Ford Fiesta rolls on

Things really do seem to be happening fast for the much-vaunted Ford Fiesta since its national launch only a couple of days ago. Observe, if you will, this sequence of developments that have since unfolded:

• Ford launches the Fiesta amidst much excitement and anticipation. The sedan has been in the news for being their 'global car' launch for developing markets, and India is admittedly one that is very high on their priority. The Fiesta is being seen as pitted against such deserving rivals on Indian roads as the Honda City, the Hyundai Accent, the Maruti Baleno and Esteem and the Chevrolet Optra. From what I've seen of the car so far, it seems like it's more than just your regular sedan and I tend to agree that it would be unfair to pit it against the more entry-level sedan options like the Ikon and the Esteem. The ones that should be worrying are the likes of the Honda City.  Moving on, retail sales are expected to kick in by mid-December with expectations of about 2000 units of the car going off the shelves every month. With sales of the Ikon dipping over the past few months and the Fusion failing to set the market afire, the Fiesta probably couldn't have come at a better time for Ford.
• They then proceed to knock almost everyone off their feet with the price announcements - the base (1.4 litre) petrol version can be yours for a little over 5 and half lakh rupees. That's not much higher than the base version of the Ford warhorse, the Ikon and definitely cheaper than their recently-launched super-hatch, the Fusion. A case of cannibalism? No, say Ford.
• They get current Bollywood wunderkind Abhishek Bachchan to 'Go Fida' over the Fiesta.
• And now, the announcement that the sticker tag on the Fiesta will go up by about Rs. 25000 more in the months to come as the prices being touted right now are only introductory prices.

Well, Ford's never been one to take new launches lightly, so methinks there's going to be plenty to hear from them in the days to come.

Now you know: In the market for a new car and with a budget of between Rs. 5 and 6 lakhs, you'd currently have about 30 options to choose from.

Comments

[Rahul]

Ford Motors always something good under the hood of the cars. The 2009 Ford Fiesta is more powerful than its predecessors. It can match the best luxury cars with some great technology.

Rahul

Indian Car Advisor (Carazoo.com)

[rahul]

The new Ford Fiesta is a very good car. Its majestic looks put the other sedans surrounding, immediately to the second grade category. Ford is really offering some very good cars.
Rahul

Indian Car Advisor (Carazoo.com)

[rahul]

The Ford Fiesta is a ravishing car with striking good looks.

The styling is European and than fares well for India.

A new Ford Ikon is likely to replace the current one in 2009-10. Anyway Ford is years ahead of other cars like Accent and Baleno. I think Honda City will compete with Ford Ikon rather than higher cars. Ford is actually creating a image for itself with the Fiesta.

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[Anant]

You are right Arun.

I too am waiting for these two cars to hit the road (fiesta and the new city) before I take the decision.

Baleno, I have always believed is a very good car - you get automatic climate control for the same price. but i dont know why maruti has not been able to sell this model.

should we expect some disocunts in late Dec.

[Arun]

I think Esteem is in a lower league than Fiesta and so is Ikon. Fusion is a different vehicle altogether and anywhere Ford is not selling much. But yer, Fiesta and Fusion have similar pricing.

And Baleno and Accent are cars that don't seem to have much of a future unless they make major upgrades/changes.

So Ford actually is making a good room for itself in a market with few real competition. The biggest rival would be the Citi.