Ford Fiesta
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History
In the early 1970s, European demand from consumers for superminis was rising. Medium Fords like the Ford Cortina were traditionally conventional front engine, rear wheel drive cars, but their competitors were launching very small cars like the Fiat 127 and the Renault 5 which used front wheel drive layouts. The effects of the 1973 energy crisis was also affecting demand. Ford needed a small car to compete in this emerging market. After research and many mock-ups, a prototype and project known as "Bobcat" was created, which would be the basis of Ford's new car, the "Fiesta". After years of speculation by the motor press about Ford's new car, it was unveiled in late 1975.
The Fiesta Mk I was launched in Europe in 1976. It was a breakthrough for Ford as it was their first truly successful front-wheel drive car. It was also the first new Ford car since the Ford Granada five years earlier. The first generation Fiesta was known as Ford's "world car", with an "Americanised" version being sold in the United States from 1978 to 1980. In the USA, it was classified as a subcompact car as a complement to the less sophisticated and larger Ford Pinto. The Fiesta's small size, much shorter than even the VW Beetle prompted American management to invest in what would become the European Mk III [[Ford Escort (European)|Escort]] introduced in 1980, and the first generation American Escort, introduced in 1981. That car would also be the basis for the larger Ford Tempo.
Mechanically, the Fiesta followed tradition, with an end-on four-speed manual transmission mounted to a new version of the Ford Kent OHV engine dubbed "Valencia", named after the brand new Spanish factory in Almusafes, Valencia, developed especially to produce the new car. Ford's plants in Dagenham, England and Cologne, Germany were also used to manufacture Fiestas.
The Fiesta was a runaway success overnight, and the one millionth Fiesta was produced on January 9 1979. The car was available in Europe with a 957 cc (high compression and low compression options), either a 1.1 and 1.3 L OHV petrol engines and in Base, Popular, L, Ghia and S trim, as well as a van. The USA Mk1 Fiesta models were, Base, Decor, Sport, and Ghia, the Ghia having the highest level of trim. These trim levels changed very little in the USA Fiestas run from 1978 through 1980. All US models featured the more powerful 1.6 Kent engine. A sporting derivative (1.3 Supersport) was offered in Europe in 1980, effectively to test the market for the similar XR2 introduced one year later, which featured a 1.6 L version of the same engine. Black plastic trim was added on the exterior and interior, and the car looked exciting. The small square headlights were replaced with larger circular ones resulting in the front indicators being moved into the bumper to accommodate the change. In a stroke, Ford had created a cult car so beloved of boy racers throughout the 1980s.(manufacturer quoted 0-60 in 9.3sec & 105mph)initially, the performance of the early XR2 hot hatch was quite good.
Minor revisions appeared across the range in late 1981, with larger bumpers to meet crash worthiness regulations and other small improvements in a bid to maintain showroom appeal ahead of the forthcoming Mark 2.
Mark 1 specifications
| Capacity | 957–1598 cc |
| Power | 45-83 hp |
| Max. speed | 137–170 km/h |
| Acceleration | 0–100 km/h: 17.6-10.1 seconds |
The Mk II Fiesta appeared towards the end of summer 1983, and was essentially a new front end grafted onto the Fiesta Mk I with a thoroughly updated interior. It also featured an altered bootlid design which mirrored the swage lines from the sides of the car. The 1.3L OHV engine was dropped, being replaced in 1984 by a CVH powerplant of similar capacity, itself superseded by the lean burn 1.4L two years later. 957 and 1117cc engines continued with only slight alterations and for the first time a Fiesta diesel was produced with a 1600cc engine adapted from the Escort.
The XR2 model was thoroughly updated with larger wheelarch extensions, front and rear aerodynamic splitters and a roof spoiler. It also featured a 96bhp 1.6L CVH engine as previously seen in the Ford Escort XR3, and five-speed gearbox (also standard on the 1.3L CVH models). The engine was replaced by a lean burn variant in 1986 which featured a different head and carburettor. This replacement engine was significantly cleaner from an environmental viewpoint but was reportedly slightly less powerful as a result.
A "Fiestamatic" had been rumoured for some years and the new CTX continuously variable transmission, also fitted in the Fiat Uno, eventually surfaced early in 1987 on 1.1 models only.
A truly "hot" Fiesta was never produced by the factory to avoid impacting on sales of performance Ford Escort variants but many aftermarket conversions were available, the best-known being that by the English firm Turbo Technics boosting power to around 125bhp, this hike in power and torque made it easily outclass all its "standard" rivals. Ford appreciated the high quality of this conversion and was keen to look after its customers: the installation was undertaken by approved fitting centres and thus all the warranties remained valid after.
