The mid-size C2 sedan segment is for more matured customers and has always been doing pretty well in the country. The older-Gen Honda Citys ruled the roost when India did not turn diesel-crazy.
Verna overtook City and was enjoying the numero uno position but with Honda striking back with a diesel engine on the new City, things have been leveled.
However, apart from these two nemesis, we have many other cars which have made a new or a re-introduced entry in this segment to break some ice. The latest entrant is Ford’s new Fiesta which, possibly is the best looker till now.
So, the question is – Is the new 2014 Fiesta worth its salt? Let’s find out in terms of specs:
2014 Fiesta vs City vs Verna: Comparo
| Specification | 2014 Ford Fiesta | New Honda City | Hyundai Verna |
| Engine | 4 cylinder, 8V SOHC, 1.5L TDCi | 4 cylinder, 16 valves DOHC, 1.5L iDTEC | 1.4 CRDi/ 1.6 CRDi |
| Max. Power | 91PS | 100PS | 90PS/128.08PS |
| Peak Torque | 204Nm | 200Nm | 220Nm/259.9Nm |
| L×B×H (in mm) | 4320×1764×1486 | 4440×1695×1495 | 4370×1700×1475 |
| Wheelbase | 2489mm | 2600mm | 2570mm |
| Turning Radius | 5.2m | 5.3m | 5.2m |
| Fuel Tank | 40L | 40L | 43L |
| Boot Space | 430L | 510L | 465L |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual | 6 speed manual | 6 speed manual, 4 speed automatic |
| Wheel Size | 195/60 R15 | 175/65 R15 | 185/65 R15, 195/55 R16 |
| Airbags | All variants | All variants | Not in base variant |
| ABS | All variants | All variants | Not in base variant |
| Fuel Efficiency | 25.01kmpl | 26kmpl | 23.5kmpl (for the 1.4L) |
| Price range (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 7.69 lakhs to Rs 9.29 lakhs | Rs 8.37 lakhs to Rs 10.99 lakhs | Rs 8.36 lakhs to Rs 11.52 lakhs |
Quite clearly, the engine is no belter and is just about average in the competition and is the only car here which gets a 5-speed transmission. New Fiesta is a smaller car than its competition with a smaller length and wheelbase. This will also possibly mean lesser interior space. It also has the lowest boot space at 430 liters.
Ford has been generous enough to lend the new Fiesta with meatier 195mm 15 inch tyres along with airbags and ABS standard on all the variants. What Ford has also done is improve the fuel efficiency of the car and at 25.01kmpl, it is now second only to the new City in this segment.
Till now, everything appears to be just about average and nothing really outstanding but till you read the next lines.
Ford has learnt from its mistakes big time. The new 2014 Fiesta comes at fantastic price points with its range starting from 7.69 Lakhs to 9.29 Lakhs for the top Titanium trim. This undercuts both the City and Verna by a fairly huge margin.
The entry variant of Fiesta is about Rs 70,000 cheaper than both City EMT & Verna’s 1.4 CRDi. On the other hand, Fiesta Titanium is about a whooping 1.7 Lakhs cheaper than City VXMT and 2.23 Lakhs cheaper than Verna 1.6 SX(O).
In terms of features, new Fiesta doesn’t appear to be lacking a lot. It is fairly decently equipped variant to variant. So will you prefer New Ford Fiesta over the new City or the Verna?
Dunno if fiesta will sell in huge numbers. Its mainly driver oriented car rather than a family sedan and ford is also promoting it as one .Very few takers in that space as people only complain about lack of fun to drive cars and don’t buy them when they have a chance. Maybe pricing will entice a few more this time around
I loved the new fiesta was about to book the Honda City, but once i drove the new fiesta i was impressed with the quality of drive and the quality of interiors, will book it this week. Just loved it true value for money..Akshat