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Monday, November 17, 2008
These are the first official pictures of the all-new Ford Fiesta sedan that made its global premiere today at China's Guangzhou Auto Show. The four-door Fiesta sedan is essentially the production version of the Verve Concept that was introduced at the same show in 2007 and according to Ford, it will be built at the company's new manufacturing facility in Nanjing with sales in China scheduled to begin in early 2009. FoMoCo said that additional variations of the Fiesta sedan will be available across Asia and North America starting from 2010 with production coming from the company's plants in Thailand and Mexico respectively. The four-sedan will not be sold in Europe.
Ford would like us to believe that the Fiesta Sedan retains the 'emotional appeal' of its five-door sibling and that it features a "new interpretation of the firm's kinetic design language". We find it a bit hard to agree on either - unless emotional means disturbing and kinetic translates to a shape that was conceived by inserting a large vacuum-cleaner behind a Fiesta hatch.
"We set out to design a truly exciting, desirable small car that exceeds all expectations. Today, we are keeping our promise that was made with the Verve Concept notchback last year," said Chelsia Lau, chief designer of China/ASEAN Programs, Ford Motor Company.
"Launching the all-new Fiesta sedan to the world in China signals the importance of China and the Asian region in Ford's global strategy, " said John Parker, executive vice president, Asia Pacific and Africa, Ford Motor Company. "This is a sophisticated small car. Design combines with advanced technology to deliver very high levels of refinement, safety and class-leading fuel efficiency. This new Fiesta proves Ford's leadership in small car design and development. "
Ford has yet to reveal any technical details on the Fiesta sedan, but expect to see the same powertrain options as with the hatchback version.