The most bizarre feature of the Mk II was that during its early production life, the fitment of an almost completely different dashboard was perpetuated on the lower-series trim levels compared to the more expensive variants, the sole common visible components (save for minor switchgear and, where fitted, lighter socket) being the fuse-box cover and fuel/water gauges.
The Ford Fiesta was regularly a top-selling car in the UK throughout the 1980s and was also popular in Europe. It was both well-regarded by men and women. But towards the end of the decade, it was getting left behind by more modern rivals like the Citroen AX.
Mark II specifications
| Capacity | 957–1598 cc |
| Power | 45–96 hp |
| Max. speed | 137–180 km/h |
| Acceleration | 0–100 km/h: 19.8-9.9seconds |
1992 saw the RS Turbo being supplanted by the RS1800 — as the CVH engine was being phased out, the RS1800 shared its 1.8 L Zetec fuel-injected engine with the 130 PS version of the then-current Ford Escort XR3i and had a top speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). The XR2 name was also dropped in early 1994, and the insurance-friendly 'Si' badge appeared in its place on a slightly less sporty-looking model with either the 1.4 L PTE (a development of the CVH) or the 1.6 L Zetec engine.
The inclusion of the Zetec engine in 1992, and an injection of safety features from the Ford Mondeo in 1994 kept the Fiesta competitive. This latter revision introduced aerodynamic wing mirrors, standard driver airbag and optional passenger airbag. Although superseded by the newer and improved Mk IV in 1995, it was still sold in small numbers until 1997 as the "Fiesta Classic". It was then replaced by the Ford Ka.
Mark 3 specifications
| Capacity | 999–1796 cc |
| Power | 45 –130 hp |
| Max. speed | 139–205 km/h |
| Acceleration | 0–100 km/h: 19.0–7.3 seconds |
The Mk IV Fiesta was launched in 1995. It was based on the chassis of the Mk III car, but most components were heavily revised, including a new suspension system, which gave the Fiesta one of the best handling abilities in its class. The range was further improved with the addition of a range of new Zetec engines, available in 1.25 L and 1.4 L forms, the 1.8 diesel engine was slightly modified for the mk IV, now marketed as the "Endura DE". The 1.3 L OHV engine was carried over from the Mk III. As well as the major changes to the chassis, the Mk IV also benefited from a new interior and exterior styling, albeit maintaining a similar shape to the Mk III. The internal Code name was BE91. It was rumoured, though no official statement by Ford Motor Company was made, that Ford Fiesta Mark IV will be produced in a second, facelifted phase, starting from the year of 2007. The changes will be the following: A new grille, refreshed headlights, new interiors and trims, as well as new engines, taken from Ford Fiesta Mark VI and VII.
Mark IV specifications
| Capacity | 1242–1388 cc |
| Power | 59–88 hp |
| Max. speed | 96-112 mph |
| Acceleration | 0–100 km/h: 16.2–10.8 seconds |
| Fuel efficiency | 38–46 mpg |
By 1999 the Fiesta was starting to feel very outdated and accordingly a Focus-inspired restyle of the Mk IV was an attempt to address this problem, limited to a new face and trim revisions. A 1.6 L Zetec S model was made available as the sporty range topper. However, the Mk V was not on the market for long due to the imminent unveiling of the all-new Mk VI model, and was the last generation of Fiesta to be built at Dagenham in England. The internal Code name was still BE91.
This model formed the basis of the Ford Ikon (Code name B195), which was a four-door Saloon (saloon) designed for India, where Ford was now producing cars in a joint venture with Mahindra. The Ikon was also introduced in other developing countries, such as Brazil (where it is known as the Fiesta Saloon), South Africa, Mexico and China, where saloons (sedans) are preferred to hatchbacks. They are extremely reliable, and became one of Ford's successes.
Mark V specifications
| Capacity | 1242–1596 cc (1753 cc diesel) |
| Power | 59–101 hp |
| Max. speed | 91–113 Mph |
| Acceleration | 0–60 mp/h: 16.9–9.9 seconds |
| Fuel efficiency | 38–53 mpg |
In 2002, the all new third-generation car was unveiled. This was for the first time, a completely clean sheet design, with no genetic links to the 1976 original. Most engines were carried over from the previous Fiesta, but renamed "Duratec" with the "Zetec" tag used for the sportier models in place of the previous Si. The styling was heavily inspired by the larger Focus. Trim levels available initially were Finesse, LX, Zetec and Ghia, with Limited Edition variants soon following.
