Ford Fiesta Classic

How is the design?

The new dynamic appearance of the Ford Fiesta Classic perfectly combines power and style. It has a distinctive overall design because of its strong side panels, athletic wheel forms, and prominent grille. It has a sporty yet elegant appearance with 15-inch sporty alloy wheels, and deftly designed crystal headlamps and tail lamps. The Ford Fiesta Classic is bigger than other cars in terms of size. It measures 4282 millimeters in length, 1686 millimeters in breadth, and 1468 millimeters in height, with a 4.9-meter-long spinning radius.

The Fiesta Classic has a design that may feel a little dated today, although it has its own charm. The core aspect is that the design is quite unconventional by all standards as Ford is known to ensure and that has kept the sedan firmly in the spotlight amongst those who appreciate quality aesthetics above all else.

Numerous dynamic design features come together in the car’s rear, including the section of the rear glass, the low roofline that sweeps into the little spoiler, the distinctive license plate logo, etc. The contour of the bumper is enhanced by an integrated, dark gray lower diffuser insert, which also contributes to the Fiesta’s athletic posture.

How does it perform?

The Ford Fiesta Classic has two engines, namely the 1.4 Duratec TDCi diesel, and the 1.6 Duratec petrol. The 1.6-liter Duratec petrol engine develops 101 BHP at 6500 rpm and 146 Nm of torque at 3400 rpm. There’s no low-end grunt, but the mids and highs are enough to keep you hooked. Power transfer is smooth and the gear ratios are good for city riding. This engine does not feel any lack of power, and it comfortably accelerates from 0 to 100 in 11.5 seconds. This is decent for a car in this segment by all means. The 1.4 litre Duratorq diesel engine makes 68 BHP at 4000 RPM and 160 Nm of maximum torque at 2000 RPM. It offers oodles of torque at the lower end, and this makes the engine a treat to drive by all means. Power figures may appear smaller initially, however, the engine does not feel underpowered by all means. You will find the engine to be a tad noisy although crossing the 2000 RPM mark is all that you need to do. The diesel engine is a better option for gaining more fuel economy, although the petrol engine may feel more refined.

How is the mileage?

The Ford Fiesta Classic offers good mileage overall from its diesel engine. You can anticipate anywhere around 15-16 kmpl from this engine. It offers more frugality and lower running costs, especially if you have to travel frequently on the highways. At the same time, if you look at the petrol engine, then you can expect average mileage of 11-12 kmpl at the most. This is good for the city and will not give you as much savings on the highway. Hence, you should keep these aspects in mind.

How is the driving experience?

The Fiesta Classic has long been a well-liked midsize sedan on the market. Ford decided to downsize it a bit and place it in the entry-level sedan segment because it was getting on in years and the All-New Global Fiesta was about to hit the Indian market. This segment is highly competitive, and since the Ikon had long retired, Ford had no rival in this segment. Although they weren't offered, audio controls on the steering would have been nice.

The Fiesta has been an excellent handler from the start and is used extensively in rallies. The Fiesta Classic is no exception, and Ford has kept its driving dynamics perfectly intact. Even at high speeds, it responds to quick turns and rarely disappoints. Take it to the track and you’ll be amazed at how it handles. Sharp corners are sure to be a favorite. Sharp handling with excellent steering feedback makes it a pure driver’s car.. Although it takes some getting used to, the gearshift is smooth and the throws are short, making for a comfortable driving experience.

The Fiesta has enough ground clearance to easily navigate most speed bumps. The best tires for the job are 175/65/14. Even at high speeds, it cruises over the potholes without transmitting anything into the cabin; imperfections that can put it out of breath are rare in nature. The Ford Classic has excellent handling at high speeds. It takes a little getting used to, but the shifts are smooth, the throws are short, and it offers a comfortable driving experience. You will generally appreciate its driving manners on the highway. Ride comfort is also decent, with its sorted suspension system. On the whole, the Ford Fiesta Classic continues to be a driver’s car. It scores full marks in the ride and handling department.

What is the interior like?

Even passengers who are six feet tall may spread out and unwind in the Ford Fiesta Classic's roomy interior. The driver's seat has a height adjustment option, making the front seats comfy. Legroom is limited in the back seats, and even the thigh support is not the best. The interiors feel dated today although they are clean and well-organized. The interiors come with an audio unit with similar knobs as the Ford Figo. At the same time, there is a three-spoke steering wheel which is also sourced from the Ford Figo. This has helped Ford keep costs lower due to the higher localization levels. However, the quality of plastics is not always as one would expect in a premium sedan.

The AC works nicely though and the audio controls on the steering are a big miss, along with the electrically adjustable mirrors. The front seat for the passenger is decently comfortable as well. The second row could well be suitable for children, since legroom, as mentioned above, is a little on the lower side. However, the overall feeling of comfort is not bad; one just needs to know that this is better off as a driver’s car and hence the emphasis is not as much on the interiors as on the backseat.

