Ford Fiesta (6th gen) 2008-

[Gt1Street]

FORD CONFIRMS FIESTA AS GLOBAL NAME FOR SMALL CAR

Ford’s new-generation global small car to be previewed at 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Its worldwide name is confirmed – Ford Fiesta.
New Fiesta is the first product of Ford’s new global product development process, with versions due for launch also in Asia and North America between 2008 and 2010.
European production of new Fiesta begins in fall 2008

COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 14, 2008 – Ford’s new small car family will use the Fiesta name around the world, the company confirmed today.

Designed and developed in Europe for customers in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010, the new Fiesta is the first major product of Ford’s new global product development process. This new small car keeps alive a name synonymous with more than 30 years of success and strong driving dynamics in Europe and is already well known in markets across Asia, Australia and South America. The Fiesta also was offered in the U.S. from 1978 to 1980.

“The new Ford Fiesta captures every aspect of what’s defined Ford as a small-car leader in Europe and builds on it in terms of driving dynamics and design,” said Mark Fields, president of the Americas, Ford Motor Company. “When it arrives in North America in 2010, the Ford Fiesta will set a new standard in the small car segment. Even before it arrives in this market, though, the new Fiesta demonstrates how leveraging our global strengths can yield attractive benefits for customers around the world.”

The dynamic new look for this global family of small cars was previewed in three Ford Verve Concept vehicles which made their debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, the Guangzhou Motor Show in November 2007 and the North American International Auto Show in January 2008.

In Europe, the new Fiesta will debut first in production guise at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March and will go on sale in fall 2008 in three- and five-door hatchback body styles. By 2010, the new Fiesta will be on sale in markets across Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and North America in a variety of regionally tailored models derived from a common platform.

"The new Ford Fiesta will set the standard for delivering to our customers products they really want and value while taking advantage of our wonderful global resources," said Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company president and CEO. "With momentum in small-car sales outpacing industry growth worldwide, we will build on our European small car strength to deliver a new generation of small cars for a new generation of highly discerning customers."

The new Ford Fiesta brings the dynamic Verve Concept exterior and interior styling to production reality, demonstrating that small cars can be stylish, sophisticated and emotional. It rejects the notion that an affordable small car has to be a commodity.

The new Ford Fiesta also makes major strides in small car craftsmanship, quality of materials and product choice while continuing to represent traditional strengths of practicality, value for money, agility and safety. It also brings a host of big-car features to the small-car segment for the first time.

“The new Ford Fiesta is an example of how good a small car can be,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president, Marketing and Communications. “The Fiesta is great to look at, great to drive and it has quality you can see, feel and touch. It’s going to be an important growth product for North America.”

A key Ford Fiesta strength throughout its life has been its acclaimed driving quality, and the new model intends to uphold this reputation. Ford’s dynamics engineers also worked hard to enhance Fiesta’s ride comfort and isolate road, wind and powertrain noise from the cabin, and to give the new model an impressively quiet driving quality for a small car.

Fiesta for a New Generation

The all-new Fiesta opens another chapter in the story of the popular Ford small car that has sold more than 12 million units since its introduction in 1976 and represented real change when it came on the automotive scene. While it has moved with the times and fashions over the years, it has remained steadfast in its dedication to providing economical, practical and dependable transportation for people of all ages.

Starting in the early 1970s, the Fiesta project became a personal mission of Ford’s Chairman, Henry Ford II. A passionate believer in small cars, Ford rallied his company to the mission of creating a new model. He personally was involved in every step of the long process that led to the grand opening of the new automotive assembly plant in Almusafes, Valencia, with the attendance of the newly crowned King of Spain, Juan Carlos.

With the global fuel crisis as extra incentive, at the end of 1973, the Ford Board of Directors gave Project Bobcat, as it was originally known, the go-ahead for development and production. Fiesta didn’t get its name until 1974, when Ford whittled down a list of 50 potential names to just five. The final choice went to Henry Ford II, and his preference for Fiesta was entirely appropriate given the creation of the new manufacturing plant in Spain.

In Europe, the new Fiesta will be built at Ford’s Valencia manufacturing facility in Spain beginning in early 2009 alongside the Cologne manufacturing plant, which starts production in fall 2008.

A production announcement for the Ford Fiesta in Asia will be announced in April at the Beijing Motor Show. A North America announcement will come at a later date.

[Gt1Street]

Fiesta 2008 #2

[carweb]

That dashboard looks like Darth Vader. :D

[Matra et Alpine]

WOW ! Ford shooting themselves in the foot again :(

So "worldwide" platform won't reach the US until 2010 ? That'l be about the time the RoW is getting an improved versions.

