irishcar.com

30 May 2002: Ford’s new Fiesta goes on view at dealerships from next week. The seven-model line-up, which includes the 1.4 litre TDCi diesel engine, is available in limited quantities for the coming months, with full supply from autumn. Prices start from 14,395 euros.

New Fiesta comes in three versions: Finesse, LX and Ghia, with a choice of new engines.

The entry-level Finesse comes with a 1.3 litre 70PS petrol powertrain or the latest 1.4 litre 68PS TDCi common rail diesel.

The specification includes Ford’s Intelligent Protection System with ‘smart’ dual stage driver and passenger airbags, power steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel, manual remote control door mirrors, tinted glass, locking fuel cap, height adjustable driver seat, body colour bumpers and luggage compartment light.

The Fiesta LX features, in addition, stereo radio/CD, remote central locking with illuminated entry, electric front windows, heated electric door mirrors and courtesy light. Alongside the 1.3 petrol and 1.4 TDCi powertrains, it is available with the new 1.4 80PS Duratec 16-valve petrol engine. LX prices are from 14,895 euros.

The flagship Fiesta Ghia features a 1.6 litre Duratec engine developing 100PS, in addition to the 1.4 petrol. It has a top speed of 114 mph, and 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds. It comes with air conditioning, 14’ alloy wheels, velour seat fabric, fog lamps, remote control radio/CD player, perimeter alarm, rear head restraints, leather-covered gear knob, front map reading lights and a metallic front grille surround.

All Fiestas are equipped with decoupling brake pedals to reduce risk of leg injury, telescopic steering column, a 100% more rigid body structure and side impact protection. Front side impact airbags and side curtains are available as options across the range, as are anti-lock brakes. Other options include 6-disc in–dash CD autochanger, sunroof and parking distance sensor.

“Fiesta is an all-round package with safety technology drawn from the Mondeo, the driving dynamics of a Focus and rear headroom to equal even the Galaxy,” says Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford Ireland. “Fiesta has been out on its own as the best-selling car in Ireland for many years. The huge strides Ford engineers have made in this all-new offering should see it broaden the appeal of Fiesta yet more.”