2009 Ford Fiesta first details
11 Jul, 2008
65 Comments 
The Mazda2 has certainly taken the market by storm, but it will soon be facing some friendly fire with Ford having today released worldwide details on its new Fiesta.
The European developed Fiesta is yet another model in Ford’s global line-up to undergo the new kinetic design treatment - with stunning results.
It will be available in both three- and five- door variants, with production due to begin in Europe by the end of 2008 however Australian’s may not see it in local showrooms until as late as 2010.
The all-new Fiesta is the first product of Ford’s new Global Product Development System (GPDS), designed to be compatible with the differing needs of customers as diverse as Western and Eastern Europe, North America, China, Australia and South Africa.
“It’s an incredibly exciting project,” says Marin Burela, Executive Director of Small Cars, Ford of Europe. “All-new Fiesta is a landmark moment for Ford. It’s our most significant global vehicle project since the Model T and heralds the future for Ford product development.”
For now at least, European buyers are guaranteed a new model in the Fiesta line-up - the new Zetec S featuring an 88kW 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine assuming the performance role of the range - covering 0-100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
“We’re also introducing an all-new 1.6-litre Ti-VCT engine and a Zetec S model for driving enthusiasts, while a host of comfort and convenience features you would normally expect to find on our much larger vehicles combine to make new Fiesta truly a compelling choice.”
An ultra-low CO2 producing Fiesta ECOnetic is also available - powered by a 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi engine, with target emissions of just 99g/km.
Weighing in at almost 40kg less than the previous Fiesta, the next generation promises spirited driving dynamics with a specially-tuned Electric Power Assist Steering system which offers low-speed steering ease with more direct driver feedback at higher speeds.
Safety has also been a priority in its development with over 55 percent of the body structure made from high-strength steel, making the all-new Fiesta approximately 10 percent stiffer torsionally than its predecessor and providing an exceptionally rigid safety cell for all occupants.
It also incorporates Ford’s Intelligent Protection System with standard knee airbags – the first in a Ford small car – as well as head-and-thorax side airbags, with optional safety curtain airbags plus an array of pedestrian protection features.
The new Fiesta will also add various ‘big car’ conveniences such as EasyFuel capless refuelling, keyless entry and a ‘Ford Power’ start button.
The European line-up is comprised of six models - Studio, Style, Style Plus, Zetec, Zetec S and Titanium.
More Australian-specific details to follow as they become available.
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July 11th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
It looks better than the old models the interior looks good too but I would like to see when the new Fiesta XR4 is gonna look like it should look more sporty than this one.
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July 11th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Looks good.
Something to shake up the category. Shame it’s not going to be here for a while. What’s the deal? Mazda2 is here and it’s essentially the same car. The Fiesta looks better though.
When are Holden going to rebadge another Daewoo to update the Barina?
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July 11th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Back looks crap.
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July 12th, 2008 at 12:06 am
I actually prefer the current model, this one looks a bit too overdone.
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July 12th, 2008 at 2:23 am
I’d have to toss a coin over the looks on either the Mazda 2 or this.
Why do you folk down under have to wit so long for this, presume demand here will consume all the production. Certianly better than Holden Barina and possibly better to look at than Vauxhalls Corsa.
Piece of useless information - there’s more rear legroom in this and the mazda 2 than in Lexus’s IS.
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July 12th, 2008 at 7:23 am
awwwwwwwwwwwwww 2010 i want it now!
it looks so good
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July 12th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Mazsa 2 Genki FTW! This looks over-done, and a bit out of proportion.
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July 12th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Will have the same impact on the Aussie market as the current Fiesta/Focus range - none.
Why? Because by the time it gets here the market will have moved on, Mazda 2 will have had a facelift or redesign. Ford’s timing is unfortunately 2 years off the pace again.
Style wise it’s a bit of a disaster, with French car cues mixed with god knows what else, the rear is very unhappy and the dash centre is god-awful.
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July 12th, 2008 at 11:22 am
You can’t please them all it would appear.
I predict this will arrive in 2009, not 2010.
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July 12th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Adam (aka Mada) Says:
July 12th, 2008 at 11:22 am
You can’t please them all it would appear.
I predict this will arrive in 2009, not 2010.
And your wishful thinking is based on what?