Am tempted to set up an import business for the 2008 versions and take all of Ford's business.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

The problem with such a fact, Matra, is that the US version will be closer to the Verve concept - IE a sedan.

hatchbacks + America = do not want.

[Matra et Alpine]

"do not want" ... at what price ?
Ford US lose money ... Ford Europe/RoW make money ..... and Ford stick with their idea of the market needs :(

But yeah, the 2 years to get a sedan version for the US market does accoutn for the "delay" in bringing it to the market. But why not sell the hatchback in the meantime ??? And the sedan will likely be on the current platform and thus out of date in 2 years compared to the rest -- so not really a "wordwide" car.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Hatches are generally not large sellers in the US - although that can also be put down to the quality of car being sold as much as the actual shape it takes ;)

I'd be interested to see how well this car would sell in the US - My guess is not very well, unfortunately. It doesn't have the Badge Cache or retro-funk of the Mini, thus it won't be bought because it's cool, and it's nowhere near large enough for the Average tastes. I mean when a Chevy Cobalt is considered Small.......

[Spastik_Roach]

I don't think it would sell particularly well in America either, not quite big enough to fit average tastes, and not small enough for buying as a tiny city run about, ie Smart buyers. Does look quite sporty and radical though which might earn some points among some buyers.

[Street_Dreamer]

Very nice (see quite a bit of Mazda in there - no bad thing for Ford)... Whereas the Fiat 500 will sell on looks, this car will sell on how good it is. I personally still prefer the 500, but i think Ford have made a very nice looking car here. I like the interior, but i dunno what's stopping me from loving it; something is tho.
Anyway, good on ya Ford for making a nice car.

[Cotterik]

wow now that is hot. people who own last years fiesta will be P*SSED. :p

[Ferrer]

Hatches are generally not large sellers in the US - although that can also be put down to the quality of car being sold as much as the actual shape it takes ;)

I'd be interested to see how well this car would sell in the US - My guess is not very well, unfortunately. It doesn't have the Badge Cache or retro-funk of the Mini, thus it won't be bought because it's cool, and it's nowhere near large enough for the Average tastes. I mean when a Chevy Cobalt is considered Small.......
Well the have Honda Fit (Jazz) and the Toyota Yaris, so who knows.

And judging by the Mazda 2, this is going to be a good car.

[Waugh-terfall]

wow now that is hot. people who own last years fiesta will be P*SSED. :p

That's you then?

I think Fords design team must have had a recent slap round the face, this is one wicked looking car. Overtones of Mazda 2 everywhere. Not too keen on the dash, but it seems ergonomic, a little too 2003 Nissan Primera-ish...

[Clivey]

I'd be interested to see how well this car would sell in the US - My guess is not very well, unfortunately. It doesn't have the Badge Cache or retro-funk of the Mini, thus it won't be bought because it's cool, and it's nowhere near large enough for the Average tastes. I mean when a Chevy Cobalt is considered Small.......

First thing's first: We'll see how that changes once US fuel prices raise to European levels. The fact of the matter is that Americans don't need stupidly obese cup-holder filled chunks of cheap plastic that are held to the road with leaf-springs and solid axles. Just like you don't need leprosy.

There also seems to be a common misconception that cars such as the Fiesta are somehow "too small" to physically fit Americans inside. C'mon, they're not all shaped like a football! Despite being from a smaller "class" of car, my C4 has more interior space than a Lexus GS300 - the same is true with many latest-gen cars. I'm quite sure the new Fiesta will be capacious enough to be a family of four's second car with no problems.;)

In fact, if I gave my honest opinion of a lot of new cars these days, they're too big (and heavy) for the job. My C4 weighs nearly 1,300kgs, and I wouldn't want anything smaller than my 1.6HDi pulling it along. Fortunately that unit cleverly balances power and economy. Another example is the latest GM Corsa: I have the previous-gen 1.4 3-door (960kgs), which manages 0-60 in 10.5 seconds. However the latest model with the same engine takes about 12 seconds to get to 60, probably due to it being well over 100kgs heavier.


but i dunno what's stopping me from loving it; something is tho.

Habit, maybe? Are you too used to looking at "the norm" and unwilling to consider anything else? That IS the problem that faces European cars/manufacturers that try to break in to the US market. Usually, when I mention my diesel hatch to Americans, they cringe. If they actually drove one though, I think they'd find it enlightening.;)


wow now that is hot. people who own last years fiesta will be P*SSED.

