Smart new Ford Fiesta comes to New Zealand with stunning looks and even greater connectivity

·        New Ford Fiesta drives into the spotlight with a redesigned exterior and improved interior

·        Ford Fiesta upgrades its smart technologies with several new features, including the hands-free in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC™

·        Ford Fiesta will be powered by two new powertrain options – the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and global 1.5-litre Duratec petrol engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) technology

AUCKLAND, 9 August 2013 – How do you take a dynamic hatch to the next level? Ford New Zealand makes a great case with the new Ford Fiesta, which sports new looks and smart technologies to help keep drivers connected.

On sale from September 1, the stylish new Ford Fiesta delivers a bold new exterior and an interior optimised for ergonomics, as well as Ford’s hands-free in-car connectivity system SYNC™.

“With the new Fiesta, Ford has taken an already popular car,  the best-selling vehicle for its segment in the world, and made it even better with increased fuel efficiency, performance and personality,” said Marketing Manager, Ford New Zealand, Chris Masterson. “Ford Fiesta continues to push the boundaries and seal its credentials with customers in New Zealand and around the world. Customers expect a lot from their vehicles and Ford continues to surprise and delight with excellent features, design and overall value in the Ford Fiesta.”

Creating a head turner

Designers worked on the exterior to make the new Ford Fiesta more refined while retaining the overall character that has made the car so successful.

The Ford Fiesta’s stylish face is dominated by a trapezoidal front grille – a design signature of Ford’s new global family – bracketed by laser-cut headlights. 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 lights have been given more detail to be in harmony with the expressive head lights and a new rear spoiler enhances the car’s sporty attitude. Available with 16-inch alloy wheels, the new Ford Fiesta also wears a new colour inspired by the world of fashion and sports, Celestial Blue.

Contemporary and spacious interior

Inside, things are just as expressive. The 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 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. A satin-chrome detailing finish is offered along with Ford’s signature Ice Blue lighting to illuminate dials, switches and displays. Ford engineers also relocated electric window switches and interior door handles in the new Ford Fiesta to deliver ergonomic improvements. They also ensured that surfaces and knobs convey quality at every touch.

New seat fabrics and designs include partial leather or comfort fabric trims. Eye-catching patterns and textures add to the vibrant new interior ambience, while additional supporting bolsters improve comfort.

Small is smart

The new Ford Fiesta gives drivers the perfect blend of a connected world and an enjoyable driving experience. Ford SYNC™  debuts on Fiesta and is now available across the Fiesta range offering hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity with mobile phones and media players including Bluetooth®‡ hands-free and Bluetooth®‡ music streaming.

Today’s smartphone users expect to have the same personalized, connected experience in their car that they have everywhere else. So, SYNC™ enables drivers to answer phone calls and select music from devices connected via Bluetooth®‡ or USB by simply using voice commands.

“New Ford Fiesta was built for a connected driver experience,” said Masterson “With easy-to-operate SYNC™, Bluetooth®‡ and MP3 capabilities, drivers can be plugged into their favourite music and connected to their world whilst keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

Fuel-efficient power

The new Ford Fiesta will be powered by the global 1.5-litre Duratec twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) four-cylinder petrol engine at launch. It delivers 82 kW 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 can be paired with the efficient Ford PowerShift® six-speed automatic transmission or the five-speed manual transmission. Paired with either gearbox, the new 1.5-litre Duratec engine returns improved economy and carbon dioxide emissions over the previous generation 1.6-litre engine.

Award winning engine coming to NZ

The new Ford Fiesta will also be available with the patented 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which was recently named the 2013 International Engine of the Year, winning the award for the second consecutive year.

The three-cylinder engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to produce 92 kW of power and 170 Nm of peak torque, offering an advantage of 19Nm of torque over the previous generation 1.6-litre Duratec and diesel-like fuel economy.

To help drivers improve their eco-driving skills, the Ford Fiesta is available with Ford EcoMode, which is a handy 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.

Even more fun to drive

Comfort has been improved while retaining the Ford 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 per cent 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.

The new Ford Fiesta continues to offer a comprehensive 5 star safety package, including airbags for the driver, driver’s knee and front passenger, as well as side airbags and curtain airbags. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) helps customers remain in control, especially on slippery roads.

Further taking the stress out of driving, the Ford Fiesta is available with an array of driver-assist systems. Rear parking sensors help stop 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.

Pricing and line up

‡Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc, and is used under license.

ENDS

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