The American automotive giant Ford is banking on sedan Ford Fiesta for gaining a strong foothold in the Indian automobile sector. Fiesta is among the eight cars to have been launched in India by Ford. In addition to the other variants, new Fiesta has been released in the premium C-segment. The 2011 Ford Fiesta is the latest offering by the company, featuring several external and internal changes.

Moreover, the New Fiesta India has been designed specifically for the Indian car market. To the delight of Ford Fiesta enthusiasts, the model is available in diesel version also. New Ford Fiesta is geared up to attract customers with its better design, engine performance and comfort.

In the petrol version, New Ford Fiesta price rangesbetween Rs. 8.23 lacs and 9.42 lacs, whereas, diesel versions are priced between Rs. 9.27 lacs and 10.42 lacs. These are offered in four variants viz., Style, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Plus.

Ford Fiesta is equipped with advanced technology engine along with ABS, EBD, airbags and steering wheel audio controls. The top-end variant of New 2011 Ford Fiesta is integrated with Pull Drift Compensation for swift handling, as it enables exertion of force in the reverse direction to that of the road camber. Along with this, Titanium Plus variant of Ford Fiesta India also features Bluetooth, voice activated climate control and auto-fold mirrors.

The 1.5 litre TiVCT petrol variant delivers a maximum power of 109 bhp at 6045 rpm and gives a mileage of 17 kmpl. On the other hand, 1.5 litre Duratorq diesel engine of Fiesta generates power of 90 bhp and has fuel efficiency of 23.5 kmpl as per ARAI. Apart from engine, the main frame of Ford Fiesta is built using a special casing of steel, made using boron to improve rigidity and weight control.

Keeping in mind price-conscious behaviour of Indian consumers, Ford Fiesta is priced below its rivals, which include Maruti Suzuki SX4, Honda City, Volkswagen Vento and Hyundai Verna.

Launch History of Ford Fiesta

Ford India Private Limited, subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company, launched Ford Fiesta in India in 2005. The venture is currently the 6th largest automotive manufacturer in India. This model is produced at the manufacturing facility in Maraimalai Nagar at Chennai. Ford India Private Limited sells its cars through a network of 170 dealers across the country.

Ford Fiesta 2011 is improvement over its previous model Ford Fiesta model.  Improving on the design, this variant features detailed head lamps, a new front grille and fog lamps outlined by chrome. Moreover, the Ford Fiesta is designed as per the changing demands of the Indian consumers.

The sedan was launched in the segment with core characteristics like optimum balance on the road, responsive steering and compliant suspension. New Ford Fiesta is offered in 1.6 Duratec MPFI Petrol engine and 1.4 Duratorq CRDI Diesel engine options that provide excellent performance with optimum fuel consumption.

Ford Fiesta Variants

At present, Ford Fiesta is available in 8 variants in the Indian Market. In petrol version, 1.5 TiVCT Petrol Style, 1.5 TiVCT Petrol Trend, 1.5 TiVCT Petrol Titanium and 1.5 TiVCT Petrol Titanium Plus are offered. Furthermore, its range of diesel version encompasses 1.5 TDCi Diesel Style, 1.5 TDCi Diesel Trend, 1.5 TDCi Diesel Titanium and 1.5 TDCi Diesel Titanium Plus variants. These variants are distinguished from each other on the basis of engine, fuel type, price and colour themes. The 5-seater sedan's 1.5 TiVCT Petrol Style is the most basic variant, whereas the 1.5 TDCi Diesel Titanium Plus is the high-end version of this model.