Lol, I have a friend who bought one on the first day of the "57" plate. I'm wondering what his reaction will be to the new shape. I'd rib him a bit about it, but TBH considering his taste in cars I don't think he'll like the styling of this new Fiesta too much.


That's you then?

I think Fords design team must have had a recent slap round the face, this is one wicked looking car. Overtones of Mazda 2 everywhere.[/QUOTE]

Agreed in the most part - the new Mondeo is leagues better than any of the previous versions, the MPVs they currently sell are both great and the facelifted parts of the Focus make it look much better - not "outstanding" mind, just better.:p

As for this Fiesta: I'm guessing that it's based on the same platform as the new Mazda 2; therefore it should be lighter than the car it replaces, which is fantastic! Especially considering the uninspired trend of "bigger is better" that's sweeping across the car industry at the moment.

Despite that though, the basic shape of this car gives me the impression it's still going to be huge for a supermini. Ford have recently supersized their European model line-up, the Mondeo is now as large as an Audi A6, and the Focus feels like a Transit in terms of width and height. The Fiesta would do well to stay the same size, as excess isn't tasteful or advantageous. On the other hand, although the shape gives an impression of a large car, Ford's design department are good at "covering it up" with lots of lovely little details. They've managed to make a box look slightly "sexy".

The interior looks fantastic all-over though IMO. It's interesting, well-designed and looks as though it would be ergonomic and built from high-quality materials (unlike the current Focus, I might add). I'm hoping one of the fascia panels conceals a pocket that's designed to house an MP3 player (or other gadgets), as most cars that do have an AUX IN port as standard still don't have a good place to put an iPod when you're on the move.

I await further details...



Not too keen on the dash, but it seems ergonomic, a little too 2003 Nissan Primera-ish...

Sorry, don't agree - this is a positive step for Ford if they manage to pull it off.

[Ferrer]

I have to agree completely Clivey, the supersize me trend of current cars is just wrong. The thing is weight kills everything, fuel economy, performance, handling, the lot. Thankfully, though, this new generation of Ford/Mazda superminis seems to head in the opposite direction which can only be good news.

(Yes the Fiesta is based in the 2)

[IBrake4Rainbows]

First thing's first: We'll see how that changes once US fuel prices raise to European levels. The fact of the matter is that Americans don't need stupidly obese cup-holder filled chunks of cheap plastic that are held to the road with leaf-springs and solid axles. Just like you don't need leprosy.

The US will probably not get to the same fuel costs as Europe for a very long time. If you believe the naysayers, of course, "THE END IS NEIGH!11!, DRIVE HYBRID!!!1"

Americans don't need cheap chunks of plastic and eleven billion cupholders, but what they WANT is a car thats practical to their conditions, and that means it needs to be fairly sizable to not only appeal to their ego, but to their safety concious side (while small car manufacturers can be applauded for making little cars safe, you can't argue with a 4,000 pound truck smacking into you to ruin your day. And to top it off, the height of these vehicles often means they go right over the top of these smaller cars.


There also seems to be a common misconception that cars such as the Fiesta are somehow "too small" to physically fit Americans inside. C'mon, they're not all shaped like a football! Despite being from a smaller "class" of car, my C4 has more interior space than a Lexus GS300 - the same is true with many latest-gen cars. I'm quite sure the new Fiesta will be capacious enough to be a family of four's second car with no problems.;)

I'm not saying it'll not fit the passengers in the car. I'm saying it's Physically not large enough to pass muster on American roads. Size matters ;)

In fact, if I gave my honest opinion of a lot of new cars these days, they're too big (and heavy) for the job. My C4 weighs nearly 1,300kgs, and I wouldn't want anything smaller than my 1.6HDi pulling it along. Fortunately that unit cleverly balances power and economy. Another example is the latest GM Corsa: I have the previous-gen 1.4 3-door (960kgs), which manages 0-60 in 10.5 seconds. However the latest model with the same engine takes about 12 seconds to get to 60, probably due to it being well over 100kgs heavier.

So let me get this straight. you're now comparing everything to your C4?

Small cars are getting larger. It's what the customer demands. More safety? More weight. More equipment? more weight. More Interior room? Make the car larger. Car manufacturers can't defy the laws of physics - you fit more in a car, it needs to get larger.

It's the sad reality and while Manufacturers like Mazda work smarter, not harder to make their cars lighter so as to be more efficient, other manufacturers choose to focus their efficiency drives elsewhere.

