I have been following the Fiesta launch since December 2010, when i had bought the Figo, which i had immediately sold just after 3000 kms.
The first Ford i had driven was an Escort Just loved the Handling but the engine was a Dud, so was the case with the Ikon (Both Diesels), I had driven the Mondeo and the earlier Endeavour (Diesels again)- The highlight of all was surely the handling just like the Figo. Which was the reason i sold the Figo so early and waited for the New Fiesta - on the Hindsight i should've gone for the Old 1.6 S before it was stopped, other than the 1.6 S for some reason i never really liked the old fiesta.
For the last few months i read all sorts of reports available and was desperately waiting for the launch - though i prayed that FORD would launch the Hatch also.
Finally the launch Happened the car looked awesome - The dealer knew that i was one crazy guy (We even gave him a Ken Block video to play on the day of launch
) in love with the FORD's handling traits that he gave me a sneak preview, and a small drive in the parking lot.
Then came the pricing Bomb from Ford, it was so shocking that i did'nt even go for a TD which was offered to me on the same night the price was announced. I had made up my mind that I would not Buy it for 11.94 L OTR in Andhra Pradesh for the Titanium TDCi version or even 11.47 L OTR for the Trend it was simply RIDICULOUS
I got a call again the next day, then i though its better to check out whether if the car was really worth being disappointed about in the first place ? i would'nt know unless i drive it, so the TD Happened.
I drove the Titanium TDCi version - In one word its 'Brilliant' in the way it Drives, its closest to Ride and handling perfection a car in C segment can get to, The engine also revvs very freely but there is a slight hesitation in each gear, but once you are over it it responds very well and the best part is that it is so relaxed at a speed of 120 kmph that it can make for a really great highway cruiser.
I am 6'1" and it took some adjustments with the seat position and steering height to get myself into a good driving position which i did manage to find after some time - But unlike the Swift and the Laura which are so magical that your really don't have to do much to get into a comfortable driving position. The rear seat is much better than the New Verna which has one of the Worst seats across any segment (other than the BMW X1 i suppose)
I have an standard routine for all test drives:
1- Braking at 120 kmph - felt a little twichy, which i attribute more to brand new tyres rather than any braking issue, ABS is well calibrated
2- Taking Humps at 80-100 kmph: Felt quite stable, in fact better than the Renault Fluence on the same stretch.
3- Very Fast U-Turns - Brilliant ! felt almost as if turning on a pivot
4- Darting in-out of traffic at slightly higher speeds - Effortless
5- In gear acceleration - After the initial hesitation it did'nt feel under-powered as anticipated from a 90 BHP engine
6- Air-conditioning - Adequate, did'nt feel the chill, the car was roasting hot to start with after having been parked in the sun for long.
I feel the only reason Ford can justify the price tag (read - Premium) is for the driving experience which no other manufacturer has been able to provide in this segment - But looking at the number new Vernas on the road most people would'nt care. But according to me Ford (on Mazda Platform) makes good Cars and Hyundai makes good appliances ! ( But i would like to give credit to Hyundai for pricing the Verna so well especially with a brand new platform and new set of class leading - read powerful engines, and an AT option too. )
I sincerely feel Ford want to draw people to its showrooms, showcase the New Fiesta and make them buy the Classic on which they would be making hell lot of a money after so many years into the production. They would be more that Happy to sell the new Fiesta in limited numbers till they are not able to sell the Classic anymore. See it is about Making Money not about dishing out cheap but brilliant cars to Passionate Idiots like me.
Well Rest of the car -
1. Old upgraded Duratorq Engine - I cant believe it at the price you are made to pay for
2. Other that The Dash Upper, rest of the plastics belong to B segment
3. Not wide enough again B segment or B+ max
4. Features ! what features for the price, Style Variant with lesser features is more expensive than the VENTO Highline which has alloys, fogs, climate control and the works.
5. If you observe only the rear in isolation and remove the Ford badge it looks like a cheap Chinese car, Front is Beautiful though.
Summary - Even after more than 25 years of automotive revolution in India, the market is still not mature enough, people like your and me to whom a car is an excuse to travel rather than a means of travel, cant still walk into a showroom and buy a good car for an available budget and enjoy a well earned Drive - SAD