Ford Fiesta test drive
Posted May 9th, 2009 by peterRecently, Peter was offered the opportunity to test drive a new Ford Fiesta by MS Ford Nelson (one of our clients). A required trip to Blenheim for an appointment was the ideal opportunity to take advantage of Alan Kirby’s generous offer. This is Peters thoughts on the new Ford Fiesta.
Its not often I get the chance to drive a new car. The last one I bought was in 1994 (a Corona), and I am not in the market for a new one. I am generally happy to drive the 4×4 Pajero on off road trips and and Helens Mitzi Mirage. So a trip to Blenheim for an appointment and to call in on our Marlborough clients in a new car was welcome.
We left MS Ford after 10 minutes of instructions from Alan on how to get my cell phone working with the fancy bluetooth stuff that made calls to and from my cell phone hands free. Quite an awesome device. Loved the toys – radio was fantastic, the only thing I thought I could do with that was not there was a GPS. Apparently the vehicle I was in was the standard model, and a GPS can be fitted for extra.
So over the Wangamoa’s we went. The vehicle was a 1.4l automatic, and whilst one could not compare it with a gutsy v8, it certainly peformed admirably going over the hill, being quite peppy. I particularly liked the ability to shift the gearbox into manual going up the hill, and I felt like I could actually drive the car rather than it drive me, like many automatics. It was very easy to see what gear you were in to, being shown very clearly above the speedo. On the flat I had to concentrate and watch my right foot as it could easily get over the speed limit without any effort.
First stop was Havelock, where I called into see a client (guess who) then on to Blenheim, had my appointment, called into see our Blenheim clients, and home to Nelson again.
From a perspective of getting into a car that I was not familiar with, I found everything easy to find and adjust as necessary. The one exception was the side rear vision mirrors. Like most blokes, I dont read manuals unless I absolutely have too, but in this case I had to open the book to see how they are adjusted.
Overall I was pretty impressed with the new Ford Fiesta. I would describe the handling as precise and the performance as more than adequate for a small car. It was roomy, had lots of “bells and whistles” for the basic unit – but would I buy one?
The answer to that would have to be yes if I was in the market for a new car this size.
The Facts:
Fiesta Zetec Automatic
RRP. $25,990
1.4L Duratec engine
4 speed automatic
Fuel Economy & Emissions
* Combined fuel economy – 6.5 L/100kms
* CO2 emissions – 154 g/km
Safety & Security
* 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating
* Airbags – Driver & front passenger
* Airbag – Driver’s knee
* Airbags – Front side head & thorax
Performance
* Power – 71kW @ 5,750rpm
* Torque – 128Nm @ 4,200rpm
* Transmission – 4 speed automatic
Exterior Features
* 16″ alloy wheels with 195/45 R16 V tyres
* Mirrors – Body colour, power & heated with side indicators
* Headlights – Follow-me-home
* Spoiler – Rear sports
Interior Features
* Air conditioning
* Audio – 3.5mm auxiliary port
* Audio – USB auxiliary port
* Bluetooth® mobile phone integration with voice control
* Cruise control – Steering wheel mounted
* Seats – Rear 60:40 split
* Steering wheel – Leather wrapped
* Windows – Power front & rear
Tags: ford fiesta
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