The latest variant of Ford Fiesta, which was rolled-out in the domestic market during the initial phase of 2011 in India, was available only in a 5-speed manual transmission guise. But the foreign markets welcomed the new variant with an option of two automatic gearboxes being offered. During the launch of the new FordFiesta, officials at Ford India stated that the automatic transmission would be a part of the revamped Fiesta after a period of time.
However, the exact time of its availability in the Indian market was not shared. However, according to the latest information, the new Ford Fiesta with automatic transmission could make its way in India as early as November, 2011.
The new Ford Fiesta is among the most successful cars in its segment and an automatic gearbox would definitely enhance the capabilities and performance of the vehicle. The revived Fiesta proves to be the best option for buyers who are looking for a strongly built car that offers unmatched driving and handling experience. Moreover, the latest variant would provide complete convenience by providing a slush box.
As far as the price of the new Ford Fiesta Automatic is concerned, it will be tagged around at least Rs. 80,000 to 1 lac more than the existing variant. The automatic gearbox is likely to be offered in the fully loaded Titanium Plus variants only.
At the outset, except from India, the Ford Fiesta is available with a choice of two automatic gearboxes, the 6-speed dual clutch power shift automatic gearbox and the 5-speed durashift gearbox. The 6-speed powershift dual clutch gearbox is considered as a performer that overshadows the 5-speed durashift gearbox. However, taking the cost aspect into consideration, Ford India would probably go with more conventional and less expensive durashift gearbox.
It is important to note that the powershift dual clutch automatic gearbox, carries unprecedented technical advancements and is more responsive than conventional single clutch automatic gearboxes. However, the modern transmission type has been in the bad books of experts and users for technical glitches and subsequently Ford has been giving extra efforts to fix the problem.
Therefore, the 5-speed durashift automatic gearbox emerges out as a favourable option for the Indian market. Experts say, “If you’re in the market for an automatic C-segment sedan, it would be great if you could postpone your car buying decision by a couple of weeks as November is just around the corner.”
At present, the new Ford Fiesta Titanium Plus petrol variant comes with a price of Rs. 9.42 lacs whereas the equivalent diesel variant is priced at Rs. 10.42 lacs. On the other hand, the Hyundai Vernapetrol automatic and diesel automatic is available at a price of Rs. 9.65 lacs and Rs. 10.65 lacs respectively while the Honda City Automatic and the Volkswagen Vento petrol automatic is sold for Rs. 9.37 lacs and Rs. 9.22 lacs respectively.
