Ford features face-lifted Fiesta

MANILA, Philippines - Ford Group Philippines unveiled to the press and to the public recently the latest version of its prize jewel: the highly popular Ford Fiesta. The launch was held at the Big Bear Oval in Bonifacio High Street and showcased the new Fiesta in a delightfully unique setup that remained on display at BGC over the weekend.

Since the Fiesta’s initial introduction to the Philippine market back in 2010, the trendy subcompact has made waves; and this July, Ford Philippines has upped the ante by presenting the country with an updated version of the supermini, which now highlights an attractive new look, a boost of smart technologies, and an all-new engine.

Immediately noticeable is the bolder exterior design, which now features a trapezoidal front grille bracketed by laser-cut headlamps that are attractively swept backwards, exuding a more domineering vibe. The Blue Oval badge is now inlaid onto the surface, immediately below the new power-dome hood. The 5-door hatch variant is bestowed with a new rear spoiler, while the 4-door sedan gets a new deck lid and bumper decorated with chrome accents.

Inside the car is a refreshing improvement—the upper instrument panel now comes with a high-gloss finish that flows onto the door panels. A two-tone instrument panel is also available, and Ford’s signature ice-blue lighting illuminating the switches and displays are a keeper. Contrast stitching is a neat option, and is available with the choice of new seat fabrics which includes full leather, partial leather, comfort fabric, and sport fabric.

Laudable in the upgraded Fiesta is the new integration of smart technologies such as Ford SYNC, which was initially only available on Ford’s higher-tier vehicles. SYNC enables drivers to connect their devices to the car via Bluetooth or USB, and allows them to answer calls and listen to text messages by using voice commands. They can also select music from their devices and enjoy a completely hands-free experience—an excellent feature to find in entry-level cars. And most of all, the new Fiesta now comes with Smart Keyless Entry, which means a key no longer needs to be inserted into a keyhole; you just need to carry the smart key with you and pull on the door handle, and the doors will automatically open. Moreover, the ignition can be started by a simple push of the Power Start button.

Now gone are the 1.4L and 1.6L engines, replaced by the new global 1.5L Ti-VCT 4-cylinder engine that delivers 110hp at 6,300 rpm and a maximum torque of 140Nm at 4,400 rpm. It can be mated to either a Powershift 6-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual. And Ford affirmed that later this year that it will be releasing the 1.0L EcoBoost engine, which was in fact, recently named the 2013 International Engine of the Year. (The 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine provides an amazing 123hp and 170 Nm of peak torque, thanks to its direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and variable valve timing [VVT] technologies.)

Moreover, the new Fiesta continues to offer the most comprehensive safety features in its class, including dual airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), rear parking sensors and Hill Launch Assist.

“The Fiesta has been a key driver of the company’s success since its launch in 2010. We are confident that the new Fiesta will continue to attract even more new-to-Ford customers to our showrooms, with its unmatched combination of quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart technologies and head-turning looks,” said Kay Hart, managing director of Ford Philippines.

Inspired by the world of fashion and sports, the new Ford Fiesta is now available in 10 exciting colors, which include Arctic White, Black Mica, Highlight Silver, Metropolitan Grey, Ice Blue, True Red, Aurora Blue, Chili Orange, Phantom Purple and Celestial Blue. Pricing for the new Fiesta begins at P698,000.