I brought Ford Fiesta 1.4 ZXi(TDCi – Diesel) during Diwali(Nov 2007). It’s been around 4 months and have clocked 8, 000 KM till now. Thought it is a good time to review.
Selection of the Car:
This is my first Car in India(I did own a Renault 2.0 Laguna, Rover 414 while working abroad in UK). My priorities were that I wanted a decent sized car with good mileage and driving comfort. Power was not my priority as it is not at all required on Hyderabad Roads.
I did a test drive of Honda City, Verna, Fusion, Indigo and Fiesta. I liked Fiesta because of the smooth drive, driving control and the promised Mileage. Verna for some reason did not appear that roomy as the stats say.
*My Experience with the Car:
Bad things first
Ground Clearance: Considering our roads, Ford should either put taller wheels or do something else to increase the ground clearance. Though we also have to blame the government of India for not regulating the size of speed breakers( I bet only Trucks will be able to go over these speed breakers). Though it did not cause any issue, still I would like to avoid “thumps” at the bottom of the Car when we go through uneven roads or mountain high Speed breakers
A/C Vents: **Though the A/C itself is powerful, the placement of vents especially the bottom ones should be adjusted. I cannot feel the A/C on my feet(when I am driving) unless I engage the pedals(The vent is too deep in there J)
Airbags:** Not sure how effective the airbags will be, but still Ford should include them considering the safety of their customers. These things just give us a bit more comfort that we are driving a safe car.
Interiors**: I would have been more happy if the dashboard had a clock and the lighter/charger slow is placed somewhere more accessible. It’s too deep!
*Now Coming to Good things
Maintenance: **I have driven 8K and have not spent anything else on the Car
Mileage: Driving in Hyderabad City I get around 18-19KMPL(I should also admit that I am not a saint, so I drive soberly / erratically depending on the road/fellow drivers – The mileage is average of combination of both).
Maneuverability: I should say this is top class; the car picks up your steering movements accurately. Whether you are driving at top speeds at 100+ or cornering at 60+ you will have the confidence that the car can take it with ease.
Engine Performance: The 1.4 liter Diesel is a nimble/silent engine. Though you might not get that “vroooom” feeling but the car will not let you down anytime. Once the turbo-charged kicks in(I think around 1500+ RPM) you can feel the power. I did drive through some of hilly localities around Hyderabad – it could handle all of them without any problem. When you drive the car at around 60/70 KMPH, you will really enjoy how siltenly the car carries.
A/C: AC is quite powerful and have never observed any drag on the engine when I use the AC.
Gear Box: Gear Shift is always smooth and firm. Definite plus point as there is no “nudgy” feeling – it always goes to the block you want to put the gear in.
Interiors: The interiors are good and definitely you will not feel it is cheap plastic(as I saw in Tata Indigo). The controls are neatly placed and are easily accessible(except the one I mentioned in the bad things).
I am quite happy with the car and would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a priority(in the order) Mileage, Control, looks and comfort.
Power wise, it will definitely have the initial lag but will not let you down on a longer stretch of the road.
Cheers.