How about some groovy Fiesta time

It's fun, it’s feisty, it’s the new generation Ford Fiesta launched this week with a modern design, improved safety features, suspension and in two funky colours.

The popular city car now has a new interior and is fitted with state-of-the-art technology, a great step forward from the outgoing model which was introduced to the market in 2008 and has since sold more than a million units.

Ford pulled out all the stops to raise the bar in the compact car segment, with all the new models boasting a range of improvements, including a new suspension and improved safety as well as connectivity supported by floating high-definition touchscreens.

The all-new Fiesta was launched with two specification levels – the feature-rich Trend series and the top-of-the-range Titanium which is available with a high level of standard equipment.

The 2018 Fiesta also comes in two metallic colour options for the range – Chrome Copper and Blue Wave.

The body is 71mm longer, with additional extensions to the wheelbase by 4mm and width by 13mm, including improved slimmer rear seats, providing more rear knee- room as well as an increased boot space of 303l.

This is a 36% improvement from the outgoing model which only had 276l

New horizontal rear lights further enhance the Fiesta’s widened stance and broad shoulders, and make for a C-shaped signature light pattern.

Driving the Blue Wave Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT  model to Sun City proved to be a smooth ride where the most obvious new feature was the look of the dashboard which features fewer buttons as connectivity and entertainment controls have been relocated to the 6.5-inch touchscreen fitted as standard on the Trend models, or the 8-inch version on the Titanium, which incorporates the SYNC®3 with Navigation.

There’s also a stylish new instrument cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-function TFT display that delivers an attractive welcome sequence on start-up.

Safety features include a locking seatbelt tongue for the driver’s seatbelt – a mechanically-activated device that helps prevent slippage of the belt during an accident and eliminates the need for a driver’s knee airbag. Rear outer seats also now feature load limiters and pre-tensioners – previously offered only for front seats occupants – to further restrain passengers and help prevent belt-related injuries while pedestrian protection is enhanced with headlamps that are designed to travel rearwards on impact, and a collapsible cowl and wiper spindle assembly designed to give way in the event of head impacts.

Front, side and curtain airbags are standard fitment across the range.

Every model features an extensive list of driving aids, including ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), as well as Hill Launch Assist (HLA) Electronic Stability and Traction Control (ESC).

Ford South Africa marketing manager Tracey Delate said the vehicle uses the same award-winning 1.0 EcoBoost engine which has scooped the title of “engine of the year” for six consecutive years.

“Our multiple award-winning 1.0 EcoBoost engine remains a cornerstone of the Fiesta line-up, with a choice of new six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, along with the option of the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine,” she said.

In the Trend model with a new six-speed manual gearbox, as well as the Trend and Titanium equipped with a conventional six-speed torque converter automatic transmission, the 1.0 EcoBoost produces 74kW of power and 170Nm of torque from 1 500 to 4 000 r/min. The Fiesta Titanium mated with a six-speed manual transmission uses the 92kW version of this engine, to deliver even more exhilarating driving dynamics.

Offering the ultimate in frugal fuel consumption, the 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel is exclusively available with a six-speed manual gearbox, producing 63kW and a torque peak of 175Nm. “Globally, the Fiesta is Ford’s best-selling passenger car, and the all-new model represents a bold step forward in every area,” said Delate.

“We evolved the design to make the all-new Fiesta more contemporary, yet not lose the ‘Fiesta-ness’ that our customers love.

“The Fiesta’s exterior builds on the bold styling of the outgoing model, with a more elegant design, and a more fluid and transitional appearance,” she said.

Recommended Retail Prices:

Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6MT – R261900; Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT – R277300; Fiesta 1.5 TDCi Trend 6MT – R292500; Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6MT – R295 900; Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT – R310600.

All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited kilometre corrosion warranty. A four-year/60000km service plan is included, with 15000km service intervals.

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