Ford Fiesta

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{| border=0 align=right|-|{{Infobox Automobile|image=|name=Ford Fiesta|manufacturer=Ford Motor Company|body_style=3-door [hatchback
5-door hatchback, [Ford HCS engine, Ford CVH engine, Ford Zetec engine|transmission=Ford IB5 transmission or others|successor=Ford Festiva (USA only)-->] designed and built by the Ford Motor Company in Europe, and also manufactured in Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, China, India and South Africa. It is now marketed worldwide, including Japan and Australasia, but was sold only briefly in North America. It is one of Ford's most successful cars with over ten million sold in seven distinct generations since 1976 and production continues as of 2007, with an eighth generation expected. It is also set to return to the US by 2009.

History In the early 1970s, European demand from consumers for Supermini cars was rising. Medium Fords such as the United Kingdom-built Ford Cortina were traditionally conventional front-engined, 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 original plans for the "Bobcat" specified a desire that the new car cost US$100 less to produce than the Ford Escort.

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 Corporation at the time, however it was freely given for Ford to use on their new class B car. After years of speculation by the motor press about Ford's new car, it was unveiled in late 1975.

Mark I (1976–83): Birth of the Fiesta {{Infobox Automobile generation|name=Mark I|image=|production=1976–1983|similar=Fiat 127, Austin Metro, Peugeot 104, VW Polo, Renault 5, Vauxhall Chevette-->

The Fiesta Mark 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 US 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 Mark III Ford Escort (European) introduced in 1980, and the first generation Ford Escort (North American), 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 Overhead valve engine dubbed "Valencia", named after the brand new Spain factory in Almusafes, Valencia (autonomous community), developed especially to produce the new car. Ford's plants in Dagenham, England and Cologne, Germany were also used to manufacture Fiestas. To cut costs and speed up the research and development time, many modified Ford Kent engine destined for the Fiesta were tested in Fiat 127s. This also allowed covert road testing across Europe. It was only the second hatchback mini-car to have been built in the UK by this stage, being launched a year after the Vauxhall Chevette, but a year before the Chrysler Sunbeam and four years before the Austin Metro.

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 US Mark I Fiesta was built in Saarlouis Germany but to slightly different specifications; US models were Base, Decor, Sport, and Ghia, the Ghia having the highest level of trim. These trim levels changed very little in the US Fiesta's run from 1978 to 1980. All US models featured the more powerful 1.6 Kent engine (equipped with a catalytic converter for lead-free fuel), energy-absorbing bumpers, side-marker lamps, round sealed-beam headlamps, improved crash dynamics and fuel system integrity as well as (the unavailable in Eupope) optional air conditioning.

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. With a quoted performance of 0-60 in 9.3sec and top speed, the XR2 hot hatch became a cult car beloved of boy racers throughout the 1980s.

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 II.

In 1978, the Fiesta overtook the Vauxhall Chevette as Britain's best selling supermini, but in 1981 it was knocked off the top spot by British Leyland Austin Metro and was still in second place at the end of 1982.

Mark I specifications {| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 85%; border: gray solid 1px; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center; width: 50%;"|-|Capacity|957–1598 cc|-|Power|45-83 hp|-|Max. speed|85-106 mph 137–170 km/h|-|Acceleration|0–60 mph: 17.6-10.1 seconds|}

Mark II (1983–89): Fiesta updated {{Infobox Automobile generation|name=Mark II|production=1983–1989|similar=Peugeot 205, Vauxhall Nova, Renault 5, Rover Metro-->

The Mark II Fiesta appeared towards the end of summer 1983. The bodyshell was essentially a Fiesta Mark I design with a more aerodynamic front end and an overhauled interior design. 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 1117 cc engines continued with only slight alterations and for the first time a Fiesta diesel was produced with a 1600 cc engine adapted from the Escort.

The XR2 model was thoroughly updated with a more unsubtle bodykit. It also featured a 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 England firm Turbo Technics boosting power to a well documented , 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 Mark II was that 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 facelifted Fiesta quickly reclaimed its place as Britain's most popular supermini, and retained top spot for the remainder of its production life. 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. It was well-regarded by both men and women. But towards the end of the decade, it began to show its age compared to more modern rivals like the Citroen AX, Peugeot 205 and Fiat Uno.

The Mark II Fiesta lives on as the donor vehicle for Quantum Sports Cars' 2+2 convertible with several hundred manufactured at the factory in Stourbridge before production moved to Kingsbridge.