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July 12th, 2008 at 11:57 am
This is one hot car, it looks very modern from every angle, if I was in the market for a new small car this would be my first pick and for the people who say we recieve certain models arriving here 2 late, well that has been going on for many years not just Ford either.
NEWS FLASH >>> Ford Fiesta (A REAL CAR) would crap all over any bland GM Daewoo or Toyoda fridge small car comparo, CURRENT OR FUTURE MODELS.
GO FORD !!!!!!!!!!! ANOTHER QUALITY EUROPEAN PRODUCT, NOT LIKE ITS COMPETITORS SLAPING THEM TOGETHER WITH NO HEART AND HOPING GREAT ADVERTISING WILL ENSURE A QUICK CHEAP MINDLESS SALE…
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July 12th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Im sorry but that design looks way to fussy and try hard. I’ll take the Mazda 2 cousin thanks.
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July 12th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
^mmmmmmm…….I agree, Mazda 2 over this. The rear isn’t pleasent to look at!
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July 12th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
The rear looks better than the Ka inspired Mazda 2, but both cars look great compared to the yawn-fest models from Toyota & Nissan.
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July 12th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
If we don’t also get the sedan, Ford are crazy.
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July 12th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
This is truely horrible, as others have said, its way over done and things are out of proportion. This will age horribly.
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July 12th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Agree with all of you who say this looks ridiculous. Mazda 2 is way more acceptable, and will be more reliable as well.
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July 12th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I love the free flowing kinetic shape, stunning results once again from Ford, will age very well because of european genes, people who think this is ridiculous are ridiculous Holdenwoo lovers with no passion 4 cars…
hang on, they may have passion for Daewoo’s
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July 12th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
^Just because people don’t like this particular car from ford does not mean they like Holden you as*!
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July 12th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I don’t agree with some of the comments above, I am an avid fan of the Ford brand worldwide and have been amazed at the product development from the Ford Motor Co in Europe lately. Ford’s design teams in Europe produce vehicles that are the envy of industry. If those vehicles were manufactured and sold in Australia, Ford would not be experiencing the financial woes that they currently have.
I can see Ford’s European line-up stand up to the best from Toyota, GM, Honda etc etc….
GO FORD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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July 12th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Agree COBRA.
Ford has been hellbent on going with USA dished up shyte designs and then even have more constraints on Ford for styling cues from USA. The sooner they toss the stupid yank tank styling ethos the better! Just hope Ford bit bullet harder and do homework smarter.
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July 12th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Ford do have some stunning cars in stable and they better strike back hard and pull finger out. I researched designs and Ford has heaps of new classic hot lookers and they will sell well if priced unreal and heaps of inclusions… now hope Ford bite bullet and push for production and not sit on picket fence as they have with there thinking being - “We will wait to we release on small volume and iron out problems”……that to me says “We are scared shyte to make firm decisions and we sit still and idle and rest on our name”
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July 12th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
with end result being…..”We will release car much later rather then sooner”
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July 12th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
It’s like Ford USA and Ford Europe aren’t the same company at all!
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July 12th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Would have to see the side profile before I could judge the proportions properly. All small cars tend to have weird proportions though - unless they are poorly packaged. Mazda 2 has basically the same proportions as this thing, according to most reports.
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July 12th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
so this will feature keyless entry?????
does that mean fords new system where you dont even need a remote?
i read a while ago they had a new fan-dangle entry system where as long as you had the key in your pocket, you could open and start the car.
it should be due out soon.
is this the first car to offer it to the mass market?
it was scheduled to debut in fords small euro range
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July 12th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
i also would have to see the thing in the flesh to judge properly on looks.
But one thing is for sure that this is easily better looking than most that are currently on the market.
its certainly not bland.
the one thing that looks odd is the “gold” highlights in the interior and especially the centre of the steering wheel.
but dont worry, it is typical of a european spec vehicle.
those kind of highlights typiclly vary depending on the region they are catering it for.
other than that, interior looks great.
im not really into small cars, but this is certainly one the better ones to look at.
would i buy one…..NO
but thats because i wouldnt buy a small car Full Stop.
