A true driver’s delight, the current generation Fiesta has been a dud seller for Ford India ever since its launch in 2011 largely due to the high pricing. However, Ford is taking the effort to improve the sedan and will be launching the Fiesta facelift with revised styling and interior upgrades to make a more lucrative offering in the C-segment sedan space. Now, our eagle eyed reader Mr. Reguvaran Reddy managed snap the images of the 2014 Fiesta facelift on test while it was completely undisguised, hinting towards a launch soon.
The Fiesta facelift was caught testing on the Chennai-Trichur highway, while the model spotted carried the 1.5-litre TDCi unit under the hood. The 2014 Fiesta gets a host of changes on the front fascia which include Ford’s new Aston Martin-like corporate grille, revised headlamp design and reworked hood. While the side profile gets subtle tweaks, it is the rear that sports a major change. The stout looking rear has been toned down with the bulbous proportions being tucked in for a sporty look. The curvy looking tail lights have also received tweaks, while the bumper and the boot-lid get sharper cuts for a clean look.
Powering the 2014 Ford Fiesta facelift will be the 1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol motor that produces 108 BHP of power at 6000 RPM and 140 Nm of torque at 4500 RPM, mated to a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. The 1.5-litre TDCi diesel mill on the other hand produces 89 BHP of power and 204 Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. The car will come with an array of features including updated SYNC system, App Link, Emergency Assist and a start/stop button will be offered on the top end variant. The sedan will also come with ABS, EBD and dual front airbags.
We expect the 2014 Ford Fiesta to sport better quality interiors along with improved fit, something which the current generation model is inconsistent with. The Fiesta will be sharing a number of components with the EcoSport which uses a lot of local parts, making the sedan comparatively cost effective to own. Ford had stated earlier this year that the company is working towards making all its products less expensive to own, by providing child parts for certain components.
We expect Ford to extend the cost friendly treatment to the Fiesta as well. Competing with the very successful fourth generation Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Vento and the upcoming Suzuki Ciaz in the segment, the Fiesta facelift will need a competitive pricing with a starting price of Rs. 6.99 lakhs (ex-showroom) to gain volumes in the segment. Do surprise us Ford by plonking the EcoBoost engine on the 2014 Fiesta.
