Fiesta is a stylish and dynamic car that redefines and further rejuvenates Ford's light car line-up. It's the perfect new vehicle for the young, as well as the young at heart," added Burela.

Using the 'kinetic' design DNA that can be seen on vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, the new look Fiesta will be powered by two engines, which are as follows:

1.4-litre 4-cylinder: 71kW, 128Nm
Economy: 6.9L/100km (CO2: 164g/km)

1.6-litre 4-cylinder: 88kW, 152Nm
Economy: 6.1L/100km (CO2: 143g/km)

"The new model shows an exciting interpretation of kinetic design, with an energetic, sophisticated and distinctive exterior and a refreshingly different interior design," said Mr Burela.

The entry level price of $15,750 pairs the larger 1.6-litre engine, a 5-speed manual and a 3-door body style. All models come standard with the 1.6-litre engine unless ordered with the 4-speed automatic (a $1,500 premium), which come with the 1.4-litre engine.

Pricing for the entire 2009 Fiesta range is as follows, with 4-speed automatic gearbox option in brackets:

Fiesta CL 3-door: $15,750 ($17,250 auto)
Fiesta CL 5-door: $16,490 ($17,990 auto)

Fiesta LX 5-door: $18,490 ($19,990 auto)

Fiesta Zetec 3-door: $20,250
Fiesta Zetec 5-door: $20,990 ($22,490 auto)

All models come equipped with ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) as well as driver and passenger airbags as standard, but one of the car's most obvious new features is its modern design.

Ford describes it as a dramatic, eye-catching design, an extension of its acclaimed kinetic design language. 

According to the Blue Oval brand, the Fiesta has clean, sharp angular lines that instantly differentiate the new model from its competitors, and a space-age interior introduces an easy-to-master suite of operational controls.

While the entry-level CL model is available with both 3- and 5-door body styles when it launches in Australia in early 2009, the LX is five-door only says Ford, and comes standard with 15-inch alloy wheels.

The range-topping Zetec model is offered in both body styles and is the 'sporty' model, fitted with larger 16-inch alloy wheels and boasting a body kit with an stylised front and rear bumpers and a rear spoiler. The 3-door Zetec model also get sports rocker panel mouldings.

Available on LX and Zetec model Fiestas are Bluetooth with Voice Control, USB connectivity allowing MP3 player integration on Zetec, but a 3.5mm audio jack and 'Easyfuel' capless refuelling is standard on all models.

The Zetec model gets front seat head and thorax side airbags, driver knee airbag and dynamic stability control (DSC) with traction control and emergency brake assist (EBA), and these safety features are optional on CL and LX models for an extra $1,000.

Cruise control is fitted as standard on LX and Zetec models, as are leather trimmed steering wheels, and there will be a wide colour palette comprising 11 colours.

The new Ford Fiesta will arrive in Australia in early 2009, but no word yet on a sporty XR4 version.

Related Links:
- Ford Fiesta XR4 (Road Test)
- Ford Ka (2009)
- Ford Falcon 5-Star Safety Rating (2008)
- Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo (Road Test)
- Ford Falcon G6 (Road Test)
- Ford Focus RS (2009)
- Ford Mondeo (Road Test)
- FPV F6 X (2008)
- Ford Kuga Concept (2007)
- Ford Mondeo (2007)
- Ford Focus Diesel (Road Test)