Carmaker Ford Philippines debuted the new Ford Fiesta on Friday, July 19, sporting new looks and smart technologies such as the Ford Sync to help keep drivers connected.
Ford Sync was initially available only on some vehicles but Ford is making them accessible to more customers by introducing them across its vehicle line-up, including the new Fiesta.
Sync enables drivers to answer phone calls and select music from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB, and listen to text messages by simply using voice commands. This helps drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.
?New Ford Fiesta was built for the digital generation,? said said Kay Hart, managing director of Ford Philippines. ?With Sync, Bluetooth connectivity and MP3 capabilities, the tech-savvy can be constantly plugged into their favorite music and connected to their world while on the go.?
In addition, Fiesta comes with an array of convenience features. With Smart Keyless Entry, customers no longer need their key to unlock the car or to start the engine. They can unlock the doors automatically by pulling the door handle; push the Ford Power Start button and go.
EcoBoost is also the latest in Ford?s green technology commitment, which balances capability with environmental responsibility with an estimated fuel economy improvement by more than 30 percent
The Ford Fiesta also features the Ford EcoMode, which is a software application that measures the driver?s gear shifting where applicable, anticipation (driving as constant as possible), and speed. Those with fuel-efficient driving skills are rewarded with in-car kudos in the form of leaf icons displayed on the instrument cluster.
The new Ford Fiesta continues to offer airbags for the driver and front passenger as standard. It also features Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which helps customers remain in control of the car at all times, especially on slippery roads.
The Ford Fiesta also comes driver-assist systems. Rear parking sensors keep drivers from backing into obstacles they cannot see. Hill Launch Assist helps drivers make a perfect hill start whether it?s uphill or downhill, by holding the car for up to three seconds on the slope.
The new Fiesta is powered by two powertrain options: the global 1.5L twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine, and the 1.0L EcoBoost engine available later in the year.
Eight new Fiesta variants will feature the 1.5L Ti-VCT engine, in both automatic and manual transmissions, and will be available at Ford showrooms nationwide starting in August at the following pricing:
? New Fiesta 1.5L Ti-VCT Sport 5-door and Titanium 4-door: P868,000
? New Fiesta 1.5L Ti-VCT Trend 5-door and 4-door: P798,000
? New Fiesta 1.5L Ti-VCT Trend 5-door and 4-door MT: P748,000
? New Fiesta 1.5L Ti-VCT Ambiente 5-door and 4-door MT: P698,000
The new 5-door Fiesta Sport+ with the 1.0L EcoBoost engine will be available to customers later in the year.
The new Fiesta is available in ten colors, including Arctic White, Black Mica, Highlight Silver, Metropolitan Grey, Ice Blue, True Red, Aurora Blue, Chili Orange, Phantom Purple and Celestial Blue.
The mobile phone-inspired dashboard and leather steering wheel with audio controls amplify the modern interior and entice drivers to get in the car and on the move.
The new Fiesta?s face is dominated by a trapezoidal front grille ? a signature of Ford?s new global family ? bracketed by laser-cut headlamps. The power-dome hood design adds to the changes, giving the car a more assertive and confident appearance. The designers paid special attention to the Ford badge, which is inlaid into the surface, showing pride and craftsmanship.
At the back, the tail lamps have been given more detail to be in harmony with the expressive head lamps. On the five-door hatchback, a new rear spoiler enhances the car?s sporty attitude, while the four-door sedan gets a new deck lid and bumper fascia. The chrome accent in the lower bumper fascia of the sedan further conveys visual width and a premium look.
Offered with 16-inch alloy wheels, the new Ford Fiesta also wears some new colors inspired by the world of fashion and sports, such as Celestial Blue which channels energy and vibrancy.
The new Ford Fiesta features a high-gloss finish for the upper instrument panel that flows to the lower centre console and is replicated in door panels. For those who prefer a light interior, the designers put in a two-tone instrument panel which creates visual space and roominess.
A satin-chrome detailing finish is offered along with Ford?s signature Ice Blue lighting to illuminate dials, switches and displays. They also ensured that surfaces and knobs convey quality at every touch.
New seat fabrics and designs are offered with full leather, partial leather, comfort fabric and sport fabric trims. Eye-catching patterns and textures including contrast stitching also add to the vibrant new interior ambience, while additional supporting bolsters improve comfort.
The new Ford Fiesta will be powered by the global 1.5L Ti-VCT four-cylinder engine at launch. It delivers 112 PS of power at 6,300 rpm and peak torque of 140 Nm at 4,400 rpm.
Ti-VCT technology allows precise, variable control of ?valve overlap? ? the window of time in which both the intake and exhaust valves in an engine are open at the same time. For the driver, this means improved low-speed torque and increased fuel economy.
The 1.5L Ti-VCT engine can be paired with the efficient Ford PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission or the five-speed manual transmission. When paired with either gearbox, the Ford Fiesta returns identical fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions figures ? 5.8 L/100km and 137 g/km.
Later in the year, the new Ford Fiesta will also be available with the patented 1.0L EcoBoost engine, which was recently named the 2013 International Engine of the Year, winning the award for the second consecutive year.
Shock absorber specifications have been tailored to improve ride quality. New front suspension bump-stops provide better cushioning performance over large bumps. The electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) has also been tuned to match the new suspension characteristics.
About 55 percent of its body structure is made up of high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel, such as boron steel, making the Fiesta?s frame especially strong yet lightweight too.
Offering Ford?s next generation of global engines, the EcoBoost engine combines direct injection of gasoline and turbocharging. The three-cylinder engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to produce 125 PS of power and 170 Nm of peak torque, rivalling the power and performance of a traditional 1.6L engine.
