Ford Fiesta 2008 Review

Two of the best and brightest Fords from Europe are being readied for sales in Australia. The great-looking, new Fiesta and the compact Kuga four-wheel drive are set for Down Under deliveries, with only the timing, price and equipment still to be set. Both should be in showrooms in the first quarter of 2009.

They will —Join the Mondeo station wagon, which is already confirmed but running late, and probably the S-Max people mover. Ford Australia, however, isn't revealing details under a policy that prevents commenting on future products and despite the importance of the company's quality compact imports.

“Yes, the car is coming,” says spokesman Mark Winslow.

“We will announce the details when we are ready.”

The Mondeo, S-Max and Kuga have all been out for some time but the Fiesta has only just been unveiled in Europe. It is far edgier than the current car, with a crisper shape reflecting the latest direction in Ford design. Ford of Europe says it is intended to reflect style, efficiency and value, and standard equipment is more extensive than ever before in a baby Ford.

Everything about the all-new Ford Fiesta is new — from the styling, materials and technologies to the core development and manufacturing processes that bring it to life. It represents our future, in more ways than one,” says Marin Burela, the executive director of small cars.

Mechanically, more than half the body is made from high-strength steel for safety — which includes an “intelligent” protection system with the first knee airbag in a small Ford — and there are two new engines including one with an ultra-low CO2 emission ranking. It is the first European Ford to have electric power steering. Other features include keyless entry, a start button, electric mirrors and cap-less refuelling. There is also an entertainment system which Ford says was inspired by mobile phones.

The model plan for Australia is still being developed, but in Europe the new Fiesta comes with three- and five-door hatchback bodies and a range of four petrol and two diesel engines.

The car will be on sale in Europe in October.

Ford says the new Fiesta was design, for the first time, as a global car.

“It is also the blueprint for future Ford global product development, bringing together Europe, the Americas and Asia where it will be tailored for each region and go on sale progressively between now and 2010,” says John Fleming, the president of Ford of Europe.

“I believe this is the most dramatic Fiesta since the very first model. One of the development teams greatest achievements is that it has been able to make the new Fiesta stronger, safer and more comfortable, yet lighter and more fuel efficient than the car it replaces.”

The new Fiesta was developed from Ford's Verve concept car, which signalled a major change in style for the blue oval's baby cars.

The car will be built in Germany, Spain and China but there is no indication of where Australian Fiestas will be made.