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Earlier in the year we tested the new Fiesta Zetec. It proved to be a delightful little number. It scored well for driver satisfaction. The Zetec looks the part, too. So now it's time to have another look at Ford's new small car. The Fiesta comes from Germany in three versions. There's LX, Zetec and Ghia. The subject of this test is the Ghia, which is the top of the line. It comes as a 5-door hatch with either manual or automatic transmission. We drive the manual. Just like the Zetec version, the Ghia looks good with its nice selection of colours and the standard alloy wheels. Standard equipment for the Ghia includes air conditioning, front map lights, 6-disc in-dash CD player, and chrome grille surround. In common with the Fiesta Zetec, the Ghia has body coloured external mirrors, column mounted remote audio controls, front fog lamps, 4 alloy wheels and ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). All Fiesta models have remote central locking, rear wiper, front air bags, tilt adjustable steering column, driver's seat height adjustable (manually), leather steering wheel, tilt adjustable steering column, tinted glass and a temporary spare wheel. All models have a 1.6 litre DOHC 4 cylinder engine, which produces power rated at 74 kW at 6,000 rpm. In the small car category, price is a major factor. The Fiesta is priced from $14,490 for the LX, although the Fiesta Ghia starts at $21,490. The test car was metallic silver, which adds $240 to the price. These prices exclude the traditional add-ons. At these prices the Fiesta is carving a nice little niche for itself, in the market where there is plenty of competition. Certainly the car deserves success, because it presents well. It is noted that the Fiesta presents much better than some other products in this very competitive segment of the market. And this segment will be even more competitive next year! Fuel usage is rated at 6.6 litres/100 kms on the combined cycle for the manual models.
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Click the image for a larger view On the road, the Fiesta is a delight to drive. We were delighted for exactly 800 kms in Sydney and Newcastle, NSW. All versions deliver a very sporting exhaust note, which is a surprise in this segment of the market. The car even delivers a slightly sporting flavour with well balanced behaviour. The ride and handling is better than the class average. As we discovered with the Fiesta Zetec earlier in the year, the Fiesta Ghia has one problem. In fact, all Fiesta models inherit the same problem. The only fault with the Fiesta, in my view, is the centre console addition. It's too wide. If you jump into a Fiesta, in a hurry, you will bang your knee on the console. And let me tell you that it will hurt! This poor editor paid the price ..... twice! After you bang your knee twice, you tend to get into this car somewhat slower and much more cautiously! This car isn't meant for those with long legs. That problem aside, the only other problem with the Fiesta is the marketing. Ford has chosen to advertise the Fiesta on television (by the way, does anyone watch television anymore?) by using language which is appealing to those who speak without regard to the sensitivities of others. An extraordinary situation, even in a market which is running at record sales, given that such advertising may gain sales but may lose sales too! Some marketing folks haven't yet realised advertising motivates people to buy ... and it can also motivate them not to buy! In a market segment where ordinary is normal, Fiesta challenges most of the competitors to rise to its level. This is a car with character, one which aims to please. And it does just that ..... it pleases (unless you're a long legged driver). Stephen Walker
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