WS Fiesta

FORD went global with its fourth-generation Fiesta.

Developed under the ‘One Ford’ regime that is slashing inefficiencies and streamlining global model line-ups, the baby Ford arrived in Australia in record time in early 2009.

It came aggressively priced, brashly styled and lavishly equipped with multi-media connectivity and excellent crash-test results to impress younger buyers and the older demographic alike.

No light car available in Australia offered the combination of stability control, MP3, Bluetooth and voice-control connectivity, cruise control, and an ENCAP five-star adult occupant safety rating (safety pack models only).

Cutting wind noise was a further priority, while reducing weight by around 40kg also meant that while power and torque outputs rose in the manual-only 1.6-litre models, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide figures fell.

Compared to its WQ predecessor, the base CL in three and five-door guises was the new LX, the five-door only LX was the new Ghia, and Zetec continued to be the saucy Fiesta, whether it came as a manual-only three-door or manual-or-auto five-door.

The key length/width/height/wheelbase dimensions of 3950/1722/1481/2489mm means that the WS is around the same size as the WQ model (3924/1685/1468/2486mm).

Other features include electric power steering, while the segment-norm MacPherson strut front and twist-beam rear suspension design is an evolution of the old car’s system.

Among the safety items are ABS with EBD, stability control, traction control, EBA Emergency Brake Assist, side airbags and a driver’s knee airbag, WS Fiestas with the standard five-speed manual gearbox to deliver 88kW of power at 6000rpm (with 85 per cent centred between 2000 and 6000rpm) and 152Nm of torque at 4050rpm.

Fuel consumption is rated at 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres and 143 grams of CO2 emissions.

Meanwhile, the four-speed automatic gearbox is paired to Ford’s 1.4-litre twin-cam 16-valver producing 71kW at 5750rpm and 128Nm at 4200rpm. It returns 6.9L/100km and 164g/km.

All models include ABS and EBD, dual front airbags, air-conditioning, power windows, remote central locking, and CD/radio audio with an MP3 jack.

The LX adds the five-door body as standard, cruise control, leather-trimmed steering wheel, Bluetooth with Voice Control, a trip computer and 15-inch alloy wheels, while the Zetec has all the safety gear (DSC, EBA, side and knee airbags), 16-inch alloy wheels, a perimeter alarm and a body kit – among other items.