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July 13th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Good looking little car with more power and less weight adds up to another class leader for Ford,the ST/XR4 specs would be interesting to see
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July 13th, 2008 at 9:48 am
yeah when it gets to oz the trim will be plain black or if oz manufactures it possibly even more boring
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July 13th, 2008 at 11:14 am
2010 Ford are dragging their heels again. Agree Reckless one if they want to gain market share they need to offer current offerings instead of being one or two iterations behind.
If this were available now I think it would do very well but by 2010 the opposition will be ahead again.
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July 13th, 2008 at 11:39 am
The last of the current generation Fiesta will land in Australia towards the end of this year(approx October/November)and according to a very reliable source the new Fiesta will be here in December 2008 for release in Janaury 2009 as a 2009 model. Also ,according to the same source, the Fiesta will be sourced from Thailand( Ford Ranger/Mazda BT50 already come from Thailand)to keep the cost as low as possible.
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July 13th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Ford are setting themselves up to be the most boring vehicles in the world. They are using this new front end design to death on all vehicles…boooooring.
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July 13th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
They all are! Commodore front on everything. Noddy bubble nose on most Toyotas.Etc
Looks ALOT better than a Yaris!Or should I say Yuckis!
Fords only hope is to beat Toyota small cars on style and pizazz which shouldn’t be that hard to do whilst holding ground at least in all other areas.
Thai build should keep the pricing comparable which should be a superior euro drive experience.
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July 13th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Come on TP. It’s called brand recognition. You don’t reckon Corolla/Auris and Yaris aren’t peas from the same pod? Not that I’m critical of that.
Peugeot are doing it, and have done over the ages. Have a look at the 104, 204, 304 and 504, all from the early seventies. MB have done it forever. Same with BMW.
It means that when you’re looking through a showroom window, the brand has an identifiable look.
On its own, this is a great looking car.
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July 13th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
“so this will feature keyless entry?????
does that mean fords new system where you dont even need a remote?
i read a while ago they had a new fan-dangle entry system where as long as you had the key in your pocket, you could open and start the car.
it should be due out soon.
is this the first car to offer it to the mass market?
it was scheduled to debut in fords small euro range ”
YOUR joking right???? I hope where you read awhile ago, was YEARS AGO lol..
This system has been on the market for ages, if Ford finally has introduced this then they are really behind the 8 ball. My Aurion already has this. Keep the remote in your pocket and you can unlock the door by pulling on the handle. you can start the car by just pressing the start button, and the car lights up its interior when you are in proximity..
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July 13th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
TP…………please go away and get off on your Toyota catalogue. You have no right commenting on any vehicles other than Toyota because you can only see Toyota. How can you call this boring? Toyota are the kings of boring !!! Look at their one attempt at a car with character…….TRD. A new steering wheel and a gear knob and a badge or two, and an engine that blows up !!!! TP..just go away and leave us alone.
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July 13th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
OH TP………..Remember the Toyota Avolon? This was a 10 YEAR OLD CAR and Toyota told us it was a new model !!! Just like the Aurion, an old Camry V6 with a new name and a very very mild facelift.
What the slogan?? oh yeah………..AURION……..The NAME has changed. It has really set the market alight ……..NOT !!!!!!!
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July 13th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
TP Says:
July 13th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Ford are setting themselves up to be the most boring vehicles in the world. They are using this new front end design to death on all vehicles…boooooring.
NM RESPONSE….corolla, camry/aurion all look same and rest of range all similar look. Boring and as bland as your comments they are!
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July 13th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Audi, Commodore range, Peugeot, Citroen, VW, BMW, MG, Mitsubishi…..all have a standard look at front with minor changes across model range. Seems like TP is more astute then all these companies……………..NOT!
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July 13th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
And goggle glassed T boy sees Fiesta front end fully in Falcon and Mondeo…..only smidgeon at air intake! Not good enough to say “same look”.
Go away obsessed TOYOTA HERMIT!
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July 13th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Ford Aust missing the boat yet again. Ford (and GM) here in Oz backed the wrong horse and now fuel prices are going crazy what have they got….a lot of good small car options overseas with very little here. They keep trying to shove big guzzlers down our throats but nobody wants them anymore.
And hey why does Ford Aust say they wont bring the Focus RS down here…?? Bad move imo.
