IN the small car segment of the 1980s, the Ford name was the among the buzzwords with its offering of the Laser models- a car that delivered a mix of performance and fuel economy in an affordable package.
With local Ford operations subsequently diversifying to pick-up trucks and vans, along with competition from the newly started Proton brand, the Laser faded into the background.
In early third quarter of the year, Ford’s small car offering will make a return to the local market, this time in the guise of the trendy Fiesta model (pic).
More than 750,000 units of the latest-generation Fiesta has been sold since it went on sale in 2008.
Being one of Ford’s “global cars,” the Fiesta variants sold in Europe, Asia or the United States, are essentially the same vehicles.
They only differ in engine, transmission and trim level options to suit their respective market conditions.
Boasting an attractive “kinetic” exterior styling that is the current Ford design language, the B-segment Fiesta with its long wraparound headlights in a wedge-like body exudes funkiness and appeal.
If the eye-catching looks are not enough, the Fiesta has won more than 80 prestigious awards worldwide.
Unique among small cars that usually have four or five-speed transmissions, is the Fiesta’s six-speed dual clutch transmission system.
In fact, it is usually seen in far more expensive and powerful vehicles.
The Fiesta’s advanced “Powershift” automatic transmission is based on the proven efficiency of manual transmission technology and uses two clutches instead of one.
This transmission system, said PowerShift development team leader Piero Aversa, would be the most advanced in the segment, offering best-in-class fuel economy and responsiveness.
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