8
NEWS
Ford Fiesta upgraded
EcoBoost triple to join new WZ model range within monthsFord has announced that its award-winning EcoBoost 1.0-litre three-cylinder will arrive in Australia at the end of this year, to power a new variant in its upgraded WZ Fiesta range.
“Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine won the International Engine of the Year award in 2012 and has again in 2013 which is a real proof point that the Fiesta Sport is a SMART, high-tech vehicle,” said David Katic Marketing Manager at Ford Australia.
Fiesta Sport is the sole variant in the revised (WZ) Fiesta range to be powered by the three-cylinder engine. The rest of the range, excluding the Fiesta ST, is powered by another new engine – a 1.5-litre Duratec four-cylinder.
While the upgraded Fiesta is set to arrive here in September, at a starting price of $15,825, the EcoBoost 1.0-litre isn't due until December, when the Fiesta Sport goes on sale with the other variants in the mainstream range.
Contrary to its fuel-sipping qualities – 4.9L/100km in combined-cycle testing – the three-cylinder won't come that cheap. In fact, the Sport grade will be the only variant in the range priced above $20,000... Other than the Fiesta ST.
Offering the choice of a five-speed manual or optional six-speed PowerShift (Getrag dual-clutch) transmission, the three-cylinder engine is a first for the Fiesta, posting a diesel-like fuel consumption figure from a petrol engine, and with a self-shifting transmission option.
The WZ Fiesta will be served up in a three-tier hierarchy, with Sport variants underpinned by the entry-level Fiesta Ambiente and the mid-range Fiesta Trend. Opening the batting is the Fiesta Ambiente with 1.5-litre Duratec engine and five-speed manual transmission at $15,825. This is higher than the figure of $15,490 being charged for the current WT series Fiesta CL with 1.6-litre engine and five-speed manual. But Ford argues that the base model Fiesta has an enhanced equipment list, featuring the SYNC infotainment system upgrade, Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and cruise control.
“SYNC is an important feature for our tech-savvy customers as it lets them listen to music and stay connected whilst keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road,” said Katic, as quoted in a press release.
HLA is fitted to Fiestas with manual transmission and holds the car in place briefly on gradients steeper than four per cent. This allows the driver time to run up the engine and release the clutch without the car rolling back or the driver hauling on the handbrake.
The new 1.5-litre engine gives away a power and torque advantage to the previous model's 1.6 (82kW and 140Nm versus 89kW and 151Nm, respectively), but its 5.8L/100km combined-cycle economy figure marks a reduction of 0.3L/100km. With turbocharging and direct injection, the smaller EcoBoost engine out-performs the 1.5, mustering 92kW and 170Nm.
At $17,825, the manual-equipped Fiesta Trend is priced line-ball with the PowerShift variant of the Fiesta Ambiente. The drivetrains are aligned across Ambiente to Trend, but the mid-range model gains front fog lights and 15x6 alloy wheels. Specifying the PowerShift Trend variant brings the price up to $19,825.
Once it arrives, the Fiesta Sport will go on sale at a price of $20,525 for the manual variant, or $22,525 with the PowerShift transmission. It will come equipped with a body kit and 16x6-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it gains leather inserts for the sports seats, an eight-speaker Sony audio system and a 4.2-inch TFT infotainment screen.
Single-zone climate control, reverse-parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers/auto headlights, an alarm and keyless entry/start all form a Sport Executive Pack option – available with the Fiesta Sport and setting buyers back $1000.
“Customers want cars that are expressive and fun while offering great fuel economy,” said Katic. “Fiesta delivers all the excitement drivers are looking for in a car we believe will raise the bar even higher for small cars in Australia.
“Our goal with this Fiesta was to take a car that already offered great fuel efficiency, performance, connectivity and personality, and make it even better for our customers.”
Prices for WZ Fiesta
Fiesta Ambiente 1.5 manual - $15,825
Fiesta Ambiente 1.5 PowerShift - $17,825
Fiesta Trend 1.5 manual - $17,825
Fiesta Trend 1.5 PowerShift - $19,825
Fiesta Sport 1.0 manual - $20,525
Fiesta Sport 1.0 PowerShift - $22,525
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Share this article
Written byCarsales Staff
See all articlesOur team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todaySell your car with Instant Offer™
Like trade-in but price is regularly higher
1. Get a free Instant Offer™ online in minutes2. An official local dealer will inspect your car3. Finalise the details and get paid the next business day
Get a free Instant Offer
Looking for a first car?Get the latest advice and reviews on first car that's right for you.
Explore the First Car Hub
Related articles
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Scan to download the carsales app
Want more info? Here’s our app landing page
App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo
are trademarks of Google LLC.