Ford News: Introducing The Next Ford Fiesta

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 5, 2012

The wave of new subcompacts was started by back in late 2009 when Ford announced the Fiesta would be coming to states. Since then, automakers like Chevrolet, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, and Nissan have stepped up their game in this market. To take on the competition, Ford has refreshed the Fiesta for 2013.

Exterior wise, the Fiesta shares the same trapezoidal grille treatment as the Fusion. Also, there's a “power-dome”hood and a set of angular headlights.

For the European market, this refresh marks the appearance of the 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine. The 1.0L is expected to give the Fiesta best-in-class fuel economy in the European small-car market.

The revised Fiesta will also bring forth the ST model which will boast a 182 HP turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and electronic torque vectoring.

Inside, Ford says quality has gone up and will add a number of new premium options. Those options include SYNC, Ford's MyKey technology, and Active City Stop system, which promises to help drivers avoid low-speed collisions.

Note, this is for the European-spec Fiesta. We'll learn what's in store for the U.S. version later on in the year.

Source: Ford

Press Release is on Page 2

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Ford Reveals Stylish New Fiesta; Advanced Technology Includes SYNC, MyKey and 1.0-litre EcoBoost Engine

• Ford unveils dynamic new Fiesta with sharper design and exclusive features

• Redesigned Fiesta delivers cutting-edge technology including Ford SYNC voice-activated connectivity system, Active City Stop and the European debut of MyKey

• Fiesta will be equipped with the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver expected best-in-class fuel economy

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 5, 2012 – Ford today revealed the dynamic new version of the best-selling Fiesta that features a sharper design and a host of exclusive technology features.

The new Fiesta will be on stage tomorrow in Amsterdam at Ford's special "Go Further" product event hosted by Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally and attended by 2,500 dealers.

New Fiesta delivers an advanced package of technologies including voice-activated in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC, Active City Stop and the European debut of MyKey. It will also be equipped with the acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver expected best-in-class fuel economy.

"Fiesta has been one of the world's best-loved small cars across five decades, and the sporty appeal of the last generation Fiesta inspired real passion among global compact car customers, contributing to its status as the world's most successful small car," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe executive design director. "We had to keep that vital part of Fiesta's make-up – but we also wanted to give it a more sophisticated look."

The new Fiesta marks the latest chapter in the journey of the popular small car. Ford launched the first Fiesta in 1976 and has since sold more than 15 million models around the world. New Fiesta features design cues inspired by the latest Ford global design language and concept vehicles.

The Fiesta's face is dominated by a trapezoidal front grille, bracketed by laser-cut headlamps with daytime running lamps that use LED technology, and features a power-dome bonnet design. The redesigned Fiesta also delivers a harmonious and ergonomically optimised interior.

Fiesta follows Ford's approach of democratising technology – bringing advanced features to a greater number of drivers for the first time – and will be unique among its European competitors in featuring Active City Stop, a system designed to help drivers avoid low speed collisions.

Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system delivers an unprecedented level of connectivity, enabling owners to voice-activate phone calls and music selection from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB. The SYNC system includes Emergency Assistance, which directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region.

The new Fiesta will also feature the European debut of segment-first MyKey, which will enable parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their teenager's exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It also mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is the 2012 "International Engine of the Year" and is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.

Ford will reveal more details about the new European Fiesta range at the Paris Motor Show in September.

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