Fiesta to debut Ford’s three-pot EcoBoost in Oz

FORD has revealed its facelifted Fiesta light car, which will become the company’s first product in Australia to feature its acclaimed three-cylinder EcoBoost turbo-petrol engine when it arrives here next year.

The Fiesta’s revised exterior styling brings it into line with the new Aston Martin-style corporate face that echoes the next-generation Mondeo mid-sizer. As well, its interior has received technology and ergonomic improvements.

Part of the new technology package includes Ford’s SYNC connectivity system, which enables voice activation of phones and music players connected via Bluetooth or USB and can automatically contact the emergency services after an accident.

A boon for parents of P-platers is MyKey, which enables the Fiesta’s keys to be programmed to limit its maximum speed and audio volume, disable the sound system until the seatbelts are fastened and prevent safety systems such as electronic stability control from being disabled.

In addition, collision-preventing autonomous braking system will also be offered on the new Fiesta in some markets.

Ford Australia public affairs director Sinead Phipps would not confirm if these technologies would be available here but said we can expect “at least some” of the features rolled out Europe will make it Down Under.

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine – expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy in the Fiesta – is built in 74kW, 88kW and 92kW tune and debuted on the Focus in Europe earlier this year, receiving critical acclaim.

The tiny high-tech unit, which in addition to forced induction features direct injection, precise valve control and an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, was awarded 2012 International Engine of the Year.

Ford Australia originally expected to introduce the engine here in the new EcoSport mini-SUV, also due to arrive next year, but it will be now beaten to the punch by the Fiesta, which will continue to be sourced from Thailand.

Ford of Europe executive design director Martin Smith said the aim of the Fiesta’s new snout was to “give it a more sophisticated look”.

The gaping trapezoidal grille is flanked by “laser-cut” headlights with LED daytime running lights, which flow into the “power dome” bonnet.

Ford’s reveal of the facelifted Fiesta before its Paris motor show debut is just the first of several unveils anticipated from the company’s “Go Further” product event to be held tomorrow in Amsterdam.

The next-generation Mondeo – which will represent the Australian-delivered car due to go on sale late next year or early 2014 – is also expected to receive an outing at the event along with other new models and technologies the Blue Oval has in development for the European market.