It's an unfortunate trend thats symptomatic of the current "I Want everything" culture in buyers. The problem is, most manufacturers are willing to give it to them.

[Street_Dreamer]

Habit, maybe? Are you too used to looking at "the norm" and unwilling to consider anything else? That IS the problem that faces European cars/manufacturers that try to break in to the US market.
I think it's the opposite; i think it's the knowledge that everybody will have one and its fresh new look (i really, really like the new design) will very quickly become the norm. I also love the Mazda 2 and this is very similar to that if we're honest, so it's not a case of unwillingness to consider anything else...

[Clivey]

The US will probably not get to the same fuel costs as Europe for a very long time. If you believe the naysayers, of course, "THE END IS NEIGH!11!, DRIVE HYBRID!!!1"

True, it'll take a while because Americans generally aren't the pushovers Europeans are proving to be - the oil companies see an opportunity to crank the prices up using "diminishing" fossil fuel as an excuse, when in fact, a look at their profits tells us the true story.


Americans don't need cheap chunks of plastic and eleven billion cupholders, but what they WANT is a car thats practical to their conditions, and that means it needs to be fairly sizable to not only appeal to their ego...

Appeal "to their ego"...? So you're saying that people over-compensating for other shortcomings (no pun intended!) with huge, lumbering dinosaurs are to be encouraged? IMO it's fine if someone wants an SUV - but not just because they want to bear down on other road users and use the car as a battering ram (SUV drivers are statistically 4-times more likely to be driving whilst using a handheld mobile phone, for example). I wouldn't want to tell people what they could and couldn't buy/drive, because no-one's going to do that to me, but many Americans seem especially excessive with their choices and there doesn't seem to be a good enough reason for it (most of them can't even claim to be car enthusiasts or interested in what they're driving, they just want something huge for the sake of bragging).


...but to their safety concious side (while small car manufacturers can be applauded for making little cars safe, you can't argue with a 4,000 pound truck smacking into you to ruin your day. And to top it off, the height of these vehicles often means they go right over the top of these smaller cars.

OK, I recognise the point you're trying to make with reference to the "4,000lb truck", and yes - some of the vehicles on America's roads would make for an almighty headache in an accident with a "normal" car...although I actually don't think that these days there would be much difference in the end result of impacts between said truck and say Renault Clio and a Renault Megane (despite the cars being of different sizes). The reason? The latest-gen superminis ARE as safe as bigger cars - safer, in fact, than some of the older larger cars that are on the roads worldwide (I'd rather be the EURO NCAP dummy in the Peugeot 207's tests than the BMW E36 3-Series tests).:D

Secondly: Many new superminis are actually taller (go figure :confused:) than the same manufacturer's larger cars, therefore if the hypothetical truck's going to go right over the top of them it would have gone right over the top of a "normal" sized car too.


I'm not saying it'll not fit the passengers in the car. I'm saying it's Physically not large enough to pass muster on American roads. Size matters

Yeah, once again: You're right in what you say, that size does "matter" on American roads - but the point I'm trying to make is that it matters too much and for no good reason. It seems as though some people choose a huge truck just to compete with others, and that, you must admit, is a little ridiculous.


So let me get this straight. you're now comparing everything to your C4?

I don't understand the reason for you making that comment, if I'm honest. I'll compare things to the C4 (or any other car and anything else) when relevant (why not?), just as I would do if I were looking to replace the C4 with something else. If something, from my point of view, isn't as "good" as what I have for whatever reason, I'll state that as the reason for me not wanting it. For example: I wouldn't want an iBook G3 because I have a PowerBook G4. If I've completely missed the point please say so though!:)


Small cars are getting larger. It's what the customer demands. More safety? More weight. More equipment? more weight. More Interior room? Make the car larger. Car manufacturers can't defy the laws of physics - you fit more in a car, it needs to get larger.

Largely true, although it simply doesn't have to be that way. This generation of Fiesta could be one of the first to make a massive difference by bucking the 'supersize me' trend - and that's something to look forward to.


It's the sad reality and while Manufacturers like Mazda work smarter, not harder to make their cars lighter so as to be more efficient, other manufacturers choose to focus their efficiency drives elsewhere...It's an unfortunate trend thats symptomatic of the current "I Want everything" culture in buyers. The problem is, most manufacturers are willing to give it to them.

Yeah, let's hope that Ford/Mazda are successful with their new small cars and that it'll prompt other manufacturers to follow suit.


