The Ford Fiesta is a B-segment car or supermini that has been around for over seven generations since 1976. Since its inception, it has sold over 16 million units, placing it among Ford's top-selling marques.
Fiesta's history is an interesting one. It was developed during the 1973 oil crisis when the demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars was high. At the time, it was the smallest car ever made by Ford, though its wheelbase was longer than that of the Fiat 127. After the approval of the final proposal in 1973, the production of the Fiesta commenced. Since then, this three or 5-door hatchback (and a 4-door sedan/saloon in specific markets) has not stopped selling.
In Australia, however, the Fiesta was not available until it got to its fifth generation. Before that, the Fiesta was only available in Europe and the US.
For the first generation (1976-1983), Fiesta's powertrain included either a 957cc or a 1,117cc Kent/Valencia inline-four engine for the European market. The US models came with a more powerful a 1597cc Kent/Crossflow inline-four engine. The Fiesta received improvements in its powertrain, trims, interior, and exterior features over the years. Then, in 2004, Ford introduced it in Australia and India as a replacement for the Kia-based Festiva.
2004-2008
The fifth generation of the Festiva was unveiled in 2002, April, but only reached the Australian market in 2004. It came in three trim models, namely, Zetec, LX, and Ghia. The available engine was a 1,596cc 1.6L 4-cylinder premium unleaded petrol power plant that reached a peak power of 74 kW and a torque of 146 N.m. You'd either get one with a 1-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
To differentiate the trim models, you have to look at the features. The Zetec, which is the cheapest model, came with standard features including power steering, front power windows, 15-inch alloy wheels, electronic brake force distribution, front fog lights, central locking system, and an engine immobiliser among others. The more expensive trim model, the Ghia, has a sleek, elegant design.
In 2007, the XR4 trim model entered the market. It came with a 1,999cc 2.0L 4-cylinder premium unleaded petrol engine (110 kW, 190 N.m) and had power sent through a 5-speed manual transmission. It came with several additional features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, dynamic stability control, brake assist, rear spoiler, traction control system, and sport seats, among others.
2009-2019
This generation of Fiestas had its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show as a concept car in 2007. It phased out the Ghia trim in favour of two new variants instead, the CL and Econetic. Regular unleaded petrol engines replaced the premium unleaded petrol engines and came with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. The engines have the following specs:
- a 1,596cc 1.6L 4-cylinder engine (88kW and 152 N.m)
- a 1,388cc 1.4L 4-cylinder engine (71kW, 125 N.m)
In 2011, a 6-speed automatic transmission became available for the 1.6L engine and later on for all other trim models. There was also a 1,560c 1.6L DT4 diesel engine explicitly used in the Econetic variant, which produced a peak power of 66kW and a maximum torque of 200 N.m. It came paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
In 2012, Ford introduced the Metal variant, which has a 1,596 1.6L 4-cylinder engine under its bonnet and comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is the first Fiesta with a keyless entry feature. The Trend, ST (powered by a 1.6L T4 petrol engine that produced 134kW and 240 N.m), Sport, and Ambiente variants followed a year after. The Trend and Ambiente models came with another engine option - a 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine that reached peak power of 82kW and 140 N.m torque, paired with either a 6-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
The Sport used a smaller 998cc engine that produced 92kW in power and a torque of 170 N.m. The Sport was distinguishable by several other features, including front seat cup holders, cloth trim, AUX and USB input socket, body-coloured exterior handles, driver's footrest, halogen lights, and steering wheel-mounted controls among others.
For 2020, Australia's Ford Fiesta enthusiasts can look forward to newer, more improved model trims.
Author: Eric Anyega