Tech and infotainment?

Tech and innovation is very important part for an automobile industry. It helps to make an improvement on the car and accessories required for consumers. The Fiesta Classic has some basic features. This car also provides a solid power steering type where there is a tilt steering column. Moreover, the steering gear type is rack and pinion and along with that there are front power windows. The air conditioning system is also available so that it controls the inbuilt temperature.

Here, the wheel covers are also provided. This car incorporated strong innovations on the front and rear brake. Here, the front brake type refers to the ventilated disc while the rear brake refers to the self adjusting drum. Apart from that, the earlier versions are basic, with music systems coming from the Ford Figo. The new advanced infotainment system came out in 2017 which includes an analog radio with USB input, AUX input, speakers and voice controls, CD player, Bluetooth Connectivity, Steering - mounted controls and many other features.

Safety equipment

Anti Lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and dual front airbags are included as standard equipment. The Zetec comes standard with side airbags (with chest and head protection), a driver knee airbag, and ESC, whereas other 3-door models can choose these features. Both front seats have smart seat belt reminders installed. The front seat belts have pretensioners installed. The center rear seat is equipped with a three-point seat belt. This offers superior safety when compared to a two-point (lap) seat belt. It rarely lets you down, even at high speeds, and responds quickly to direction changes.

Which variants to buy?

The Ford Classic was notorious for high parts costs, but over the years Ford has slashed parts costs significantly. It can be stated that the Fiesta Classic was mainly available in 6 different variants with different price tags. Among all of them, the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Duratec Titanium ranks at the top.
This 1.6-liter Duratec petrol engine develops 101 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 146 Nm of torque at 3400 rpm.

This variant also offers good mileage and has a refined petrol engine.
Along with the decent mileage, it also provides an anti lock braking system and power steering. It has a 5-speed manual gearbox coupled to the engine, which is impressive on the road. The main highlight here is the front and rear fog lights, along with the passenger and driver air bags. In addition, you also get other basic features like the air conditioner. This is the variant that you should buy if you are seeking the best mix of performance and refinement. You can consider the diesel model if fuel economy is what you are more focused on.

Which cars compete in the segment?

The Ford Fiesta Classic competes with the Hyundai Fluidic Verna, Maruti Suzuki SX4, Honda City and others in the midsized sedan category.

With their experimental interiors and use of global design influences, the Ford Fiesta and Verna are comparable in several aspects. However, the Verna qualifies as a superior city car thanks to its smooth steering and comfort-focused suspension. In contrast, the Fiesta continues to be the enthusiast's pick out of the two due to the greater steering feel and a superb balance between ride quality and handling. The Verna has four engine options compared to the Fiesta's two, which offers it a wider range and gives the Korean an advantage. For buyers who have faith in the Maruti brand, the SX4 continues to be the vehicle of choice.

It occupies a unique position in the sedan segment. With a distinctively muscular design and appeal, it is a competent product. The VGT-DDiS diesel engine has been added to the SX4's list of available drivetrains, and the diesel version of the SX4 is a surprisingly usable and enjoyable vehicle to drive. It lacks a firm steering feel in comparison to the Fiesta, and its appearance is starting to age somewhat. Though it has a plusher ride, it might be difficult to drive quickly because of the vehicle's large amount of body roll in corners. Contrarily, the Fiesta will cruise through the majority of turns and bumps with ease.

The Honda City is also a plusher and better sedan than the Ford Fiesta Classic. Both the Hyundai Verna and City are more feature-equipped, luxurious, and better options than the Ford Fiesta Classic. They have always been around, while the Fiesta Classic has been unable to replicate the same staying power. The SX4 has also given way to the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz which is another competent offering in this midsized sedan category. The Fiesta Classic, however, may work out well for a true driving enthusiast who wants a classic Ford engine and those gorgeous looks.

Verdict (value for money?)

It is an important factor for a buyer to have good quality features and reasonable prices. The Ford Fiesta Classic ensures the same for customers. You get good mileage between 11-12 kmpl for the petrol and around 15-16 kmpl for the diesel version. You also get good driving and riding manners, along with reasonable interior comfort, although the backseat could have been roomier and better. The front seats are comfortable, it has some basic equipment (more features would always have been welcome, since it does feel dated in this department), and the design still manages to look charming on the road.

You do get quite a few variants to choose from and also, the pricing part is reasonable. At the same time, the safety quotient of the sedan is good enough .Taking all these aspects into consideration, the Ford Fiesta Classic is still a value for money product. However, if you compare it with new-age midsized sedans of today like the latest Honda City, Hyundai Verna, or Maruti Suzuki Ciaz models, then you may want to opt for the latter, albeit by paying a higher price. All in all, this is a good car for those passionate about driving and still pulls a few punches deftly.