The All-New Ford Global Fiesta was the first of the eight new products that Ford will be bringing to India by the middle of the decade. As such it is not only a great product but also one that showcases the company’s brand promise of ‘Go Further’ brilliantly. With its offer of first in segment features such as Voice Control and Cruise Control, the vehicle does make a very compelling case for itself as a viable purchase proposition.
The Fiesta though has a few contenders to compete with in the B-segment. One of them is the Volkswagen Vento.
If the Fiesta is backed by the power of the ONE Ford strategy, the Vento brings the best of German engineering to its owners. But how do they compare against each other? The Volkswagen Vento and the All-New Global Ford Fiesta? Read on to find out how one compares to the other. And what better versions to compare than the vehicles’ diesel versions, given the backdrop of the recent unprecedented petrol price hike?
Looks and design:
The All-New Global Ford Fiesta is one of the best looking cars available in the B-segment today, courtesy Ford’s Kinetic design philosophy. Its brand new trapezoidal grille and swept back multi-element headlamps give the car a very contemporary and modern look. It has body colored bumpers with chrome tipped fog lamp housing and the roof swooping over to the back as a single long arc looks fantastic on the car. It bears a proportionate design which is quite stylish and the angled up rear styling brings out the Ford DNA very well indeed. The All-New Fiesta premium mid size sedan also brings excellent build quality to the segment. It is a car that appeals to everyone and has won many hearts.
The Vento too is a good looking car with clean but understated lines. The front end of the Vento is nearly identical to that of the Polo hatchback. With a long wheelbase and low slung stance, the Vento has good road presence too.
Interiors design, space and features:
Get inside the Fiesta and the Ford brand pillars of Quality and Smart come out quite clearly. Not only does it offer a high quality of craftsmanship but also smart and techtastic features that make life easier and safer as well. For instance, the first in segment Voice Control function of the All-New Global Fiesta allows the driver to control functions like setting in-cabin temperature of the electronic climate control or dial numbers by connecting with your phone via Bluetooth. As a result, the driver does not have to take his hands off the steering wheel while performing these basic functions, making the vehicle safer. Then there is the Cruise Control function, which is another first in class offering in the B-segment. The function allows you to cruise the highways at a set speed reducing driver fatigue while increasing fuel economy.
In addition, there are features like the classy looking instrument console with Multi-Information Display (MID) along with speedometer and tachometer readings, electric auto fold ORVMs, multi-way configurable driver seat, steering wheel mounted audio controls for the 6-speaker stereo system that also gets USB connectivity and AUX-IN. The All-New Global Fiesta also gets numerous active safety features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and ESP even as the occupants sit cocooned in the safety of the Fiesta’s spacious cabin constructed of high tensile Boron steel. And speaking of space, not only does the All-New Fiesta comfortably accommodate five adults but also has sufficient space for all their luggage, courtesy its 430 litres of boot space.
The Vento too will accommodate five adults comfortably and has a decent sized boot. Like the Fiesta it has dual airbags for the driver and the front passenger, climate control and height adjustable driver’s seat. The Vento also gets a stereo system that is MP3 compatible.
Engine performance, power, torque, fuel economy, smoothness:
The diesel variant of the All-New Global Fiesta uses Ford’s proven 1.5-litre Duratorq TDCi turbocharged common rail engine. It generates a healthy 90 BHP at 3750 RPM and a generous 240 NM of torque at 2000-2750 RPM, which is ample for highway runs and cruising all day long. The engine also boasts very low NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels. With an ARAI rated fuel efficiency of 23.5 kmpl, the All-New Fiesta is one of the most fuel efficient cars in the B-segment. The Vento’s 1.6-litre common rail diesel engine has a slightly higher power rating of 104 BHP at 4400 RPM and marginally more torque at 250 NM. As per ARAI test data, the Vento delivers a significantly lower fuel efficiency of 20.54 kmpl.
Suspension Ride, comfort and handling:
The All-New Global Fiesta boasts the classic Ford DNA and features a first in class intelligent steering technology that is smooth, responsive and effortless. Meanwhile a firm suspension gives it excellent handling characteristics while at the same time offering a superior ride quality. It allows the car to glide over bad roads while on good roads it offers a cushy ride making it super comfortable for the Fiesta’s occupants. Limited body roll on the other hand lends to the vehicle’s stability as it feels planted through corners and bends. The Fiesta, with its offer of ABS and EBD, maintains its composure under hard braking and keeps occupants safe.
The Vento too offers good dynamic abilities but feels a little stiff on Indian roads, courtesy firmer suspension settings. It also has a lower ground clearance compared to the Fiesta’s 156 mm ground clearance.
Value for money sticker price, standard features:
On the whole the All-New Global Ford Fiesta is a great techtastic package that comes loaded with several Smart features. Priced between Rs. 9.13 lakh, ex-showroom, for the base Style variant, and Rs.10.15 lakh, ex-showroom, for the top-of-the-line Titanium+ variant, the All-New Global Ford Fiesta’s diesel variant makes a very compelling case for itself as a purchase proposition as it offers excellent value-for-money. Not to forget Ford’s higher overall sales and service outreach, which currently stands at 230 outlets spread across 123 cities nationwide, makes life with the Fiesta easier.