La Ford. Do you like it with a bit of La-Fiesta?
A new design philosophy for Ford called the kinetic design has made its presence in the current generation Fiesta. The design certainly has a very youthful and distinctive appearance to it which gives Ford credit compared to its competitors. Of late most newly launched models seem to be a blend and mix of already existing cars, usually borrowing design elements of premium car makers.
The Ford Fiesta, it cannot be mistaken as Japanese or any other blend but stands out as a product of the Ford Kinetic Design. In short the term means energy in motion. A car that looks to be on the move and energetic due to its angular lines and aggressive shape.
Cellular Logic central console arrangement is the interior’s main interface and Ford boosts about it being cool. As the name implies the most important controls are arranged in a pattern that resembles a cell phone for ease of access especially during driving. The cabin also features a central display unit mounted on top of the central console.
Ford’s design gospel aside, the Fiesta is quite a car worth it price with a number of features that in the past were only for expensive cars. The list is endless with features such as keyless entry, lights that can turn off after a few minutes, 6 speaker CD audio system, power steering and off course safety features.
Technically the car performs its primary purpose very well as it was intended for city driving. Fiesta does this with a breeze because it was well engineered. The new design has manages to be 40kg lighter and about 10 stiffer than before. Engine sizes are 1.4 producing 71kw (95hp) as well as a 1.6litre which outputs 88kw (118hp). Completing the engine line up is a 60kw (80hp) common rail diesel.
Not to mention that this car was beaten by only one point to Euro Car of the year by Opel Insignia. It is a very drivable car with many features at a very affordable price however the design philosophy might push other buyers off.
The styling is difficult to ignore as it falls toward the extreme. Either you like or do not like. Fiesta styling is too youthful, playfully and maybe too funky for anyone over the age of twenty one. Other Describe the styling as being too feminine. The interior is also likable or not with the standard trim being too bright with plastics. Perhaps a colour coded trim suits the car better.
If the Ford happens to sell well, the styling would definitely be a major contributing. Likewise should sales be dull, styling would be an area to blame. Either way this is just a car that Ford needs in these turbulent times where the US maker is facing extinction. As for the owners they can have a little fun, a little dance while driving. They can have a fiesta. Surely Ford has now poked its competitors and they will need to respond with better offerings. VW Polo, Mazda 3 and Honda Civic Hatch Back. Interesting times.
By
M.E Bapela
