Pricing and specification revealed for Ford's pint-sized Fiesta

Ford's light car entrant, the Fiesta, is the star of the local manufacturer's stand at the Australian International Motor Show today.

The team from Broadmeadows has revealed that when it goes on sale early next year, the 'Kinetic Design' Fiesta will be priced from $15,750 for the entry-level CL variant -- slightly under the current car's base price of $15,990, as we predicted in our earlier report on the Fiesta (more here).

For that price, buyers will get the 1.6-litre engine and five-speed manual transmission in a three-door body. Coupled to a 1.4-litre engine, the four-speed automatic transmission option costs a further $1500 ($17,250).

Buyers preferring the five-door version will need to find $16,490 for the 1.6 manual or $17,990 for the automatic.

Squeezing in between the base-grade Fiesta CL and the range-topping Fiesta Zetec is the Fiesta LX -- available in five-door bodystyle only and priced at $18,490 for the 1.6 manual or $19,990 for the automatic variant.

As for the Fiesta CL, the Fiesta Zetec is sold in both three and five-door styles, but the three-door Fiesta Zetec is manual-only. Pricing starts at $20,250 for the three-door, rising to $20,990 for the five-door manual and $22,490 for the five-door auto.

The 1.6-litre engine develops 88kW of power at 6000rpm and 152Nm of torque at 4050rpm. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 6.1L/100km and CO2 emissions total 143g/km. In contrast, the auto-coupled 1.4-litre engine produces 71kW of power at 5750rpm and 128Nm of torque at 4200rpm. The smaller engine consumes 6.9L/100km of fuel and emits 164g/km of CO2.

All variants are fitted as standard with ABS, EBD and dual front airbags. A knee airbag is standard for the Fiesta Zetec. Ford provides buyers with the $1000 option of a safety pack for the CL and LX grades. This comprises front-seat side-impact airbags, the driver's knee airbag, stability control, traction control and Emergency Brake Assist.

The Fiesta CL rides on 15-inch steel wheels, with the Fiesta LX upgrading to 15-inch alloys and the Zetec inching up another size to 16-inch alloys. In addition, the Fiesta flagship can be identified by a body kit comprising unique bumpers, grille and a larger rear spoiler. The three-door Fiesta Zetec also comes equipped with sports rocker panel mouldings.

Features fitted as standard to the LX and Zetec models include: Voice Control, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, leather-bound steering wheel and a 3.5mm jack for the audio system.

Over the LX specification, the Fiesta Zetec also gains an MP3-compatible audio system with a USB connection.

Prestige paint is the only ex-factory option, other than the safety pack, and is priced at $320. Ford offers the Fiesta with a range of 11 colours.

"The all-new Fiesta will be the hottest property in the light car segment," said newly-appointed Ford Australia President, Marin Burela.

"The new model shows an exciting interpretation of kinetic design, with an energetic, sophisticated and distinctive exterior and a refreshingly different interior design," he concluded.

As well as the new Fiesta, Ford is presenting the limited edition Territory SR2 and the FG Falcon V8 Supercar.

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