I think it's the opposite; i think it's the knowledge that everybody will have one and its fresh new look (i really, really like the new design) will very quickly become the norm. I also love the Mazda 2 and this is very similar to that if we're honest, so it's not a case of unwillingness to consider anything else...

Yeah, good point. Just to clear things up: The purpose of the comment was really just to illustrate the kind of attitude that I find small minded. I wasn't trying to accuse you of being small-minded if my comment looked that way.:)

[IBrake4Rainbows]

True, it'll take a while because Americans generally aren't the pushovers Europeans are proving to be - the oil companies see an opportunity to crank the prices up using "diminishing" fossil fuel as an excuse, when in fact, a look at their profits tells us the true story.

I don't know about europeans but for the most part our Fuel's exorbitant pricing is a result of taxation.

The actual cost of oil, while it has risen, is not a complete blame for the price of oil.

And the US will likely invade another country instead of the dreaded "raising taxes" headline.


Appeal "to their ego"...? So you're saying that people over-compensating for other shortcomings (no pun intended!) with huge, lumbering dinosaurs are to be encouraged? IMO it's fine if someone wants an SUV - but not just because they want to bear down on other road users and use the car as a battering ram (SUV drivers are statistically 4-times more likely to be driving whilst using a handheld mobile phone, for example). I wouldn't want to tell people what they could and couldn't buy/drive, because no-one's going to do that to me, but many Americans seem especially excessive with their choices and there doesn't seem to be a good enough reason for it (most of them can't even claim to be car enthusiasts or interested in what they're driving, they just want something huge for the sake of bragging).

I am by no means telling people what to drive. I have a large sedan myself that technically I don't need but It's comfortable and does what it is intended to do.

The problem as i see it is that the popularity of such vehicles is based almost solely on a fashion and height aspect.


OK, I recognise the point you're trying to make with reference to the "4,000lb truck", and yes - some of the vehicles on America's roads would make for an almighty headache in an accident with a "normal" car...although I actually don't think that these days there would be much difference in the end result of impacts between said truck and say Renault Clio and a Renault Megane (despite the cars being of different sizes). The reason? The latest-gen superminis ARE as safe as bigger cars - safer, in fact, than some of the older larger cars that are on the roads worldwide (I'd rather be the EURO NCAP dummy in the Peugeot 207's tests than the BMW E36 3-Series tests).:D

I'm not doubting the new Fiesta's safety credentials when placed up against an offset crash barrier.

I'm doubting it wouldn't peel the hell open when pummelled by a Ford Excursion.

Secondly: Many new superminis are actually taller (go figure :confused:) than the same manufacturer's larger cars, therefore if the hypothetical truck's going to go right over the top of them it would have gone right over the top of a "normal" sized car too.

We're not talking about a normal car. the Supermini is still lighter, generally more cheaply constructed and if you buy the poverty spec model not as safe as it could be.

Yeah, once again: You're right in what you say, that size does "matter" on American roads - but the point I'm trying to make is that it matters too much and for no good reason. It seems as though some people choose a huge truck just to compete with others, and that, you must admit, is a little ridiculous.

I agree that size is a big issue (no pun intended) but for the most part some of these large vehicles are used for large purposes. towing, construction etc.

And The competition is ridiculous. but by the same token aren't manufacturers of supermini's making their cars bigger as well?

I don't understand the reason for you making that comment, if I'm honest. I'll compare things to the C4 (or any other car and anything else) when relevant (why not?), just as I would do if I were looking to replace the C4 with something else. If something, from my point of view, isn't as "good" as what I have for whatever reason, I'll state that as the reason for me not wanting it. For example: I wouldn't want an iBook G3 because I have a PowerBook G4. If I've completely missed the point please say so though!:)

I just wouldn't want a mac ;)

While this started as a throwaway remark, I must also comment that comparing this car to a car a class above it in size and cost is probably not the smartest idea either.


Largely true, although it simply doesn't have to be that way. This generation of Fiesta could be one of the first to make a massive difference by bucking the 'supersize me' trend - and that's something to look forward to.

Just by the photos and dimensions, thats not going to happen.

Rule number 1 of manufacturing: give the customer what they want.

At the moment, thats size with efficiency.

Yeah, let's hope that Ford/Mazda are successful with their new small cars and that it'll prompt other manufacturers to follow suit.

Ford aren't really known for starting trends. but I think the Mazda 2 is definately a step in the right direction. but it does require a concerted effort.


