All Torque

Cosmetic surgery

The Ford Fiesta has been the class leader in the supermini market for more years than I can remember. Its popularity has grown and grown but over recent months sales have been floundering. This could possibly be put down to increased competition from newer and more exciting models from other manufacturers entering this market segment. The Fiesta face even looked tired within the Ford family. Recent arrivals such as Puma, Cougar and Focus injected excitement and desirability into these particular models, something which the Fiesta did not offer. It did not take long for the design wizards and engineers at the company's Design and Development centre in Dunton, Essex, to come up with a face lift which would take the car into the millennium.

The team from The Car Enthusiast attended the launch of the facelift model at the London Motor Show recently. I must say that at first I was not too impressed. OK so the sad face had been replaced and the wheels now fill the arches but overall I could not feel excited about the car. On closer examination I began to appreciate the efforts that had gone into finessing the small hatch. I remember owning five Fiestas in the past and they were always fun and exciting to drive. The last one being a Turbo which although a little rough around the edges gave endless hours of fun.

The new generation engines offer a smooth and responsive drive. Entry level models will have the 1.25 Zetec engine with 1.4 and 1.6 available. Coming early in 2000 will be the 1.6 ZetecS. Maybe not quite the match of the XR2i of days gone but it is certain to be a match for current competition. The ZetecS will have suspension tweeks borrowed from the popular Puma, 15 inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and an engine which produces 103bhp and a top speed of 113mph. The free revving engine is sure to engage the enthusiastic driver.

The interior also gets a makeover. While the dash remains unchanged from the old model the range gets new instruments with black-on-white dials being offered on the ZetecS. Also available on the sporty model will be three spoke leather steering wheel, sports seats (not unlike those in the Puma) and air conditioning. Other models in the range get subtle changes too. The popular Ghia model for example has wood-effect fascia, manual seat height adjustment and impressive Ford CD/radio unit.

Most of the visual impact has been created by changing the front of the car. A little bit of Ford's new edge design has crept in here. Larger headlamps and grille have made the car look much happier. Again the ZetecS grabs most of the attention. Subtle changes include deeper bumpers incorporating driving lamps and mesh grille. Larger bodyside mouldings ensure that the doors and side panels are protected from the doors of less considerate motorists in the car park. Not much has changed in the rear. Light clusters remain the same but there are slight changes to the bumper. The changes again are more noticeable on the ZetecS where the deeper bumper slopes gently down to the larger than normal tailpipe.

Overall I came away satisfied that enough had been done to take the supermini into the next century. The Fiesta is already recognised as an accomplished ride and handling package. The new model can only go further to enhance that reputation. Additional style and equipment levels together with its mix of performance and economy is sure to keep the Fiesta at the top of the supermini league for another few years.

Murph 5/11/99 - [email protected]

• Full range details and specifications
• Ford @ the 1999 London Motor Show

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