Engines available include 1.25 L, 1.3 L, 1.4 L, 1.6 L, 2.0 L petrol (gasoline), plus 1.4 and 1.6 TDCi (common rail diesel engines developed in a joint venture with PSA). In Brazil the engine options includes 1.0 L 8v and 1.0 L 8v Supercharged (95 hp, not sold anymore in Brazil, though still assembled and exported to Colombia), as well as a Brazilian specific 1.6 L 8v alcohol/gasoline (110 hp) "RoCam" "flexifuel" version. The internal Code name of this model is B256 (5 door) and B257 (3 door).
The Ford Fiesta ST is the performance variant of the new Fiesta, capable of speeds of up to 130 mph (210 km/h) and hopes to relive the success of the XR2. To differ it from the standard Fiesta, it also has visual enhancements, including 17" alloy wheels, different front and rear bumpers, side skirts, body colour handles and bump strips, partial leather seats and a ST logo on the steering wheel. The ST version features a 2.0L petrol engine, which produces 150PS in standard form.
This was also the first Fiesta to be sold in Asia and Australasia (all 1.6 L LX 3dr/5dr, Zetec 3dr, Ghia 5dr), replacing the Kia-based Festiva. In Brazil and Argentina, a Fiesta Saloon version was introduced in late 2004. A similar Fiesta Saloon model, with a different front end, was released in India in late 2005. Although the Mark VI Fiesta was ergonomically and mechanically more advanced than any previous Fiesta generation, it was criticized for being too dull and 'heavy' looking. It was a bit of a stylistic fail. However, the Mark VII came with an improved exterior.
Mark VII (2005–Current): Minor Facelift
In November 2005, a facelifted version of the popular Mark VI Fiesta went on sale. Although not mechanically different, there are a number of subtle cosmetic changes which have helped improve the car's look. The front and rear headlamps have been reshaped. The front and rear bumpers and side moulds has been altered. Inside, the dashboard has been updated with new "soft touch" plastics, following criticisms of the hard, cheaply textured original, and the digital fuel readout has been ditched in favour of a new analogue instrument display in a style similar to the Mk.2 Ford Focus.
New "optional-extras" now available include powerfold mirrors, Bluetooth voice control, Trip computer and MP3 player connectivity. Another inclusion by Ford are the new range of exterior metallic paint colours.
Mark VII specifications
| Capacity | 1242–1999 cc |
| Power | 60–150 hp |
| Max. speed | 151–208 km/h |
| Acceleration | 0–60 mp/h: 18.5–7.9 seconds |
Mark VIII (2008–)
The Mark 8 Fiesta is intended to be released in March 2008. It is expected to be slightly larger than the current Mark 7 car, as it will use the new Ford B2xx platform that will also go into the Mazda Demio replacement and possibly a new small Volvo.
| Fiesta S 1600 Rallye |
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Two Ford Fiestas famously starred in the 1979 Monte Carlo rally — the British entry driven by Roger Clark and aided by co-driver Jim Porter and a German entry piloted by Ari Vatanen and co-driven by David Richards.
Both cars were highly modified with special motorsport components throughout and featured pioneering Limited Slip Differential (LSD) technology. The cars were powered by competition tuned versions of the 1600cc Kent crossflow engine — a later version of which appeared in the Mk1 Fiesta XR2.
The 2 cars worked well in the arduous ice and snow that year. Roger Clark did not set any records but the German car achieved 9th position overall - a very encouraging result which sparked demand for sportier Fiestas.
Since this there have been sporting and "hot hatch" editions. Versions include , Supersport, XR2, S (sport), XR2i, Si, RS Turbo, RS1800, Zetec S and ST.
The Fiesta SportingTrophy is the new Ford Rally One Make Championship; ready to start in his 1st season in March 2006. It combines keen competition with equal performance and leaves the decision about winning or losing to the drivers and co-drivers capabilities. The driver, co-driver and mechanics work as a team to compete against the toughest adversary of all — the clock.
The Fiesta SportingTrophy will be based around the Fiesta ST Group N car. The car has 165 PS from the 2-litre Duratec ST engine which when combined with the conversion kit from M-Sport, has been designed to provide all of the safety equipment and performance upgrades to enable the car to be competitive and reliable at any event around the world.
In March 2007, the Pirtek Rally Team introduced the Ford Fiesta Super 2000 rally car, which will compete in the Australian Rally Championship.