Yeah, good point. Just to clear things up: The purpose of the comment was really just to illustrate the kind of attitude that I find small minded. I wasn't trying to accuse you of being small-minded if my comment looked that way.:)

No offence taken. most of this was sarcastic and throwaway commentary.

anything for a good verbal discussion :)

[Gt1Street]

ALL-NEW FORD FIESTA TWINS MAKE DEBUT

New five-door model revealed with three-door twin at Geneva Motor Show
Inspired from Verve Concept
Due to hit British roads this autumn
BRENTWOOD, Essex, 4 March, 2008 – You've seen the new three-door Fiesta, get ready to see its stylish five-door twin as the wraps come off today at the Geneva Motor Show.

Fun-loving and stylish, sensational and safe; Ford's all-new Fiestas are guaranteed to wow the crowds. Taking much of its exterior and interior design from the striking Verve Concept, the next generation of Britain's best-loved small car promises to shake up the supermini scene at its global premiere.

More than 12 million Fiesta models have been sold since its introduction in 1976, and the arrival of this latest Fiesta opens another chapter in the story of Ford’s most successful small car. Following the company’s ‘kinetic design’ philosophy introduced on all the latest models, the 2008 Fiesta marks a major leap forward in terms of style, craftsmanship, quality of materials and model choice.

The new five-door model will appear in Hot Magenta. The dimensions of the three- and five- door models are the same. The visual impact of the five- door is stunning because the kinetic styling has not been compromised. Three- and five- door models are equally popular with British buyers. Full technical details and UK specifications will be released closer to the launch of the production model in autumn 2008.

[Clivey]

I don't know about europeans but for the most part our Fuel's exorbitant pricing is a result of taxation. The actual cost of oil, while it has risen, is not a complete blame for the price of oil. And the US will likely invade another country instead of the dreaded "raising taxes" headline.

Yeah - UK prices are as much the fault of the government as the fuel companies...and my "pushover" comment was just intended to mean that IMO the British public really need to kick the government into touch regarding this. Nevertheless, I still find it infuriating that the profits of some of the fuel companies has risen grotesquely whilst we're paying USD $2.20-ish for a litre of diesel.


I am by no means telling people what to drive. I have a large sedan myself that technically I don't need but It's comfortable and does what it is intended to do.

The problem as i see it is that the popularity of such vehicles is based almost solely on a fashion and height aspect.

Exactly what i was trying to say!:D The people buying the vehicles aren't even really interested in them anyway!


I'm not doubting the new Fiesta's safety credentials when placed up against an offset crash barrier.

I'm doubting it wouldn't peel the hell open when pummelled by a Ford Excursion.

But then again...what wouldn't? A 10-15-year-old Merc S-class wouldn't fare as well as many modern cars if hit by an Excursion. Have you ever seen crash test footage showing an impact between a new car and one that's 15-years old?


We're not talking about a normal car. the Supermini is still lighter, generally more cheaply constructed and if you buy the poverty spec model not as safe as it could be.

I agree that size is a big issue (no pun intended) but for the most part some of these large vehicles are used for large purposes. towing, construction etc.

And The competition is ridiculous. but by the same token aren't manufacturers of supermini's making their cars bigger as well?

Valid points in the most part. However, in the UK at least, even the poverty spec Fiesta will be almost as safe as the model at the top of the range (the probability is that it wont lose that much safety equipment to the higher models), and that a lot of the large vehicles that they could replace aren't used for towing/hauling/off-roading purposes anyway.


While this started as a throwaway remark, I must also comment that comparing this car to a car a class above it in size and cost is probably not the smartest idea either.

OK, I understand - but I'd just like to point-out the fact that I wasn't comparing the Fiesta to the C4 as far as suggesting they'd be competing for the same buyers - I was just using examples of how cars are getting heavier generally...


Just by the photos and dimensions, thats not going to happen.
Rule number 1 of manufacturing: give the customer what they want.
At the moment, thats size with efficiency.

Ford aren't really known for starting trends. but I think the Mazda 2 is definately a step in the right direction. but it does require a concerted effort.

...but, but, wait...! The thing is: Ford ARE setting a trend! :eek: The new Fiesta will be based on the new Mazda 2, so will most probably be lighter than the model it replaces! Epic Win!

- When you think about it, it's actually quite an exciting prospect for the genuine car enthusiast: Even large, previously ignorant car manufacturers are taking notice of what WE want. That can only be a good thing.


anything for a good verbal discussion :)

QFTMFT. :) Glad some people are actually capable of a mature discussion and are able to get over minor disagreements/problems etc. without resorting to trying to insult and offend each other.