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July 13th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
TP is jealous his cardigan wool covered seats, wearing white bowler hat’s on a sunday, selling to the ageing masses, engineering such boring, bland, FWD skinny wheel spinning hire made vehicles, just begs the question, why do people buy mundane A 2 B transportation when there are so many better cars on the market.
Toyoda can’t manufacture beautiful cars like European Ford Motor Co because whitegoods are more important to a country that cares about the dollar signs and not passion..
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July 13th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
That was the point I made on another blog - that so many other car companies have design features which are unique. - such as the Kidney Grille which is unmistakably BMW.
Whereas Toyota doesn’t have a unique look - there isn’t one particular feature which moulds the entire range together so when you look at it you can say aaahhh thats definitely a Toyota.
Instead they have a “mixture” of design features [quite often all on the same car] which could be why their cars look either ugly or bland and boring
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July 13th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Wheelnut…..i totally agree. Look at the Camry|Aurion, different wierd angles all over the car, none of which blend together at all. Other Toyotas are poor efforts to copy other cars styling cues but it has never gelled together. Yaris……..is that Japanese for the ugliest car ever?
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July 13th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I’m unsure why a few journos have got this idea that we won’t see it until 2010. It’ll be in Aussie Ford dealers from early 2009.
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July 13th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Lol the Toyota tall poppy bashing begins again….
Don’t worry were Aussie its in our blood.
But to the point, Remember, Toyota Builds these cars to Global market, and by global market I mean attracting to A multitude of Cultures and norms, they’ve researched the demand of the global market and most likely did their best in avoiding the things that goes against cultures…. and hence why they are monotonous in their production, its the safest, doesn’t offend or make it impractical in various cultures/environments and therefore will attract most buyers.
Don’t hate the player, hate the game.
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July 13th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Jobber,
fair comment.
toyota doesnt really build a vehicle for any one country region. they try to make a vehicle that at least strikes a medium balance with many regions, and makes them money with out costing them much of it.
but with that a vehicle becomes a compromise.
its like buying a suit off the rack. it is never perfect.
its almost like when you buy a falcon or commodore it is tailor made for you. NIIIIIIICE…
(just a friendly dig mate, dont get worked up)
what model Aurion do you have by the way???
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July 14th, 2008 at 12:19 am
Andrew M,
Yep your right, and given that the shareholders love the profit streak they are havings, its hard to change for them.
and Yep Ford/Holden are more tailored to the Westernised car culture, hence why their lack of presence in asian countries or perhaps unacceptance.
Yeah I know its just a dig, but sometimes you gotta get people to see the bigger picture on why things are like that. No company seriously wants to make homogenous (boring) cars, but if its the right formula to maximise profit and market share (fundamentals of a successful corporation) then no doubt it will be acted on.
I got a Zr6 model Aurion, heavily discounted through a mate working there through the employee scheme, otherwise I wouldnt have given any Toyota car a thought, as having a performance bug in me. But initially thinking yeah, its just going to be another Toyota, I was suprised its really a decent car (well. Especially when you change to fatter tyres lol, the skinnies dont do any justice for grip/handling, even they were the Michelin XM’s) the ‘comes with’ are pretty good as well. Given the headunit is replacable and me being a sound junkie that was a bonus too.
Then again i’m selling the car at the end of the year to fund an apartment purchase, but I’ll over finance so I’ll have money to buy another car, hopefully a E46 M3
or perhaps a XR6T in leather trim (once you go leather you can’t go back lol) given theres no problems/recalls by next year… but also might change my choices given the price rise of petrol these days.
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July 14th, 2008 at 2:41 am
I had to laugh when TP said the Fiesta was bland Considering he names himself after the builder of the blandest cars on earth. Its strange they used to have the Celica GT-Four & MR-2, the only interesting cars they had and got rid of them.
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July 14th, 2008 at 6:22 am
Too right Glen……always said the 2 stunning cars in range being Celica GT and MR2 were canned and now devoid of appeal in range! Dont think they sold enough to masses so they forgot about the real enthusiasts and committed to the boring brigade (the masses). Hell seen another MR2 and gee it is still stunning…….15yrs later. Line it up against a current Corolla and one falls asleep to see were it is in 2008!
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July 14th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Umm what about the Supra?
Anyway. TP will never get a clue- Toyotas these days are uninspiring to drive, look at and are a conservative washing machine on wheels.
