The Ford Fiesta (classic). How Fordy is it?

Ford always comes up with the drivers’ cars. These cars come with an unmatchable driving pleasure which, personally I have not experienced while driving any other vehicle. They simply understand you. Sit behind the wheel and there sparks a revolution of an understanding and trust between man and machine. They are very responsive and they do what you want them to do, when you want them to do. I’m really not sure if the makers know how they came up with such an assembly!

Setting the positives aside and getting the negatives some lime light, it comes without saying that Ford’s flaws reflect in every vehicle from its stable like a genetic disease killing the whole generation of the family. These flaws can definitely be avoided if Ford takes a few more minutes from their busy assembly schedule and spend the same with their designers.

This generation of the Fiesta we tested was sold in the international market as a hatch back, but the ones sold in India are mid segments. It’s pitched against the Maruti Suzuki SX4, the Honda City and the Hyundai Verna.

We got a 3 year old diesel drinking Fiesta for a test drive. Take a look!

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The Ford Fiesta (Diesel)

Overall rating: 8/10

Detailed Review:

Exterior

Frankly speaking, the design is not something that is very inspiring or sporty. Ford’s brand recognition plan doesn’t work when viewed from a distance. But what I would appreciate from this Fiesta’s design is its very high potential for modification quotient. Similar to the Swift, you can find a lot of customized Fiestas and good looking ones at that too. Ford was a little ahead of Maruti in introducing the Sports version of the Fiesta equipped with cosmetic changes including rear spoilers, side skirts and front splitters.

The headlamp and tail lamp styling is satisfactory. Ford could have definitely done more with the head lamps at least. The head lamp design, believe it or not, can make a huge impact on the customers’ decision. The headlamp and tail lamps are not just a set of bulbs — they define the character of the vehicle and contribute a lot to brand recognition.

Being a mid-segment and strictly following mid-segment tradition, it comes only with front wipers. Talking with respect to the vehicle we tested, we found the wipers and sprayers to work fine.

The Fiesta just manages to survive with its moderate ground clearance. Throw in an overweight person and the suspensions cushion down to a bare minimum level. A little too soft for a mid-segment perhaps.

What’s in?

Since it is built to steal the Honda City’s thunder, it comes with almost everything the City has. The only difference I can point out with respect to the power train is that Ford found the necessity to bring out a diesel option with the Fiesta. Honda is still trying to push the City, Civic and the Brio with its i-Vtec petrol engines while its diesel engine has seen only the 4 walls of the R&D department.

The Fiesta’s features include Hydraulic power steering, electronically adjustable ORVMs, head light focus adjustment, rear de-fogger and a lot more. Step in and you will find the dash to have a decent plastic fiber with good finishing. I wouldn’t brand it as greatly up market, but it strikes a balance somewhere. Being a Ford, comfort is a birth right. Be it with respect to the seats or the air-con. A special mention goes to the air-con for a very satisfying air blast to help bring the cabin temperature down at the earliest.

The ride quality is exceptional. You almost forget that you are driving a diesel unless you need to hit the fuel station. The in-line 4 cylinder diesel engine is pretty silent under the hood. External noise is filtered well enough to help felicitate your international telephonic conferences. Suspensions and shocks cushion the vehicle well and save your butts in the process. There is no big difference in the driving position offered. The tilt-able and extend-able steering makes things easier for you and you can customize your comfortable steering level rather than get used to one. The mildly heavy steering has a positive impact on maneuverability. It is clever and very good around corners making it more city-practical.

The rear leg room is a notch lesser than what you’d expect in a mid-segment. A slightly tall person is better off sitting in the front unless he is willing to sacrifice his knees.

The interior design is where Ford’s genetic disease showcases its symptoms. Firstly, the indicator levers are on the left instead of the right. This is because Ford vehicles are left handed in every other part of the world and therefore use the same steering assemblies. Probably, that is something one can simply get used to. But there is also an issue with the bonnet release lever that is installed near the front left passenger door that is not in any way driver friendly.

Getting to the boot, we have no complaints there. It is big and deep to push in around 4 bags comfortably.

Going techie

Engine and battery1.4 L in-line 4 cylinder diesel engine. Battery was replaced recently.Transmission5 speed manual with easy shift.TyresStock tyres are R14 / 175.Acceleration from 0 to 60 (without air-con)7.5 secondsAcceleration from 0 to 60 (with air-con) 9 seconds