Comparison

Engine Type	Variants	Features
Petrol	1.5 TiVCT Style	The entry level New 2011 Ford Fiesta  in petrol is equipped with high performing engine. Some of the notable safety features of this variant are ABS, crumple zones, ABD, two airbags, door reinforcements, keyless entry, child lock and engine immobiliser. All these safety features are common in all other variants. Furthermore, the variant has a detailed instrument cluster in the inside, in black colour.
	1.5 TiVCT Trend	Fiesta 1.5 TiVCT Petrol Trend has an automatic air-conditioning system, which is not offered in the base variant. Some other features distinguishing the variant from the base variant are footwell lights, chrome outline grille and fog lamps.
	1.5 TiVCT Titanium	1.5 TiVCT Petrol Titanium delivers a torque of 140 Nm at 4500 rpm. Moreover, the variant has leather wrapped steering and metallic finish sterling instrument cluster. Besides, chrome beltliner, folding outside rear view mirrors and digital clock are some of the notable highlights of the variant. In interest of music enthusiasts, the variant is integrated with AUX and USB connectivity along with Bluetooth and voice control.
	1.5 TiVCT Titanium Plus	1.5 TiVCT Titanium Plus is most advanced model of New Ford Fiesta in petrol version. The variant is equipped with advanced features like cruise control and reverse parking sensors. Furthermore, it has music capabilities and safety features.
Diesel	1.5 TDCi Diesel Style	Identical to 1.5 TDCi Petrol Style, 1.5 TDCi Diesel Style is the entry level diesel variant of the Ford Fiesta. The variant features basic features along with safety capabilities.
	1.5 TDCi Trend	1.5 TDCi Diesel Trend Variant is a powerful sedan with a torque capacity of 204 Nm at 2750 rpm. This variant has twin chamber bright reflector headlamps, chrome radiator grille, chrome rear applique, fog lamps and turn indicators on ORVM.
	1.5 TDCi Titanium	The powerful variant of Fiesta, 1.5 TDCi Titanium delivers maximum torque of 204 Nm at 2750 rpm. Leather wrapped steering enables comfortable handling. Along with steering wheel, metallic painted sterling bezel and instrument cluster bezel finish are the chief highlights of the variant.
	1.5 TDCi Titanium Plus	1.5 TDCi Titanium Plus in petrol version is the most advanced variant. The variant is equipped with EPAS with Pull Drift Compensation Technology Steering and air conditioning system with voice control. Moreover, its steering is adjustable which enables convenient driving. Other noteworthy features of the variant are an Intelligent Rear Defogger/Demister, Audio Controls on Steering Wheel and Reverse Parking Sensors.

Pricing of Ford Fiesta

 The pricing has been decided taking into consideration price tags of contenders like Honda City, Volkswagen Vento and Hyundai Verna. The base model in petrol as well as diesel version is equipped with several safety features, which include dual SRS airbags, EBD and ABS. Some other notable features of the model are integrated music system, audio controls on steering wheel, rear defogger, air-conditioning on audio commands and remote central locking.

Review of Ford Fiesta

New 2011 Ford Fiesta is equipped with excellent performing engine and interiors with central console, which has received warm reception in the Indian market. The advanced features, such as audio controls on steering and automatic climate control system are appreciated by customers at this price. Furthermore, various models are available in petrol and diesel versions to cater to varied preferences of customers.

The sedan with 1.5 Litre petrol and diesel engine option is offered at a base price of around Rs. 8.2 lacs for petrol variant and for around Rs. 9.2 for diesel version (ex-showroom price, Delhi). At present, Ford Fiesta in India is offered in a five-speed manual transmission, which is expected to be upgraded to automatic transmission in the near future.

Used Car Market of Ford Fiesta

As most of the variants have been discontinued from the market, Ford Fiesta is not appreciated in used car market. Available in petrol and diesel, the current variants of the model are well-perceived in the market owing to high performance and advanced technology. However, there are few recurring problems in the prevalent models that are proving as hindrance for used Fiesta cars. Moreover, the variants are priced low in comparison to others in this segment and are available easily in metropolitan cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.

Specifications of Ford Fiesta

New Ford Fiesta is a mid-sized sedan which has earned accolades in the market owing to comfort, contrasting appearance, car handling and great performance. The high-end variant of Fiesta is equipped with voice control, intelligent steering technology and premium interiors. Safety features are important characteristics of new 2011 Ford Fiesta, which encompass Anti-Lock Braking System and airbags, impact bars and anti-roll bars. To ensure complete security, the model possesses driver side airbags, front passenger airbags, door reinforcement, child lock, energy absorbing bumpers and crumble zones along with advanced engine immobiliser.