PaulST good to see you here mate!
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July 14th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Agree with Supra but it has rarely been here released. Think you would have to go back to way early 1990’s and even then only like 1-2yrs released at best?
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July 14th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Reckless1…
My ‘wishful’ thinking is based on every other auto publication indicating that 2009 is more accurate.
Is that ok with you?
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July 14th, 2008 at 9:42 am
It looks refreshingly odd. I like it. First time I spotted it in a car mag I didn’t but it is growing on me.
The interior is fantastic, minus the yellow stripes on the seat.
Being that it is based on the same platform as the already proven Mazda 2 I think Ford are going to have a winner with this one.
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July 14th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Mazda 2 looks too feminine, have you seen the adverts for it? something about models? handbags and dresses? haha
Fiesta look absolutely amazing in the flesh, eat your words when it comes abroad to Oz.
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July 14th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Small cars traditionally have looked like utter shitboxes but this one looks damn good. Bolt on a turbocharger this would look good in the garage next to the falcon. This would slaughter any (don’t tell them it’s a Daewoo) Barina or Toymota.
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July 14th, 2008 at 10:57 am
What’s really stupid about the Toyota Aurion is (other than it being a Camry with a V6 and it’s FWD) that from base model AT-X to luxury models to Prodigy to Presara they all look the same! I don’t know if they have any minor changes with the exterior looks between them! There probably is but so minor and tiny you can’t see them! Not like Holden and Ford do. For example from XT to G6 there is different brakes lights to make it more luxurious. There’s different grill etc. The same if you compare it to a Omega to a Berlina or to a Calais. Different brake lights and different grill and other things to name but Toyota, they have between the AT-X and the Prodigy the same brake lights the same front end etc. Poor work from toyota there. The only model/s out of the whole Aurion range that looks different from the base AT-X is the sports models the Sportivo SX6 and the Sportivo ZR6.
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July 14th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Yep Eagle I forgot about the Supra, it was a great looker i guess i forgot about it cos we never officially got the last shape in OZ.
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July 14th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Agree Duck, the sports model with the bodykit is the only standout from the other cars in the range, but mind the presara has all that chrome bits and fake woodgrain interior, but still makes it look not standoutish… looks more like a riced up ATX lol. That and a different set of rims still is just childsplay.
Toyota\’s argument would be that the \’accessory sets\’ makes the model class… But im sure theres other car manufacturers following this strategy too… (All blardy cost savings!) But seriously if I want to pay such a premium I would want a car that stands out a bit more, but thats just me… thats why I opted the Zr6, it looks different enough to the others and has a significant enough \’accessory set\’ from the sx6 to warrant the premium you pay.
Once you go to the Presara, your going to the w anker territory, its like the people who like to think they are rich but not quite able to afford a BMW/Merc…
In regards to the Supra, where you guys from? here in Melb theres plenty and even going to the 1998 models, and starting to overflow like any other imports in these high petrol price times…
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July 14th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Jobber,
for mine the Sportivo Aurion looks better than the TRD.
the TRD looks too try hard, but at least with the sportivo they struck a nice balance.
and the balance is even better on less skinny tyres for when you “Flaw” it……..apparently…….
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July 14th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
I quite like the look of it, although I would need to see it in the flesh.
I hope Ford Oz finally give us the TDCi model. Almost all of the Fiestas sold in mainland Europe are diesels, which says something about how highly they are considered. Why we haven’t had one up until now is a mystery.
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July 14th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Andrew M,
“TRD looks too try hard” haha IT IS TRY HARD lol, its a very hefty premium for such a underperforming attempt on Ford and Holdens performance range. even an SSV or XR6T/XR8 is still cheaper offers more power and more enjoyable RWD.
If they mated the DI version of the engine with a AWD/RWD platform, then perhaps its worth considering, and also take off the economy driven “intelligent” throttle control system, why have granny mode in a performance car!!
Although IMO, I do like the front bar/lip combo better than the Sportivos one on a black car, it highlights and adds more depth to the front. The rear is just plain ridiculous.
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July 15th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
If you havent relised ford owns Mazda. So yes there will be similar!
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July 15th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
^Ford doesn’t own them, they are in control of them.
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July 15th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Duck,
ford owns the largest share of mazda which gives them the controlling stake.
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