IAB Preview- 2009 Ford Fiesta Sedan

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Ford-Mazda is set to debut its all-new Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback at the Guangzhou auto show this week in China. According to a sales executive of the joint venture, the new Ford Fiesta will hit the China market in early 2009 and rumors are floating that Indian entry is only months away from the Chinese launch date.

First things first and we find its not all that pretty. It has lost all the charm and character of the hatchback that made it such a hit. The addition of some luggage space might have made it practical for developing market like ours but the prettiness of the hatchback is all gone and this is sad news.

Hatchbacks are not meant to be converted to sedans and this must be a rule. The Dzire is so hideous and this one is very close to that (but then this is Ford and hence they have done a better job compared to Maruti). Viewed from the rear three-quarters, the Fiesta looks downside ugly. The wheels are too small and the rising window line doesn't help matters either. It will sell in India though, if it had a diesel engine and came at a good price.

The New Ford Fiesta will hold its global appeal because of its dynamic features created by the bold “kinetic design.” Ford’s acclaimed dynamics engineers responsible for fine-tuning the Focus and Mondeo model’s driving dynamics have worked extensively to enhance Fiesta’s ride comfort and to give the new model an impressively quiet driving quality.

2009 Ford Fiesta Image gallery

The New Fiesta is Ford’s third model of “kinetic design” after the S-MAX and Mondeo. It is based on Ford’s B2 platform that underpins the latest Mazda 2. Its Chinese production might have started in 2008 at Changan Ford Mazda Auto’s plant in Nanjing. The China-made New Fiesta is likely to carry 1.4L and 1.6L Duratec engines.

In the French market, Europe Ford has recently announced the price of its new Fiesta models, which will sell for an equivalent of 120,000 yuan (Rs 8lakh) to 140,000 yuan (Rs 10 lakh). The Chinese-made new Ford Fiesta will be available to local buyers at a lower price early next year. Its launch was originally slated for December this year, but delayed due to the financial crisis. Amid China’s auto market slowdown, the sales of Changan Ford Mazda in 2008 hold little hope for optimism. In the first nine months, the joint venture saw its sales grow by a meager 6%, far from the 58% as expected at the beginning of the year when the company set the yearly sales target at 192,000 units.

One of the urgent problems for Changan Ford Masda to address now is how to make a breakthrough in the sluggish market segment of compact sedans in China by promoting the locally made new Ford Fiesta as a heavyweight model. “We set out to design a truly exciting, desirable small car that exceeds all expectations,” said Chelsia Lau, chief designer of China/ASEAN Programs, Ford Motor Company. “Today, we are keeping our promise that was made with the Verve Concept notchback last year. “The all-new Fiesta sedan is sleek and contemporary,” added Lau. “The interpretation of kinetic design on the four-door body has given the Fiesta sedan an independent identity while retaining the emotional appeal of its five-door sibling.”

Fiesta sedan will be available to Chinese consumers in a matter of months thanks to it being manufactured at Ford’s new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nanjing, China. “This Fiesta writes the next chapter in our small car success story and builds on the widespread appeal of the Ford brand in China,” commented Robert Graziano, president and CEO, Ford Motor China. “Style-aware Chinese consumers will appreciate the uniqueness of this car that expresses their individuality, style and
aspirations.”

Ford’s Chinese operations promise the same advanced manufacturing technologies as its European counterpart will enjoy, with a body structure made from high- and ultra high-strength steel for added rigidity for better handling and impact absorption, plus reduced weight and enhanced fuel efficiency. While the Fiesta shown in these photos has been specifically tailored for the Chinese market, it’s a near duplicate to the North American-bound four-door Fiesta expected in 2010, produced in Mexico. Ford also has a plant in Thailand allocated for Fiesta production. While it’s not known if the five-door Fiesta will make it to North America, the four-door will certainly be sold in Europe.

“Launching the all-new Fiesta sedan to the world in China signals the importance of China and the Asian
region in Ford’s global strategy,” said John Parker, executive vice president, Asia Pacific and Africa, Ford
Motor Company. “This is a sophisticated small car. Design combines with advanced technology to deliver
very high levels of refinement, safety and class-leading fuel efficiency. This new Fiesta proves Ford’s
leadership in small car design and development.”

While the new Fiesta will bolster Ford’s overseas operations, the automaker and its dealers need this car in
North America now. Why them and why not India? Ford!, are you listening?

Source : Auto in car