Ford has launched its new Ford Fiesta with a massive star-studded party today at the Taylors University Lakeside campus, celebrating its debut in style with the hitz.fm Birthday Invasion LIVE concert, with up to 10,000 revellers expected to attend. This launch party is Ford’s innovative twist on a car launch event, connecting the vehicle’s fun-to-drive, vibrant personality with the young, tech-savvy target audience. This new Ford Fiesta is a fantastic mix of what customers have come to expect from Ford vehicles: stylish looks, impressive smart and safe technologies, fuel efficiency, performance and quality. Designers created a head-turning exterior that gives the new Ford Fiesta a more refined appearance while retaining the overall character that has made the car so successful worldwide. The new Fiesta leverages the mood-boosting effects of sophisticated and vibrant colour choices. The five-door sport variant comes in Celestial Blue, Arctic White, Metropolitan Grey, True Red and Chili Orange; the four-door sedan variant comes in True Red, Arctic White, Highlight Silver and Metropolitan Grey. The new Ford Fiesta’s face is dominated by a trapezoidal front grille – a signature of Ford’s new global family. 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 new Ford Fiesta’s 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 features new bumper fascia. The chrome accent in the lower bumper fascia of the sedan further conveys visual width and the vehicle’s premium look.
Inside, things are just as expressive. The mobile phone-inspired dashboard and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls amplify the modern interior and entice drivers to get in the car and on the move. 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. Ford engineers also ensured that surfaces and knobs convey quality at every touch. New seats are offered with high quality leather for the four-door sedan and partial leather and fabric for the five-door sport variant.
Small is smart
The new Ford Fiesta gives drivers the perfect blend of a connected world and an enjoyable driving experience. Technologies such as Ford SYNCwere 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. Today’s smartphone users expect to have the same personalised, connected experience in their car that they have everywhere else. Ford’s exclusive SYNCtechnologyenables 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.
“The new Ford Fiesta was built for the digital generation,” added Westerman. “With SYNC, Bluetoothconnectivity and MP3 capabilities, the tech-savvy can be constantly plugged into their favourite music and connected to their world while on the go.” In addition, the new Ford Fiesta comes with an array of convenient features. With Smart Keyless Entry, drivers no longer need their key to unlock the car or to start the engine. A pocket fob unlocks the doors automatically at your approach; you can open the door with a quick press on the door handle button. Once you’re in, you’re off with just the push of a button with Ford’s Push Button Start. The new Ford Fiesta also now comes with rain-sensing wipers, providing an excellent illustration how technology can think and act ahead of you for elevated safety and convenience. Using an optical sensor located behind the windscreen, the system automatically detects the rain and activates the wipers for the driver. In Malaysia’s tropical climate where heavy downpours are common, this feature comes in particularly handy. When driving in wet conditions, the rain-sensing technology helps the driver gain precious reaction time in unexpected circumstances, such as a sudden splash on the windscreen from a passing car.
Another upgrade to the new Ford Fiesta is the automatic headlamp technology, helping the driver navigate safely during their daily commute. The headlamps automatically switch on when conditions outside gets dark. This feature is helpful in varied light environments, such as when driving through a tunnel or entering a basement parking lot. All you need to do is keep your eyes on the road ahead. The Fiesta’s headlamps also come with home-safe lighting that keeps the headlights for a few seconds after you turn off your car and exit the vehicle, ensuring you find your way in the dark. The vehicle also includes puddle lamps that illuminate the area outside of the door, ensuring you don’t accidently step into a puddle as you exit the vehicle.
The new Ford Fiesta is powered by the global 1.5-litre twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) four-cylinder petrol engine. It delivers 82 kW (112 PS) of power at 6,300 rpm and peak torque of 140 Nm at 4,400 rpm. Ti-VCT technology allows extremely 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 1.5-litre Ti-VCT engine is paired with the efficient Ford PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift, providing fuel economy as good as 5.8 L/100km and carbon dioxide emissions of137 g/km2. In addition, the new Ford Fiesta features smart regenerative charging that intelligently controls when the alternator charges the car’s battery. Whenever possible, the alternator charges the battery when it is most economical to do so, such as when the car is braking, coasting or idling, prolonging battery life and improving fuel economy. To help drivers improve their eco-driving skills, the new Ford Fiesta features Ford EcoMode, a handy software application that measures the driver’s gear shifting where applicable, consistency 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.
Even more fun to drive
Comfort has been improved while retaining the Fiesta’s signature sporty handling. 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. On top of its outstanding ride and handling qualities, the new Ford Fiesta has been designed to provide high levels of protection and driver support through a range of advanced features. 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. The new Ford Fiesta continues to offer the one of the most comprehensive safety packages in its class, including airbags for the driver and front passenger as standard. It also features Electronic Stability Program (ESP), helping customers remain in control of the car at all times, especially on slippery roads. Further taking the stress out of driving, the new Ford Fiesta comes with an array of driver-assist systems. Rear parking aid with park pilot keeps 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.
Extended warranty and better cost of ownership
Ford is now offering a five-year warranty or a 200,000 km bumper-to-bumper new vehicle warranty for the new Fiesta. As with all Ford passenger vehicles available in Malaysia, the new Fiesta also comes with Ford’s Extended Service Plan (ESP) to provide added peace of mind to customers at no extra cost. Ford ESP is a free three-year or 60,000km maintenance programme that covers parts and labour free of charge. In addition to routine inspection and maintenance services, Ford’s ESP covers free replacements for selected wear-and-tear items, including spark plugs, shock absorbers, engine belts, brake pads and wiper blades.
The five-year warranty combined with Ford ESP is designed to help Ford customers cut costs while increasing the resale value of their vehicles.
For more information about the new Ford Fiesta, please visit www.ford.net.my or visit the Ford Fiesta Malaysia Facebook page at facebook.com/fordfiestamy.
