Ford has bucked the trend for making ever heavier cars by creating a new Fiesta that weighs less than its predecessor. The new supermini has been officially unveiled by Ford and the company has confirmed that a hot Zetec S model will soon be available.
The Fiesta will be approximately 40kg lighter than the car it replaces, which means that it will have better performance and fuel economy. There is also an Electric Power Assist Steering system that has been tuned to offer low-speed steering ease with more direct driver feedback at higher speeds.
The car is also stiffer than the previous model and over 55% of the body structure made of high-strength steels. There will be an Intelligent Protection System with standard knee airbag – first in a Ford small car – and head-and-thorax side airbags, with optional safety curtain airbags.
John Fleming, president of Ford Europe, said: ‘I believe this is the most dramatic Fiesta since the very first model and it is the most complete and expressive interpretation yet of our kinetic design philosophy, echoing both inside and out the major elements of the exciting Verve Concept vehicles that inspired such a positive reaction around the world. Of course, you would expect a new Ford to be great to drive and our engineers have worked hard to ensure that new Fiesta will deliver excellent driving quality.’
Three-door and five-door models available from October 2008.