The Ford Fiesta has just celebrated two milestones in the summer of 2011, reaching its 35th birthday with a total of 15 million cars produced worldwide.
Despite turning 35, Ford says the Fiesta is showing no signs of a mid-life crisis, claiming it looks sharper than ever inside and out thanks to a refreshing facelift.
The Ford Fiesta reached the 15 million production landmark this month, including a million of the current model since it debuted 28 months ago.
As Europe’s best-selling small car in 2009 and 2010, and Ford claims is on track to accomplish the same feat in 2011, the Fiesta is one of Ford’s greatest success stories. It appeals to several generations of drivers, which Ford puts down to its attractive styling, practicality, efficiency, and performance.
“The Fiesta is a special car that has a special place in the hearts of European customers and car lovers around the world,” said Roelant de Waard, Ford Europe’s vice president of marketing, sales and service. “It’s a testament to the original Fiesta from 1976 and the engineers who have developed and improved the car through more than three decades that the Fiesta remains one of the world’s most popular cars.
“Times and technologies have changed, but as long as the Fiesta continues to deliver the style, economy, and performance elements that have been present from the very beginning, it will remain an enduring success.”
Facelift keeps it fresh
To keep the Fiesta’s dynamic styling and customer appeal as fresh as ever, Ford is introducing a number of exterior and interior styling changes, including a new exterior colour called 'Fashionista'.
Ford says digital audio broadcasting radios, enabling drivers to tune into a larger range of stations with better sound quality (where present ), are being introduced alongside Sony audio systems, both equipped with the signal-improving diversity antenna.
From the Fiesta Style upwards Ford tells us the range now has carpet-backed rear seats and a map pocket on the rear of the driver’s seat. The enhanced Fiesta also adds fog lamps with chrome surrounds and unique wheel trims for the exterior.
Inside, new bright silver applications for the air vents and door levers create a striking contrast with a new dark grey interior package. A full leather soft-touch steering wheel, trip computer, and attractive new seat trim are also being added.
The range-topping Fiesta Titanium boasts further upgrades, including a new chrome strip for the upper front grille, exciting new 15-inch alloy wheels, and a woven headliner. New partial leather seats are also available as an option.
“These upgrades ensure the Fiesta continues to put its best foot forward in terms of style, equipment, and comfort, just as it has done for the past 35 years,” said de Waard.
Thirty-five years, six generations, and 15 million cars after its debut, Ford says the Fiesta continues to offer practicality, style, and efficiency to car buyers of all ages