Mark II specifications {| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 85%; border: gray solid 1px; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center; width: 50%;"|-|Capacity|957–1598 cc|-|Power|45–96 hp|-|Max. speed|85-112 mph 137–180 km/h|-|Acceleration|0–60 mph: 19.8-9.9 seconds|}

Mark III (1989–97) {{Infobox Automobile generation|name=Mark III|image=|production=1989-1996|related=Ford Ka
Ford Courier
[Renault 5
Fiat Uno
Peugeot 205
Peugeot 106
Opel Corsa
[Mazda Soho-->

The introduction of the Mark III strengthened the Fiesta's popularity, helped largely by the addition of a five-door version.

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 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 fuel injection engines 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 Mark IV in 1995, production continued until the end of 1996 as the "Fiesta Classic".

Mark III specifications {| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 85%; border: gray solid 1px; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center; width: 50%;"|-|Capacity|999–1796 cc|-|Power|45 –133 hp|-|Max. speed|86-129 mph 139–205 km/h|-|Acceleration|0–60 mph: 19.0–7.8 seconds|}

Mark IV (1995–99): Major restyle {{Infobox Automobile generation|name=Mark IV|image=|production=1995–1999|aka=Mazda 121-->

The Mark IV Fiesta was launched in 1995, the internal Code name was BE91. Considered to behold a smooth, svelt look, this car featured many italian design influences, including the recessed dashboard on the passenger side, popular in Alfa Romeos. Once again the new model proved popular, making it United Kingdom's best selling car from 1996 to 1998. Versioned from the chassis of Mark III car, but most components were heavily revised, including a new Suspension (vehicle) 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 Mark IV, now marketed as the "Endura DE". The 1.3 L OHV engine was carried over from the Mark III. As well as the major changes to the chassis, the Mark IV also benefited from a new interior and exterior styling, including a soft painted instrument panel for the first year of production, albeit maintaining a similar dimensions to the Mark III. The Mark IV Fiesta shared a production line and design with the Mazda 121.

In Brazil a 1.0-litre version was available, in L, LX and GL trim levels. This wasn't sold in Europe, but it was in Argentina and Chile.

Mark IV specifications {| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 85%; border: gray solid 1px; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center; width: 50%;"|-|Capacity|1242–1388 cc|-|Power|59–88 hp|-|Max. speed|96-140 mph 155-183 km/h|-|Acceleration|0–60 mph: 16.2–10.8 seconds|-|Fuel efficiency|38–46 mpg|}

Mark V (1999–2002): Minor facelift {{Infobox Automobile generation|name=Mark V|image=|production=1999–2003-->By 1999 the Fiesta was starting to feel very outdated and accordingly a Ford 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 Mark 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 (car) (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 Sedan), South Africa, Mexico and China, where saloons (sedans) are preferred to hatchbacks. They are extremely reliable, and became one of Ford's successes.

The Fiesta was still Britain's best-selling supermini in 2001, by which time it was making use of a 12-year-old design (though heavily updated visually and mechanically) and made use of some of the oldest technology of any car in its sector at the time. But its impressive ride and handling, swift Zetec 16-valve engines and good reliability were keeping it hugely popular with buyers.

Mark V specifications {| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 85%; border: gray solid 1px; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center; width: 50%;"|-|Capacity|1242–1596 cc (1753 cc diesel)|-|Power|59–105 hp|-|Max. speed|95–114 mph 153-183 km/h|-|Acceleration|0–60 mph: 16.9–9.9 seconds|-|Fuel efficiency|38–62 mpg|}

Mark VI (2002–05): Sixth generation {{Infobox Automobile generation|name=Mark VI & VII|image=|production=2002–|related=Ford Fusion (European)
Ford Ecosport
Mazda Mazda2|similar=Citroën C3, Fiat Punto, Nissan Micra,Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 206, VW Polo, Hyundai Getz, Renault Clio-->In 2002, the all new third-generation car was unveiled, with no genetic links to the 1976 original. The styling was not only heavily inspired by the larger Ford Focus, but in fact it is a shorter hatchback version of the Ford Focus mk1, as can be easily identified by comparing the doors of both 5 doors models.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. Trim levels available initially were Finesse, LX, Zetec and Ghia, with limited Edition variants soon following. The Mark VI was also the first Fiesta to feature the Anti-lock Braking System and passenger airbags as standard.

