Ford has released the latest version of its Fiesta small car model with a number of new features aimed at expanding its market share, including a sedan body, diesel engine and a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The introduction of the Fiesta four-door sedan is an interesting move with most of Ford’s competitors in this market segment sticking to the tried and true hatchback formula that is so popular with younger buyers. In contrast the more functional features of the sedan, including its boot, tend to appeal to an older buyer demographic, one that is more likely to prefer sedan function over hatchback style.

Having said that, Ford’s designers have done an excellent job in ‘sexing-up’ the sedan and it doesn’t lose all that much in looks against its five-door sibling. Its stubby rear end hides a 430-litre boot, albeit with a relatively small opening. A fair bit of that boot space is created through the absence of a spare tyre of any description – both the Fiesta hatch and sedan come with what Ford call a Temporary Mobility Kit, comprising sealing compound and a small air compressor.  A spare wheel is available as an extra-cost option.

All Fiesta models now come with 1.6-litre engines (petrol or diesel) and rear doors, the previous 1.4-litre three-door hatch having been dropped with the introduction of the new WT range.

The diesel engine in the standard Fiesta model is the same as that in Ford’s green halo car, the Econetic, although without a number of economy features that bring the latter’s fuel consumption down to just 3.7 litres per 100 km. Still, at 4.4 L/100 km, the Fiesta TDCi is right there with the most fuel-efficient cars on the market.

Three model variants are offered. The entry-level CL comes with either hatch or sedan body but only with the petrol engine and only the hatch gets manual transmission. The mid-specced LX has the widest range of options, with both body styles, both engines and both transmission with the petrol engine, but only manual with the diesel. The top-of-the-range Zetec is available only as a hatch, again with the choice of engines but with manual only in the diesel.

The automatic transmission is a new dual-clutch six-speed unit that not only provides better response but also lowers fuel consumption.

Standard safety features across the Fiesta range include front airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist, and electronic stability program. The LX and Zetec models add side curtain, thorax and driver’s knee airbag to achieve a five-star ANCAP rating.

Importantly for its youth audience Fiesta ticks most of the boxes in terms of sound and communications technology with MP3 capability, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth compatibility, auxiliary input and voice activation for a number of the car’s functions. Only the Zetec gets USB input. The LX and Zetec variants get alloy wheels, 15- and 16-inch respectively as well as cruise control, power rear windows and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

On the road the Fiesta sedan impressed with its excellent ride and handling, although our testing was curtailed by the severe storms that hit Adelaide and environs midway through our drive. The diesel engine is barely distinguishable from the petrol in its sound, but it pulls significantly better with peak torque of 200 Nm at 1750 rpm compared with the petrol’s 151 Nm at 4300 revs.

It will be interesting to watch the take-up rate of the diesel Fiesta. It would certainly be our choice although the combination of low petrol prices and a $2500 price surcharge for the diesel mean that Ford’s prediction of 15 per cent diesel and 85 per cent petrol is probably close to the mark.

Although still a relative newcomer to Australia Ford Fiesta has been a huge success worldwide with total sales in excess of 12 million, mostly in Europe. To save costs they are now being built outside of Europe, with Australian models coming from Thailand. 

The complete Ford Fiesta range, with prices (excluding government and dealer charges) is:
CL 1.6-litre petrol five-door hatch: $16,990 (manual), $18,990 (automatic)
CL 1.6-litre petrol four-door sedan: $18,990 (automatic)
LX 1.6-litre petrol five-door hatch: $18,990 (manual), $20,990 (automatic)
LX 1.6-litre petrol four-door sedan: $18,990 (manual), $20,990 (automatic)
LX 1.6-litre turbo-diesel five-door hatch: $21,490 (manual)
LX 1.6-litre turbo-diesel four-door sedan: $21,490 (manual)
Zetec 1.6-litre petrol five-door hatch: $20,990 (manual), $22,990 (automatic)
Zetec 1.6-litre turbo-diesel five-door hatch: $23,490 (manual)
ECOnetic 1.6-litre turbo-diesel five-door hatch: $24,990 (manual)