Ford’s Fiesta is very popular with local buyers and the US carmaker now aims to boost sales even further with the all-new 2013 edition, which sports updated styling, and introduces the company’s International Engine of the Year - the 1.0-litre EcoBoost power plant - to the Fiesta line-up.

The Fiesta’s revamped exterior is highlighted by a redesigned front that is dominated by a large trapezoidal grille, which makes the Fiesta look a lot like a more compact Focus from the front. This grille is flanked on either side by laser-cut headlamps with daytime running lamps that use LED technology and a more aggressive looking power-dome bonnet design.

A range of 12 vibrant colours including Copper Pulse, Hot Magenta and Candy Blue also add to the new model’s exterior appeal. On the inside, the 2013 Fiesta features new central armrest that provides additional storage along with bigger door pockets that are more practical than those of the outgoing model.

One fuel efficiency Fiesta

Ford promises exceptional levels of fuel efficiency from its patented new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that it asserts will deliver 4.3 litres of petrol per 100 km on a combined cycle (highway and town) route, as well as reduced emission levels of just 99 g per km. Helping to keep the fuel usage down is the introduction of Auto-Start-Stop technology on this power plant, which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle and restarts it when the driver wants to move off. This diminutive engine still manages to churn out an impressive 92 kW of power and 170 Nm of torque.

Beyond the new engine, Ford also makes its tried and tested 1.4-litre petrol and 1.6-litre TDCi engines available within the new Fiesta line-up, with the 1.4-litre powerplant delivering 71 kW and 125 Nm of torque with fuel usage coming to 5.7 litres per 100 km. The 1.6-litre turbo diesel model produces 70 kW and 200 Nm, while only using 3.6 litres of diesel per 100 km.

“Customers want cars that are expressive and fun to drive without breaking the bank,” explained Ford marketing manager, Gavin Golightly. “Fiesta delivers all the excitement and performance drivers are looking for with the added bonus of exceptional fuel efficiency.”

Syncing to the needs of modern drivers

TechSmart recently tested Ford’s Sync in-vehicle infotainment system in the new Focus, via which the carmaker caters to the trendy multimedia needs of local drivers. Sync is available in the 2013 Fiesta, allowing drivers to utilise voice commands and steering-wheel mounted buttons to access functions such as making- or answering incoming calls, or controlling music playback for tracks streamed over Bluetooth.

Also making its debut on the Fiesta is Ford’s MyKey, which the firm says enables parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their children’s exposure to risk while behind the wheel. The system enables owners to configure factors such as maximum speed and audio system volume limits for the car key, so kids won’t be able to drive faster than 120 km/h nor wreck their ears on too-loud Lady Gaga for instance. In addition, the system mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids and other safety systems cannot be deactivated.

“This car was built for the digital generation,” Golightly said. “With Bluetooth connectivity and MP3 capabilities, tech-savvy people who use social media to be constantly connected with the world around them won’t be slowed down when they get in this car.