[Gt1Street]

BRENTWOOD, 15 July, 2008 – Fast Ford fans are set to celebrate the return of a sporty UK favourite - the exciting yet accessible Fiesta Zetec S.

Ford’s stylish new small car will offer a sports model from its UK launch this autumn, giving driving enthusiasts a new benchmark for affordable driving fun. It will also continue the "Zetec S" name, first introduced to the Fiesta in 1999.

Ford of Britain’s marketing director, Mark Ovenden, said: “Fiesta has always stood for fun and Zetec S delivers this with a capital ‘F’. Lively performance and sporty styling mean it looks great and goes as well as it looks.”

Looking sporty

Fiesta Zetec S adds a distinctive sporting flavour to the stylish sweeps and curves of all-new Fiesta.

On the outside are five-spoke, 16in alloy wheels, projector headlamps, front fog lamps, a deeper front bumper, side mouldings and a rear spoiler.

Inside, a leather steering wheel and bolstered sports seats continue that sports feel to appeal to driving enthusiasts, while the standard equipment list also addresses comfort and safety, with side airbags and air conditioning.

These sports interior details add to the ‘cockpit’ driving feel, created by a 30mm lower seating position than the previous-generation Fiesta, while Zetec S adds its own twist to the stylish Fiesta interior, with high contrast trim colours and designs inspired by snowboards.

Power to the people

Fiesta Zetec S lives up to its sporty credentials with an all-new, 120PS Duratec Ti-VCT engine, powerful enough to reach 62mph in 9.9sec and a top speed of 120mph. Lowered, tuned sports suspension helps new Fiesta Zetec S make the most of this power and maintain excellent dynamic response.

The responsive new Duratec Ti-VCT engine uses twin independent variable cam timing to provide the optimal balance of performance and fuel economy, so despite its feisty character and 20 extra horsepower, the new Duratec Ti-VCT is still uses less fuel and generates less CO2 than the 100PS, 1.6-litre engine from the previous Fiesta. It returns a combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

Fiesta Zetec S will also be available with a 1.6-litre 90PS Duratorq TDCi, providing a more relaxed driving character and even greater efficiency. The exceptionally flexible engine sips fuel at 67.3mpg, generating just 110g/km CO2. Even so, it develops 204 Nm torque from only 1,750 rpm and its mid-range performance is underlined by a 31-62mph time of just 9.9sec.

Autumn launch

The all-new Fiesta range will be launched in the UK in autumn 2008, with prices announced at the British International Motor Show on 22 July 2008.

[RenesisEvo]

The more I see it the less I detest the styling, but those rear windows are just tiny, and make the rear wheels look very small too. No doubt it'll still sell well though, nice to see a diesel option for the Zetec S.

[Ferrer]

The engine is interesting. I wish it was available in the 2.

[Street_Dreamer]

The standard one looks better, and it seems to me that the wheels need to be at least an inch bigger, but it's still a pretty nice car. Not amazing, but pretty nice.

[LeonOfTheDead]

I simply don't like it, it's...too much, something like the new Opel Corsa. Give me the Mazda 2.

[Spastik_Roach]

Old one looked fine and was modern enough. This one almost looks a step back in styling.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Am I the only one who thinks the back lights look incredibly gumby?

[LeonOfTheDead]

remove the badges, and I would say its the new Hyundai i10...

[pimento]

Am I the only one who thinks the back lights look incredibly gumby?

No.. I'd rather a Mazda 2...

[Gt1Street]

More pics released

Ford Fiesta Zetec S #2

[Gt1Street]

Ford Fiesta Zetec S #3

[Gt1Street]

Ford Fiesta Zetec S #4

[Ferrer]

The newest addition in the ever-expanding Mountune Performance range is the all-new Fiesta 1.6 Ti-VCT engine upgrade.

The 140PS performance upgrade can be installed by specialist Ford dealers to Zetec-S and Titanium 1.6-litre Ti VCT petrol models.

This upgrade consists of a high-flow air induction system, a high performance exhaust system including high-flow catalyst and tubular manifold, and re-calibration of Ford’s 1.6-litre Ti-VCT Sigma engine to produce 140PS at 6750rpm and 170NM at 4250rpm. A noteworthy boost in performance reduces the standard 0-60mph time from 9.9secs to 7.9secs.

As with all Mountune Performance products, the kit comes with a minimum 12 months/12,000-mile warranty and does not affect the standard vehicle warranty.

