More doors and more diesel power for funky Fiesta

Joining the fuel-sipping ECOnetic model, Ford's second diesel-powered Fiesta enters the popular small car range from Q4 this year along with a four-door sedan offering and an all-new six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Loading even more value into the WT Fiesta line-up, the enhancements see a fuel efficient 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine available on Fiesta LX sedan and hatch and Fiesta Zetec hatch, the latter available from Q1 next year.

Ford's DV6 (diesel) engine -- which is mated exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission -- delivers a meaty 200Nm of torque while at the same time returning hybrid-like fuel economy, the combined tally just 4.4L/100km (ADR81/02).

The Fiesta ECOnetic, based on the entry-level Fiesta CL, remains as Australia's most fuel-efficient vehicle at 3.7L/100km (ADR81/02).

Of course, the Fiesta is still available with a petrol-powered Ti-VCT 1.6-litre unit and manual transmission offering 89kW/151Nm while for the first time, Ford's new Powershift six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will also be available. The petrol variant will return 6.1L/100km (combined, ADR81/02) coupled to this transmission.

Previously, automatic Fiestas were offered only with a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

In another Fiesta first, a sedan variant will be offered before the year's out (Q4) bringing an impressive 430-litres of cargo capacity to the small car range.

Available in two model variants: the entry-level CL and mid-spec LX, Fiesta sedan shares safety features familiar to Fiesta hatch models, including stability control (now standard on all WT Fiesta models), anti-lock brakes, emergency brake assist, traction control and up to seven airbags. Stability control will be mandatory for all new passenger cars sold in Victoria -- and therefore the rest of the country -- come January next year.

Fiesta CL models now also score Bluetooth connectivity, voice control and auxiliary audio inputs while on the outside, colour-coded bumpers are added.

Further up the range, the sporty Fiesta Zetec (available from Q1 next year) receives revised sports suspension with specially tuned front struts, bushings, shock absorbers and stabiliser bars. Front seat passengers will also enjoy new sports seats. A new honeycomb grille, sports front bar and alloy wheels round out the exterior changes.

The revised Fiesta range will also receive the obligatory paint colour and upholstery palette adjustment with nine body colours and three interior trims now available.  New wheel designs are also included across the range.

Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

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