GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Ford - Fiesta - Econetic 5-dr hatch

Ford Fiesta (WP Fiesta)

WP Fiesta

Make: Ford

Model: Fiesta

Released: Jan 1970

Discontinued: Jan 2006

Ford logo1 Apr 2004

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

As chunky as its curvy Ka predecessor wasn’t, the Fiesta finally flung Ford back into light-car contention in Australia.

The model dates back three generations to 1976, when it took on European babies like the Renault R5 in the burgeoning light car/supermini class.

Subsequent generations in 1988 and 1995 never made it locally, but Ford Australia finally deemed the Fiesta suitable for us when it acquired a larger 1.6-litre engine and conventional automatic transmission.

New from the ground up, the German-built three and five-door hatchback (in base LX, sporty Zetec and luxury Ghia) rivals the class-leading Honda Jazz and Mazda2 for driver enjoyment, quality engineering, comfort and style – and is priced to also give the Hyundai Getz 1.5 and Holden Barina babies a run for their money.

The Fiesta and Mazda2, by the way, are closely related underneath.

Central to the Ford’s widespread appeal is a lusty (if a little loud) 74kW/146Nm 1.6-litre DOHC 16V four-cylinder engine, motivating a chassis that sits at the top of its class for steering, handling and ride comfort attributes.

A driver-adaptive four-speed auto doesn’t detract from the dynamic pleasure, even if the slick-shifting five-speed manual is the preferable gearbox.

Spacious, comfortable and versatile, the WP Fiesta outclasses the (Spanish-made) VW Polo and offered a more complete package than either the Citroen C3, Renault Clio or Peugeot 206.

High praise indeed for a baby Ford, and one that deserves to succeed in Australia. It’s also a worthy successor to the underrated Ka.

Reviews

When it was new

Latest reviews

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here