Ford
Fiesta Sedan - Front Angle, 2014
Since its launch in 2011, Ford’s all-new Fiesta hasn’t managed to
strike a chord with buyers in the midsize segment. Its thoroughly engineered
chassis and suspension appealed to the enthusiasts, but a lacklustre diesel
engine and a cramped backseat let the Fiesta down. A premium price tag
alienated it further in a highly competitive segment. However, Ford has now
given the Fiesta a midlife facelift with the intention of improving its
desirability. Have they done enough?
Ford’s Kinetic design is at the forefront of the Fiesta’s second
charge. The face is dominated by the sporty yet stylish “Aston Martin” grille.
The one piece bumper has been extensively redesigned too with prominent new
eyelets for the fog lamps. New slimmer and sharper headlamps are clamped down
by a new hood that sports a discreet power dome. This is clearly the Fiesta’s
best angle and makes it one of the most gorgeous cars in the segment. At the
rear, the boot lid has crisp lines and also sports an integrated spoiler lip
now. There's also the new 10-spoke design for the alloy wheels.
Ford
Fiesta Sedan - Interior, 2014
On the inside, the use of glossy black trim for the centre console
on the top-end Titanium variant and the contrasting beige seats give the cabin
more appeal. Equipment levels have also gone up with Ford offering the latest
voice-operated Sync system that includes Emergency Assistance and AppLink. Like
in the EcoSport, the Emergency Assistance dials emergency responders in case of
an accident, while AppLink, which makes its India debut on the Fiesta facelift,
allows certain apps from your phone to display relevant information on the
car’s infotainment system. New features on the top-end variant include
automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and parking sensors. However, there
have been no structural changes, so the back seat is still hampered by the
low-set seat and only average leg room.
“New Fiesta is more appealing, better equipped and finished.”
As before, the Fiesta remains a sweet car
to steer with only a light stiffness in the suspension as a trade-off. But the
Fiesta is let down by its motor as Ford is offering only the 1.5 diesel motor,
which hasn’t been updated to offer EcoSport-like driveability. Power has
increased only slightly to 89.8bhp. The Fiesta feels happiest at sedate speeds.
At either end of the speed range, it feels a bit dull. But the Fiesta improves
on fuel efficiency, with Ford claiming 25.01kpl, second only to the Honda City
iDTEC’s 26kpl.
Ford
Fiesta Sedan - Side, 2014
The new Fiesta is more appealing, better equipped and better
finished but it isn’t changed enough to worry the segment leaders. However,
this time around, the Fiesta’s shortcomings have been mitigated by astute
pricing and make it a sedan that definitely deserves a closer look.
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Specs:
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Engine size 1.5 (D)
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Price $ 12,854.54 - $ 15,529.09
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Power 89.8bhp at 3750rpm
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Gearbox 5-speed manual
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Torque 21.71kgm at 4500rpm
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Fuel tank 40 litres
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