2009 Ford Fiesta first details
July 11, 2008 by George Skentzos
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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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!
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?
Reckless1…
My ‘wishful’ thinking is based on every other auto publication indicating that 2009 is more accurate.
Is that ok with you?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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…….
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.
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.
If you havent relised ford owns Mazda. So yes there will be similar!
^Ford doesn’t own them, they are in control of them.
Duck,
ford owns the largest share of mazda which gives them the controlling stake.