7th January, 2009

Ford's new feature laden Fiesta, complete with good looks and dynamic driveability, will shake up the light car segment when it arrives in Ford dealerships late this month.

"The all-new Fiesta will be the hottest property in the light car segment," said Ford Australia President & CEO Marin Burela.

"Fiesta is a stylish and dynamic car that redefines and further rejuvenates Ford's light car line-up. It's the perfect new vehicle for the young, as well as the young at heart."

The dramatic, eye-catching design of the new model is an extension of Ford's acclaimed kinetic design language. Clean, sharp angular lines instantly differentiate the new model from its competitors, while a space-age like interior introduces an easy-to-master suite of operational controls.

"The new model shows an exciting interpretation of kinetic design, with an energetic, sophisticated and distinctive exterior and a refreshingly different interior design," said Mr Burela.

Complementing the fresh new look is an equally appealing recommended retail price, starting at $15,750 for the CL model, $18,490 for the LX and $20,250 for the Zetec (excluding dealer delivery and the various statutory charges).

A 1.6 litre engine with manual transmission is standard across the range, while an automatic transmission, matched to a smaller 1.4 litre engine, is available as an option on all models except the three-door Zetec*.

The 1.6L engine with manual transmission delivers 88 kW of power at 6,000 rpm and 152 Nm of torque at 4,050 rpm. Fuel economy is a frugal 6.1 litres/100 km and carbon is emitted at the rate of 143 gramme/kilometre.

The smaller engine matched to the automatic transmission generates 71 kW of power at 5,750 rpm and 128 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. Fuel economy is 6.9 litres/100 km and carbon emissions are 164 g/km, while the new Fiesta is also Ethanol-10 compatible.

Fiesta will be available in both three-door and five-door body styles. The CL will be available in three-door or five-door guise, with manual transmission or optional automatic, and rides on 15-inch wheels.

The LX is five-door only, available with manual or optional automatic, and is standard with 15-inch alloy wheels.

The sports model of the range, the Zetec, is offered in both three-door and five-door configurations. The five-door is available with manual or optional automatic while the three-door is manual only.

Styling cues help distinguish the Zetec from its stable mates, which include larger 16-inch alloy wheels and a body kit comprising unique front and rear bumper, bumper grille and larger rear spoiler. The three-door model also features sports rocker panel mouldings.

All new Fiesta models will be fitted with Anti-lock Brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) plus driver and passenger airbags as standard. A driver knee airbag is standard on both Zetec models.

Additional safety equipment, optional on CL and LX and standard on Zetec, includes front seat head and thorax side airbags, driver knee airbag and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).

Innovative technology features include Bluetooth® with Voice Control (available on LX and Zetec) and USB connectivity, allowing MP3 player integration (Zetec), while a 3.5 mm audio jack and Easyfuel cap less refuelling is standard on all models.

Cruise control is standard on LX and Zetec models, and these vehicles are also fitted with a leather trimmed steering wheel.

There are 11 fresh exterior paint colours available across the exciting new Fiesta range.

Recommended Retail Price