Ford Fiesta Classic - A Fiesta with some rough edges
The Ford Fiesta Classic was launched a few hours ago here in Chennai and IAB, as usual, brought the details to you first. The Fiesta Classic is not part of the eight new products for India by 2015 but that does not make it an irrelevant or minor launch. There is plenty of action in the entry-level sedan segment.
The Swift Dzire still demands long waiting periods, the Etios' reception has been like as thought its been serving customers well for the last 15 years. The Indigo Manza has the attention of every sedan buyer's with acres of space and well-finished interiors.
Ford believes there are many first time buyers who want a sedan. The Ikon's been laid to rest and a large gap existed in Ford India' portfolio between Figo and Fiesta. It is also a good idea to convert Figo enquirers into Fiesta customers.
Is the Fiesta Classic my favorite Fiesta for a cheaper price?
Not quite. The Fiesta Classic, on a casual glance is similar to the regular Fiesta. Only when you get into the car and inspect closely, you understand how Ford has been able to price it well.
What exactly is new on the Fiesta Classic?
For starters, the Fiesta's stereo is lifted from the Figo.
Door trims have been changed and black fabric seats with contrasting stitching is offered.
Is the fit tight, and finish smooth?
There are quite a few rough edges on the Classic.
The rear arm rest could bruise elbows.
The cup holder for rear seat passengers is out of a broad gauge railway coach.
The glovebox shuts loosely and the seats aren't pleasing on the eye.
What are the variants available?
Refer to the brochure to understand what the trims are
What's good about the Fiesta Classic?
The pricing is very good. The Fiesta is a tried and tested product and by slashing the price, Ford hopes it can sell more numbers. The waiting period for the Dzire and Etios especially could prompt buyers to walk into Ford dealerships. About 85% of the Fiesta Classic is localized and the spare prices will not pop eyeballs.
Apart from the price, Ford is offering almost every feature from the previous Fiesta on the top-end Classic. The area where they have cut down is quality of interiors. It's a sensible decision given the competition isn't offering hand-crafted interiors. The Etios' interior is a place I'd not be in and the Dzire's interiors is nothing to really write home about. The Accent's interiors come from the pages of history and the Logan' too is basic and bare-bones with mirrored controls. Equipment wise, this is by and large the same car and that's the upshot.
What happened to the 1.6 "S" variant? Tell me it's coming along on the Classic avatar..
Sadly there was no mention of it during the briefing. It doesn't feature on the brochure either. This means the "S" is no more. Ford could offer a sports variant at a later date on the new Fiesta that debuts on the 14th of this month. The company's only considering volume-driving models for the existing Fiesta.
Is there a LPG or CNG Ford Fiesta in the pipeline?
Although Ford offers LPG kits on overseas products, its focus in India is only on petrol and diesel engines. Ford's energy will be on making the 8-product plan a successful one. Focus will be on the mainstream variants but it will continue to review opportunities. So don't expect a Figo or Fiesta LPG/CNG in the near future.
Why are they calling the new car Fiesta and this one as Classic?
The strategy is quite confusing. Usually we see suffixes, but in many cases the older product isn't not down-segmented. The Zen Estilo replaced the Zen and similarly the the Indica Vista was positioned above the Indica.
Ford is very particular in using the Fiesta nameplate as it is part of the global "One" strategy.
The "One" strategy isn't simply common cars or platforms, it also carries a personality quotient. From the global perspective, Ford wants the same branding across countries for its new generation cars. It provides the feeling of oneness. The only reason why Ford will use another name is when it is registered by another company. For example Maruti Suzuki holds rights to the name "Everest" in India and hence Ford went with Endeavour.