Ford WT Fiesta Review

In the move from Germany to Thailand, the small car has had a big increase in noise reduction – a factor of concern in the previous model. It gets substantial underbody sound dampening that, combined with improvements to the suspension, give the Fiesta a level of ride and comfort above its class. The engine line up is an 88kW/151Nm 1.6-litre petrol and 66kW/200Nm 1.6-litre turbo-diesel rated at 6.1 litres/100km and 4.4 l/100km respectively. The six-speed dual-clutch automati

c is only available in the petrol models. Ford says “we’re working on’’ an auto-diesel combo but there’s a lot of resistance from the drivetrain suppliers in Europe. Ford won’t talk sales numbers with the new Fiesta. But is expects a healthy rise in interest.

Refinement is a word used to describe gentlemen’s etiquette, not usually light-car handling and ride comfort. Yet the Ford Fiesta manages to add the word to its vocabulary. And it did it on a day that would possibly be the worst in Adelaide’s 2010 calendar. Storms pummeled the hills of the city; the rain blinded the driver’s view and made the little Fiesta fight for traction. But what a little hero. Over debris and flooding that coursed over the twisting hills roads, the latest Fiesta handled itself brilliantly Read the rest of this entry »