Ford is setting its sights high in the coming year, getting ready to unleash a raft of new vehicles that offer head-turning style, fuel-efficient engines and smart technologies.
The new Fiesta, Transit and Tourneo, Fiesta ST, Kuga and EcoSport, will make their way into showrooms across the country in 2013. These global vehicles all share Ford’s superior levels of quality, safety, technology and fuel economy.
“It’s going to be an exciting year for us with an exciting variety of models being introduced locally,” said Ford Marketing Manager, Gavin Golightly. “From driving enthusiasts to young families and small business owners, we have something for everyone. We’ve also gone further to provide an enjoyable driving experience, be it with driver assistance technologies or smart in-car features.”
One smart feature common across all these vehicles is the award-winning Ford SYNC™. The hands-free in-car connectivity system enables drivers to make calls or select music from devices connected via Bluetooth® or USB, while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road throughout.
New Fiesta
Ford’s new Fiesta is set to make its debut in the coming weeks sporting bold new styling, a number of feature enhancements and the introduction of the International Engine of the Year, as awarded by Engine Technology International magazine, the 1.0L EcoBoost engine.
This landmark engine, already selected for both the Popular Mechanics 2012 Breakthrough Award and Engine Technology International’s International Engine of the Year Award in Europe, delivers 4.3l/100km* on a combined cycle route - a clear indication of Ford’s commitment to providing consumers with fuel-efficient vehicles.
While the relatively small size of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost ensures its efficiency, it offers performance to rival much larger displacement engines. With 92kW and 170Nm on offer the 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivers more power for its size than even some premium cars.
Transit and Tourneo
With their dynamic styling, car-like interior design and driving dynamics, smart technologies and outstanding fuel economy, the Transit and its people-mover version the Tourneo bring new levels of style and function to the one-tonne commercial vehicle market in South Africa.
The bold design on both models echo the kinetic design language found in Ford’s passenger cars while the modern, driver-focused cockpit combines style and smart stowage solutions. The fuel-efficient 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine is available in both vehicles.
The Tourneo seats up to eight passengers and provides generous space for people and luggage. The rear seats are a completely new design that can be easily folded into multiple configurations and removed in segments or completely, delivering exceptional versatility.
All-new Fiesta ST
Sporting the turbo-charged 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, the all-new Fiesta ST serves up impressive numbers: 132kW of power, 240Nm of torque, 0-100km/h in under seven seconds, and top speed of more than 220km/h. At the same time, the EcoBoost technology delivers a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared with the previous Fiesta ST.
Developed by Ford’s Team RS, the new model improves on ride and handling with a specially tuned chassis that sits 15mm lower than the standard Fiesta; Ford’s enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system; and three Electronic Stability Program modes. These technologies were tested over 5000 kilometers of driving on Germany’s famed Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The high-contrast interior features unprecedented levels of equipment and specification to suit the sporting driver, with standard Recaro sports seats appearing in a Fiesta ST for the first time. The new bold and dynamic exterior design drives home the high performance message and features the latest Ford design signatures including a large trapezoidal grille.
All-new Kuga
The all-new Kuga not only combines striking design and functionality with a rewarding driving experience, but it also introduces innovations such as the hands-free automatic tailgate which can be opened and closed simply by sweeping a foot under the rear bumper.
A range of driver assistance technologies including the parallel parking aid Active Park Assist** and sensor-based Blind Spot Information System** will also be available. The smart Kuga AWD system also pre-emptively reassesses conditions 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the AWD power split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction.
There will be two powertrain choices: Ford’s popular 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine or the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.
All-new EcoSport
Based on Ford’s global B-segment platform and developed in South America, the all-new EcoSport combines small car practicality with the flexibility, spaciousness, agility and style of a sports utility.
The compact, rugged and fuel efficient sports utility will be equipped with Ford’s latest EcoBoost engine – the 1.0-litre three-cylinder which was recently voted the 2012 “International Engine of the Year”.
The distinctive and aerodynamic EcoSport features a large front grille; slim, detailed headlights; and cladding on the side sills and bumpers. EcoSport will also offer a comprehensive package of driver assistance technologies including anti-lock brake system, Electronic Stability Program, and Hill Launch Assist.
STORY BY FORD