Engines available include 1.25 L, 1.3 L, 1.4 L, 1.6 L, 2.0 L petrol (gasoline), plus 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 TDCi (common rail diesel engines developed in a joint venture with PSA Peugeot Citroën).

In Brazil the Fiesta is a No frills#No-frills automobiles and the engine options includes 1.0 L 8v, 1.0 L 8v Supercharged (95 hp, not sold any more 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 Ford Duratec engine Four-stroke cycle, which produces 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 Ford Festiva. In Brazil and Argentina, a Fiesta Saloon (car) version was introduced in late 2004. A similar Fiesta Saloon (car) 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.

In 2002, it was the fifth best selling new car in the UK, but was pushed down to third place in the supermini charts by the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 206, not claiming top spot in its sector until 2006.

The Fiesta is one of Brazil's best-selling vehicles, selling around 5,000 units per month. From July 2002 to July 2007, more than 336,000 units have been sold, outselling its competitors: Chevrolet Corsa (183,000 in the same period) and Renault Clio (122,267). Ford Brazil also makes a Fiesta Sedan, which has sold 113,000 units since its launch in 2004.

Mark VII (2005–): Moderate revisions 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 powered folding mirrors, intelligent headlights and windscreen wipers, Bluetooth voice control, Trip computer, MP3 player connectivity and the Electronic Stability Program. Another inclusion are the new range of exterior metallic paint colours.

In the United Kingdom, the car is available in Studio, Style, Style Climate, Zetec Climate, Zetec S, ST and Ghia trim levels.

Mark VII specifications {| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 85%; border: gray solid 1px; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center; width: 50%;"|-|Capacity|1242–1999 cc|-|Power|60–150 hp|-|Max. speed|94-129 mph 151–208 km/h|-|Acceleration|0–60 mph: 18.5–7.9 seconds|}

Mark VIII (2008–) The Mark VIII Fiesta, was shown in concept form as the Ford Verve and made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007. It is slightly larger than the current Mark VII car, using the new Ford B2xx platform that underpins the new Mazda 2 (and possibly a future new small Volvo Cars).

The radical design is very much in keeping with Ford's new 'kinetic design' direction which graces the new Mondeo and Iosis concept. .

Ford intends this to be a truly global vehicle, going on sale in Europe, the Far East, and North America. It will become available in North America starting mid 2009 as a 2010 model.

Recently it was announced that the MKVIII Fiesta will be built by AutoAlliance Thailand, a JV factory between Ford and Mazda. From 2009, Mazda will also start to build the Mazda 2 small hatchback from the same factory. Both Ford Australia and Mazda Australia will source the Fiesta and 2 from Thailand, taking advantage of the FTA between Australia and Thailand.

Motorsport {{Infobox Automobile generation|name=Fiesta S 1600 Rallye|image=-->

Two Ford Fiestas famously starred in the 1979 Monte Carlo rally — the United Kingdom entry driven by Roger Clark and aided by co-driver Jim Porter and a Germany 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 1600 cc 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, Zetec RS and ST. All of these were powered by a range of engines from the Ford Kent engine to the Ford Duratec engine.

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 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 specifications {| class="wikitable"|-| Engine:], 16 valves, alloy cylinder head and block.
Electronic multipoint fuel injection.|-| Power:]:| at 4500 rpm|-| Transmission (mechanics):| Five-speed 'dog' engagement gearkit fitted to standard ST road car casing.
Upgraded driveshafts fitted as standard. Plated LSD.|-| Suspension (vehicle):| 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.]:| Standard ST road car front and rear disc brakes.|-| Wheels:]:| 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:]:| Standard 45-litre tank with Kevlar composite moulded guard.|-| Dimensions:| Length: .
Width: .
Height: .
Wheelbase: .|}

Crayford convertibles In 1982, coachbuilders Crayford produced the Fiesta "Fly" — a convertible version of the Mark I Fiesta 1300 Ghia, and a total of just fifteen vehicles were produced. The following year the more powerful 1600 Mark 1 Fiesta XR2 was the donor car, and a further seven conversions were carried out, part of which involved welding the boot shut.

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 Car 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 car for 2006 - 1.4 Zetec 3dr 2003 - Runner Up Toyota Yaris 1.0 T2 3dr 2003

Brazilian Fiesta Sedan - Car of the Year (Auto Esporte Magazine).