Fiesta ST Group N Rally Car Specifications
| Engine: | 1999cc Duratec engine. Four cylinders in line, DOHC, 16 valves, alloy cylinder head and block. Electronic multipoint fuel injection. |
| Power: | 165PS at 5800rpm |
| Torque: | 202Nm at 4500rpm |
| Transmission: | Five-speed 'dog' engagement gearkit fitted to standard ST road car casing. Upgraded driveshafts fitted as standard. Plated LSD. |
| Suspension: | Upgraded suspension of ST road car includes revised front knuckles and strengthened twist beam rear axle. Reiger dampers, adjustable for rebound, and revised spring rates. Uprated suspension bushes. |
| Brakes: | Standard ST road car front and rear disc brakes. |
| Wheels: | Gravel: 15in OZ Racing wheels
Asphalt: 17in OZ Racing wheels Wheels manufactured in both Super T and Rally Racing style. |
| Bodyshell: | Multipoint roll cage designed by M-Sport, complying with FIA regulations. Includes three X braces in rear and twin tube door bars with no cross-over. |
| Electronics: | 'Piggy back' loom supplements standard loom. Includes electronic circuit breaker and wiring for additional requirements. |
| Fuel tank: | Standard 45-litre tank with Kevlar composite moulded guard. |
| Dimensions: | Length: 3921mm. Width: 1683mm. Height: 1468mm. Wheelbase: 2486mm. |
Crayford Convertibles
In 1982, coachbuilders Crayford produced the Fiesta 'Fly' being a convertible version of the Mk 1 1300 Ghia, and a total of just fifteen vehicles were produced. The following year the more powerful 1600 Mk 1 Fiesta XR2 was the donor car, and a further seven conversions were carried out, part of which involved welding the boot shut!
Trivia
- The short listed names for the new car designed by the project Bobcat team were Amigo, Bambi, Bebe, Bravo, Bolero, Cherie, Tempo, Chico, Fiesta, Forito, Metro, Pony and Sierra. Despite more board votes for "Bravo", Henry Ford II personally overruled and named the car "Fiesta". The name "Fiesta" belonged to General Motors at the time, however it was freely given for Ford to use on their new class B car.
- To cut costs and speed up the research and development time, many modified Kent Engines destined for the Fiesta were tested in Fiat 127s. This also allowed covert road testing across Europe.
- The original plans for the "Bobcat" claimed it must cost US$100 less to produce than the Ford Escort.
- The Fiesta was sold in 'federal' form in the U.S. and Canada between 1977 and 1980 (model years 1978, 1979 & 1980). Built in Europe, this variant featured safety bumpers, round headlights and an emission controlled 1.6 L engine.
- An automatic variant was not available until 1987, in the 1.1 L 'CTX'.
- The Mark II Fiesta was featured in the video of "It Doesn't Have to Be This Way" by The Blow Monkeys.
- In 1990, 1991 and 1996 to 1998 the Fiesta was Britain's best selling car outright, and in its best-ever year, 1987, over 150,000 Fiesta models were sold in the UK, though it missed out on first place in the sales charts to the Ford Escort.
- Also in the UK the Fiesta holds the accolade of being the most often stolen car.
- The Ford Fiesta was mentioned in the song Sufre Mamón by the Spanish rock group Hombres G. The lyrics in question are: ella se fue con un niño rico en un Ford-fiesta blanco y un jersey amarillo which translates as "she left with some rich kid in a white Ford Fiesta and a yellow jersey".
- Ford Fiesta Mark III, Mark IV and Mark V were given as the grand prize in the Bulgarian quiz show Supershow Nevada from 1992 to 1995 (for Mark III), from 1996 to 1998 (for Mark IV) and from 1999 to the end of the show in 2001 (for Mark V).
- The Ford Fiesta was mentioned in the song Car Song by the britpop group Elastica. The lyrics are: "Let's go siesta, In your Ford Fiesta"
Awards
- Winner Australia's Best Small Car in 2004.
- Winner of UK Design Council Efficiency Award for "exemplary contribution to the reduction of running and maintenance costs" in 1978. The award was presented by Prince Philip.
- Winner of Business Standard Motoring Jury Award, 2006.
- What Car's Best Used Supermini for 2006 - 1.4 Zetec 3dr 2003 - Runner Up Toyota Yaris 1.0 T2 3dr 2003
See also
- Ford Fiesta Daytona voice control (V2CII).
External links
- Ford Fiesta official website
- Channel4.com : Retrospective: Ford Fiesta - History of the Fiesta.
- AutoWeb - Fiesta - A Fresh New Approach
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