This latest upgrade is for the first time, joined by a complimenting exterior appearance upgrade which features a high-quality Mountune Performance side-splash and coloured wing mirrors. In addition, a lightweight motorsport wheel and performance tyre package is also available to help improve the cars' performance and aesthetics further still.

The exterior appearance pack, and the wheel and tyre upgrade are both available directly through Mountune, and from Mountune Performance-approved Ford dealers.

[teatako]

Two seconds off the 0-60 with just intake and exhaust?

[whiteballz]

great looking kit.

Intakes and exhausts can be quite restrictive, along with a more agressive tune its not hard to imagine.

[Black Edition]

Two seconds off the 0-60 with just intake and exhaust?

OMG:eek:

[Matra et Alpine]

Two seconds off the 0-60 with just intake and exhaust?
AND an ECU re-map !!

[teatako]

AND an ECU re-map !!

Oh, that slipped my mind. It makes perfect sense then.

[Ferrer]

Two new pics and a higher res old one.

[Ferrer]

USDM Fiesta #4

[Ferrer]

USDM Fiesta #5

[Ferrer]

USDM Fiesta #6

[Ferrer]

USDM Fiesta #7

[Ferrer]

USDM Fiesta #8

[Ferrer]

I'm sorry Ford, but it doesn't look like an Aston Martin #9

[Ferrer]

I'm sorry Ford, but it doesn't look like an Aston Martin #10

[Ferrer]

I'm sorry Ford, but it doesn't look like an Aston Martin #11

[Ferrer]

I'm sorry Ford, but it doesn't look like an Aston Martin #12

[Ferrer]

Faster than a Cygnet #1

[Ferrer]

Faster than a Cygnet #2

[Ferrer]

Faster than a Cygnet #3

[Ferrer]

Faster than a Cygnet #4

[Ferrer]

Faster than a Cygnet #5

[Ferrer]

Faster than a Cygnet #6

[RacingManiac]

What's not faster than a Cygnet?

This will be a sensible/normal alternative to the Cooper S/500 Abarth kind of car. Though its a tad bigger than those, its still not as big as a Golf...

Here though we will only get the 5 doors.

[jcp123]

That might actually make me like the Fiesta.

[jcp123]

I found the Fiesta to be disappointing when I drove them. The automatic transmission was quirky, with nice short shifts but a couple of vibrations during those shifts as well as flaring up the revs during shifts. The car felt heavy, though solid and well-built. Roomwise it was fine for a car of its size in terms of passenger space, but the Klingon forehead dash sort of made it feel a bit closed-in. We only got a sedan at the rental company I worked for, and the trunk was decently sized in terms of pure cubic capacity, but really poorly laid-out. Long and narrow, it looks difficult to really take advantage of it. On the upside, as I said, it felt more expensive than it was, and had confident, if not totally responsive, handling, a supple ride, and fuel economy was top-notch. Plus, I think it's a good-looking little car.

Nice for a premium feel in its segment, but not the standout I was hoping for.

[Ferrer]

This will be a sensible/normal alternative to the Cooper S/500 Abarth kind of car. Though its a tad bigger than those, its still not as big as a Golf...

Here though we will only get the 5 doors.
Indeed a junior hatch. Here it will face stiff competition from the recently released Clio RS and 208 GTI, the not that new DS3 THP Sport and the frankly long in the tooth Ibiza Cupra, Polo GTI and Corsa OPC amongst others.

If the DS3 is any indication I'd go for the Peugeot.

[Ferrer]

I found the Fiesta to be disappointing when I drove them. The automatic transmission was quirky, with nice short shifts but a couple of vibrations during those shifts as well as flaring up the revs during shifts. The car felt heavy, though solid and well-built. Roomwise it was fine for a car of its size in terms of passenger space, but the Klingon forehead dash sort of made it feel a bit closed-in. We only got a sedan at the rental company I worked for, and the trunk was decently sized in terms of pure cubic capacity, but really poorly laid-out. Long and narrow, it looks difficult to really take advantage of it. On the upside, as I said, it felt more expensive than it was, and had confident, if not totally responsive, handling, a supple ride, and fuel economy was top-notch. Plus, I think it's a good-looking little car.

Nice for a premium feel in its segment, but not the standout I was hoping for.
Well, it's just a cheap, practical supermini with cheap, practical engines and a cheap practical interior.

I presume the last bit has been improved massively, because we had a loaner car from the previous generation ages ago (back when the Puma was still with us, what a car...) and it went well but certainly not a quality product.

[Ferrer]

New ST200 version with a... yes you guessed it... 200bhp engine.