Interiors of new Ford Fiesta car, which comprise bezel finish moulded instrument cluster, metallic pull handles, AC vents and gear knob insert finish are quite popular with the customers. On the other hand, the exterior of New Fiesta boasts bright reflector headlamps, coloured rear applique, metallic colour door handles, mirror and front bumper along with elegant wheel covers.

Ford Fiesta ensures comfort and convenience, featured with glove box lamp, foldable rear seats, rear centre armrest with cup holders, electric boot release and electrical outside rear view mirrors. In the top-end variants of Fiesta, driver can use mobile phone and control temperature with voice commands.

Exterior of Ford Fiesta

Exterior Appearance of Ford Fiesta

The aerodynamically designed 2011 Ford Fiesta, is available in re-engineered external dimensions. The latest models of elegantly looking Fiesta have round curves, without sharp edges. Moreover, the foxy eye shaped headlamps in the front grabs attention of the onlooker. Along with this, upper grille carries the ford logo and lower grille in black has space for number plate. For stability, Ford Fiesta features a raised rear view mirror on the door. These are complemented by compact direction indicators and raised fenders.

On the rear, tail lamps stretch from the sides, which are segregated into two. The second section of tail lamps is placed on the boot that also carries ‘Ford’ Logo at the centre. Along with tail lamps, there are inbuilt stop reflectors near the lower section adjacent to bumper. Top-end variants also have reverse sensors on the bumper.

Exterior Measurements of Ford Fiesta

Parameters	Measurement
Length	4291 mm
Width	1722 mm
Height	1496 mm
Wheelbase	2489 mm
Weight	1117 to 1157 kg

Interior of Ford Fiesta

Interior Appearance of Ford Fiesta

New Ford Fiesta 2011 exhibits craftsmanship of highest degree with its amusing interiors. The spacious cockpit of the model in precisely designed and provides a comfortable driving experience. Titanium and Titanium Plus variants are synchronised with voice commands. These commands simplify cruise control and climate control within the car. Furthermore, Fiesta has a multi-function LED display that exhibits complete information, including mobile calls, music and air conditioning.

Furthermore, the model has an integrated steering wheel, featuring multiple functions. Audio controls are placed to the left, whereas, right side of steering has cruise control buttons. Electric Power Assist Steering System (EPAS) of Fiesta enables easy handling and is also an energy saver. Moreover, the instrument cluster with an aluminium finish consists of two tunnels and metres. The 3.5 inch multi-function display provides details such as tripmeter, odometer, distance to empty, average speed and efficiency. Besides, the console has controls buttons for CD, Radio, AUC and cell phone.

Interior Comfort of Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta car ensures highest comfort level with spacious seating arrangement for five. The cushioned seats feature extra padding and head rests. Besides, there is a foldable arm rest in the rear seat. Owing to ample headroom, legroom and shoulder room at the front and rear, the seating of Ford Fiesta 2011 is quite comfortable.

Interior Measurements of Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta has a spacious head room, leg room, hip room and shoulder room in front as well as rear. Interior measurements of Fiesta are tabulated below:

Parameters	Measurement
Boot space	430 litres
Second Shoulder Room	49 inches
Second Leg Room	31.2 inches
Second Hip Room	49.2 inches
Second Head Room	37.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room	52.7 inches
Front Hip Room	50.6 inches
Front Leg Room	42.2 inches
Front Head Room	39.1 inches

Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy of Ford Fiesta

New Fiesta India has 1.5 L TDCi engine, in both petrol and diesel version. The model, having an output of 90 bhp power at 3750 rpm and 204 Nm torque at 2000-2750 rpm, is appreciated for excellent fuel efficiency in its segment. As per Automotive Research Association of India, Ford Fiesta in diesel version delivers a mileage of 23.5 kmpl. On the other hand, petrol version of the model runs 17 kilometres per litre. Ford Fiesta in India has a fuelling capacity of 43 litres.

