Frisky and fabulous Ford Fiesta

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It's an open secret that Ford has been in the dwang for some time, particularly in the big vehicle market in the USA, and clearly the manufacturer is hoping that the swing to small cars will grow Stateside and that the rest of the world will queue up to buy the new Fiesta.

Having driven all three new models at the recent local launch I think the odds are in favour of Ford's bet being on the money.

Ford says the new Fiesta is its most significant global vehicle since the Model T, but while it is an exceptionally nice super-mini it is tough ask to expect it to perform an international rescue mission all on its own.

But, if Ford produces more cars like this new Fiesta, the company is clearly heading in the right direction.

Titanium

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The Fiesta comes to South Africa just weeks after its international debut with an attractive choice of eight derivatives with three engines to pick from, a choice between petrol and diesel, five doors or three, and three trim levels, Ambiente, Trend and Titanium.

And the new-world Fiesta is a giant leap from the reliable, likeable, but rather mundane car it used to be.

What a little attention-grabber it is, from its sexy-eyes headlights to it sloping roofline, sharply chiseled body lines and flared wheel-arches all the way to its cheeky tailgate.

And it is as good or even better inside with acres of space, eye-catching centre console and comfortable seats, plus lots of high-tech wizardry for work or play.

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The list of all the bells and whistles on the various choices on offer is as long as an ANC statement denying a split in the party, so I will be as brief as possible.

With the entry level Ambiente trim comes a radio/CD with 6 speakers, air conditioning, power steering, front operated power windows, steering wheel audio controls, tinted windows, rear fog lamps, body colour bumpers, a rear spoiler, 15-inch steel wheels, dual airbags, a driver belt reminder, ABS with EBD and a centre high mounted brake light.

Go one step up to Trend level and you can include all the above, plus heated power mirrors with integrated indicators, remote central locking with two flip keys, illuminated double locking, rear electric windows and a Bluetooth vehicle interface with voice control, body colour door handles, front and rear mud flaps and 15” alloy wheels.

Take the flagship Titanium and you can also factor in aesthetic lighting, map reading lamp, trip computer, exterior chrome trim, 16” alloy wheels, halogen projector headlamps, front fog lamps with chrome bezel and a partial body kit that includes a bumper grille and rear spoiler, PLUS an ICE (In Car Entertainment) audio and Bluetooth system with voice control and a USB jack.

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But enough brochure information and sales talk. What you really want to know is what its like to drive and the answer is simple - amazing!

There certainly is nothing Siesta about this Fiesta.

It's smooth, quiet, nippy, beautifully balanced and poised even if you drive it like a hooligan. Most cars in this class start crying when the tyres begin to squeal. But not this baby. The harder you push the more it seems to enjoy it.

The incredible thing about the car is that it feels and behaves like a much bigger, more expensive car. The steering is a little light, but there is nothing vague about it, the brakes are excellent and the short-throw five-speed manual is one of the best I've come across for a long time.

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On the launch drive which took us over the old Du Toits Kloof Pass, Bain's Kloof and along some lovely twisty stretches of Boland road, I started off at the wheel of the 1.4-litre, then progressed to the 1.6-litre petrol model and finally to the 1.6 diesel and to select a favourite is difficult, because a lot depends on drive style, life style and wallet size.

Although I enjoyed the 88kW/149Nm 1.6-litre with the petrol engine almost as much as the other two, my first choice would probably be the muscular diesel version.

I loved the common-rail's 200Nm of torque muscle which kicks in from as low down as 1500 and you have to be quick with the changes to stay out of the red as you wind it up all the way to its maximum power band of 66kW rpm.

Impressively it will cruise sedately at 100km/h in fifth with the rev counter indicating a sleepy 2000rpm. No wonder its fuel consumption is down to just 4.2-litres/100km in the combined cycle.

Although not much of a diesel fan, this enthusiastic oil-burner was an instant pleaser and I could live with it quite easily.

Trend

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My second choice would be the value for money 1.4-litre with its perky 71kW/125Nm output. To me it was as enjoyable as the 1.6-litre petrol model which, in Ambiente trim, is about R9,000 more expensive.

Interestingly enough, Ford is aiming the Fiesta unashamedly at women who, they say, probably are confident, cool and connected and who see themselves as stylish, self-confident, sophisticated (and, no doubt, quite sexy as well).

But I have news for all Ford's clever marketing types with their fancy shoes and tie-less shirts: the lads are also going to buy this car, and in big numbers. They will be silly if they don't. And I won't be surprised if it also appeals to small families, metroviduals and last-time new car buyers…

One thing is for sure, the latest (and possibly the greatest) Fiesta is going to become a Ford salesman's commission cheque salvation in this country.

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It was voted South African Car of the Year way back in 1998 and this latest version has the potential of wearing that crown again this year.

The prices of the eight choices range from R136,990 to R168,990 and include a four-year/120,000km warranty and four-year/60,000km service plan in place, with the added attraction of 20,000km service intervals for the petrol derivative and 15,000km for the diesel models.