On-road Drive of Ford Fiesta

Comparing the model with its previous versions, Ford Fiesta is a more powerful car with excellent fuel efficiency. New 2011 Fiesta, with an advanced TDCi engine generates maximum power of 90 bhp, which is more than that achieved by the segment rivals like Maruti Swift Dzire ZDI. A blend of power and efficiency has gathered acknowledgement for this stylish model in the Indian automobile market.

Power of Ford Fiesta

New Ford Fiesta is more powerful than the existing Ford Fiesta Classic and its petrol variants can reach speed of 100 kmph in just 12 seconds. Moreover, the diesel variant takes just 13 seconds to achieve the speed of 100 kmph. With 90 bhp and 109 bhp power of the diesel and petrol cars respectively, the New Ford Fiesta 2011 zooms swiftly and is agile in the city as well as on the highways equally.

Safety and Security of Ford Fiesta

The 2011 Ford Fiesta is a safety and security enabled vehicle equipped with Anti-lock Braking System with EBD, safety airbags, absorbing bumpers & crumple zones, door reinforcements and engine immobiliser. Besides, New Ford Fiesta has a remote programmable key entry with greeting lamps and child locking provision.

Ultra strength steel construction of Ford Fiesta minimises risk of injury in case of accident. For ensuring safety of travellers, Fiesta in India has rear seat belts, side impact beams, front impact beams, centrally mounted fuel tank, traction control, crash sensor and engine check warning.

Comfort and Convenience of Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta in India has intelligently designed interiors that ensure comfort and convenience. The capacious sedan has comfortable seating arrangement along with spacious head room, leg room, hip room and shoulder room in front as well as rear. There is an extra padding on the cushioned seats of New Ford Fiesta for a comfortable drive. These seats provide support and comfort for back, thighs and head. Furthermore, the rear seats have back rest along with height adjustable head rests. Besides, there is foldable armrest in the middle.

In addition, the three spoke steering is fitted with various controls like that for the music system and cruise controls, which add to the convenience of the driver. Enabling easy manoeuvring, the tilt-adjustable steering wheel is elegantly leather wrapped.

Wheels of Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta has 195/60 R15 tubeless tyres. The variants have front ventilated disc brakes, whereas, at the rear, it has self adjusting drum brakes. To complement disc brakes, there is a strut with coil spring and anti-roll bar at the front. On the same lines, there is a semi-independent twist beam equipped with shock absorbers filled with gas and oil at the rear.

Stereo and Accessories of Ford Fiesta

New Ford Fiesta is armed with an advanced audio player, which has audio controls on the steering wheel. The audio system has several options such as CD, MP3, AM and FM Radio. The arrangement of six speakers in the car creates an ideal atmosphere for music lovers. Besides, there is an option for AUX input in the Style and Trend variants. On the other hand, AUX and USB input options in the high-end variants Titanium and Titanium Plus are also available.

Along with these controls,the new Fiesta has Bluetooth connectivity coupled with voice control. The capability enables easy song shuffling on CD or USB stick. Moreover, the comprehensive voice module allows changing soundtrack, increasing or decreasing volume and phone calling with a voice command.

Dealers of Ford Fiesta

Ford India sells its cars through an extensive network of dealers scattered around India. As of now, Ford in India has 173 dealers in various corners of the country. With the view to expand operations in India, Ford is investing heavily on dealership expansion. The American automotive firm is opening showrooms in all the metropolitan cities.

With the help of these dealers, Ford in India will offer better support to Indian customers. Spares, accessories, insurance and extended warranty options are available with all these dealers. Besides, Ford is setting up service centres in tier-2 and tier-3 cities of the country. As of July 2011, Ford had operations across 102 cities and towns in India.

There are dealers available in all the major cities, such as Delhi Ford, Harpreet Ford, Astro Ford and NCR Ford in New Delhi, along with Chennai Ford and MPL Ford in Chennai. AVK Ford, Bhavna Ford, SC Ford and Wasan Ford in Mumbai and Gages Ford and Victoria Ford in Kolkata are names of few other prominent dealers. Customers can also avail service of Cauvery Ford, Lathangi Ford and Metro Ford in Bangalore, among various other dealers present in different parts of the country.

Company Quotes of Ford Fiesta

Michael Boneham, President and Managing Director of Ford India said, “These are exciting times for Ford India”. He further added, “We are investing in the future and reinforcing our long-term commitment to India by building new plants in Gujarat and by adding the New Fiesta to our portfolio. The New Fiesta 2011 is the first of eight new vehicles we will bring to India by mid-decade”

The President also expressed company’s future plans for the country by quoting, "Ford is not backing away from its commitment to the Indian market. We are here for the long haul and launch this vehicle and reiterate our 'One Ford' vision by bringing the first of the eight new global vehicles to be launched here by 2015."

At the launch event of New Ford Fiesta in India, the President said, "We will be assessing the response. I think the way we have priced the Fiesta, it will be very attractive to our customers," he replied when asked about sales target. "Given the global response to the car, we will be capacity constrained", added Boneham.

Competitor Analysis of Ford Fiesta

Volkswagen Vento, which is priced in the same range, contends with Ford Fiesta for market share in the segment. Launched recently, the powerful sedan from German automotive giant has advanced features like inbuilt GPS navigation USB and double DIN music player. Volkswagen Vento is available in several variants of diesel and petrol.

Hyundai Motor's Verna is one of the most trusted cars in this segment. The model available in various variants contends with Ford Fiesta 2011 as there are several options available for buyers in these variants. Moreover, the model is available in automatic as well as manual transmission option.

New Honda City variant is one of the chief threats for New Ford Fiesta 2011. The model is admired for advanced technology, powerful engine, design and elegant interiors. New Honda City features leather seats, leather steering wheel cover, chrome trunk garnish, chrome door sash moulding and exclusive rear badge to edge over Fiesta.

Fiesta however scores over its competitors in terms of price tag, suspension and handling. Some of the distinguishing features of the car are ABS system, three-spoke steering featuring cruise and audio control and keyless ignition.

LPG/CNG versionof Ford Fiesta

There is no LPG/CNG version of Ford Fiesta in India.

Pros of Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta in India is appreciated for sporty driving dynamics as well as smooth and peppy engine. Besides, the car has high fuel efficiency that gives edge over its rivals in the existing segment. The spacious cabin and high-end luxury interiors are other prominent features of New Fiesta 2011. Soft-touch dash top, metallic body, tight build quality, voice controlled audio systems and three-knob climate control makes operations easy.

Cons of Ford Fiesta

New Ford Fiesta car generating power within the range of 90 bhp and 109 bhp heats up fast on long drives, in comparison to its competitors in the existing segment. Like its previous versions, Ford Fiesta is averagely rated in terms of maintenance. On the other hand, competing models of Honda, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Chevrolet require low maintenance. The latest model of Fiesta does not feature navigation system, which is expected by the target segment at this price tag.

Conclusion of Ford Fiesta

American cars are characterised by build quality, upkeep costs, reliability and longevity. Although, the recent 2011 version Ford Fiesta failed to impress on these parameters, it scored for its exceptional fuel economy. Moreover, the smooth engine operations, well-equipped steering and agile chassis ensure swift ride. Besides, the model is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, distinguishing it from the competitors. Hatchback variant has large cargo capacity in comparison to sedan.

The car is at a receiving end as its rivals Volkswagen, Chevrolet and Hyundai have versatile interior, pleasing driving dynamics and high overall quality. However, the new Ford Fiesta has an upper hand with better handling feature and pleasant ride experience. Some of the distinguishing features of this car are keyless ignition, sync system and voice command controls.

Apart from fair performance and design features, the 2011 Ford Fiesta is a desirable automotive at economical price. The 1.6 L hatchback as well as sedan variants of Ford Fiesta ensure a smooth and pleasant driving experience.