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Ford India, the indian arm of the Blue Oval as Ford started their innings with the Josh machine ala the Ford Ikon.
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Ford Introduces Special Edition Fiesta 1.6 ZXI

09 Nov 2009

Test Drive Ford Fiesta

Ford India is really taking the effort to raise the competitive quotient of their products in the Indian market. For a company that at one point revamped its entire product line up just to suite India, this isn't really a surprise, however it does end up spelling more goodies for customers. The latest change from Ford is the introduction of the special edition Fiesta 1.6 ZXI.

The special edition Fiesta 1.6 ZXI is an addition to the already growing Fiesta line up which boasts of premium styling and high class leather interiors. The changes in this model apart from the leather seats include medium stone interiors, a premium cubic finish fascia, gearshift and parking brake. Further to this Ford India has added splashes of metallic trim to give the ZXI an up market look and feel.

Though the engine remains the same 1.6 petrol unit, Ford India has heightened the safety levels with the inclusion of ABS and EBD on this new model.

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Speaking about the special edition ZXI Fiesta, Nigel Wark, Executive Director, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford India said, "The Ford Fiesta continues to be one of our bestselling products and registered impressive sales during the festive season. We are building on the success and offering customers with a special edition of the 1.6 ZXI Duratec variant. The stylized features and plush leather interiors with additional safety features make it even more appealing and prove to be great-value premium sedan."

The special edition Ford Fiesta 1.6 ZXI with leather will be available at Ford dealerships across India at an aggressive price of Rs.6,44,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).


User's Comments
  • Manish B (23 December 2009 00:48)
    I hear the Fiesta is due for a re-launch? Is it just a cosmetic change or a full-blown overhaul??Any idea when this is due? No such news on any auto portal so far...there's Figo launch but nothin on Fiesta. Am getting a deal for ZXi (Leather) on-road at 6.8 L...seems a steal! Test drove and felt good about the car....But Ford's infamous ASS is a huge concern!Any insights on how good Bhavna Ford's (Nerul, New Mumbai) ASS record is? | Reply
  • chinmaya (18 November 2009 22:29)
    Nio Ford/GM/Fiat/Tata cars for me. Maruti/Hyundai are the ones for me. | Reply
  • Surjeet  (18 November 2009 15:05)
    I bought Toyota Altis this jan and before deciding on this car i analysed | Reply
  • Surjeet (18 November 2009 14:55)
    I feel GM | Reply
  • Surjeet (18 November 2009 14:37)
    I bought Toyota Altis this jan and before deciding on this car i analysed | Reply
  • Sudhanshu (18 November 2009 12:56)
    I had ikon 1.6 for last 5 years, it was a brilliant car to drive, but the fun stops there. Though i never faced problems on the road with it, but ford doctors were always after my life to replace one part or the other. For my next car i am avoiding Ford and GM altogether | Reply
  • Anuj (10 November 2009 18:43)
    Guys thanks alot for ur words of caution, I was planning to buy FF 1.6 in nxt month, also had SX4 on my list. My boss in mumbai had similar problems with his dealer....but i thought tat wz an exception.Anwz I guess I shld go fo SX4, though this bng my first car.I heard Maruti has a good service record overall and spares being locally manufactured, are not that costly as compared to others. | Reply
 Sangramkp (18 November 2009 21:32) Reply to Anuj
Avoid Ford and GM altogether.. the maintenance of these CARS will break your back.. also u loose on the resale value.. these companies should go bankrupt.. to stop them from looting ppl | Reply
 sijy (11 November 2009 18:10) Reply to Anuj
Ford spares used to expensive earlier, but you would amazed with the reduction in prices of their spares over the last couple of years. They are highly competitive with Maruti and Hyundai on spares parts prices. | Reply
 sijy (11 November 2009 18:11) Reply to sijy
fiesta is definitely a better car to drive than the SX4. If you enjoy driving, SX4 can never feel better than the Fiesta | Reply
 Stark Vasdev (16 November 2009 21:51) Reply to sijy
@sijy... I agree wid u on driving pleasure front.. but at the end of the day wen I compare my problems in Fiesta wid Maruti's hassle free ownership, I really don't find Ford worth the extra pain. Simple. Its service is hopeless and unreliable. What if the parts are inexpensive, they fail equally well. Finally, where do the costs reach?? Painfully high and yes, with unreliability attached. I don't feel comfortable taking my Fiesta on the highways. Even the wheels don't come off easily in the case of a puncture..yes, you read it right.
 Shuhas (11 November 2009 15:04) Reply to Anuj
Grete relay good | Reply
 Manish B (23 December 2009 00:41) Reply to Shuhas
This is some horror story or what?! A friend who owned an Ikon some years back called FORD "Fix Or Repair Daily". I thought he was exxagerating but I guess every user review I see on Ford Fiesta tells me its a good machine but bad company (ASS record). Fiat Linea any good? I kind of not too kicked about SX4 although Maruti's support can't be beaten... | Reply
  • Rajesh P (10 November 2009 17:33)
    Its a great news!!!Ford India must do something to improve the post sales services in Mumbai and around.Everything is fine but it gives an immense pain when even after spending money you don't get the satisfactory level of services. The spares seems to be stolen at service stations!!!This is the impression me and my other few colleagues who own Ford gets..More ever the service advisors always try to befool the customer by giving all false reasons to the problem. | Reply
  • B Ramesh (10 November 2009 16:14)
    I am from Hyderabad. I also find that the service technicians are ill trained and all they want to do is change the oil, coolant etc. When I asked them why the engine was not running smooth, he chnaged all spark pulgs, and the problem continued to exist. Another private mechanic diagnosed the problem as a faulty ignition coil and replaced it and the engine is smooth. Sad part is that the customer is not allowed to be present when diagnosis is done inside the workshop. I regret having bought a Ford despite it being a sturdy car primarily die to poorly trained service technicians. | Reply
 Rajesh (10 November 2009 17:18) Reply to B Ramesh
I agree with you Ramesh. I am also an owner of Ford Fusion Plus which I bought at a premium price of 7.5L. The vehicle is dammn good but I really do not have any faith on the Ford Services..I have tried two dealers in Mumbai but they are not at all Customer friendly. They do not even listen to actual problems..yeaa one more thing not to miss...I feel whenever I gave the vehicle for services or repair of one problem, It get it back with some other requiring costly spare replacement. I feel there is something FISHY going on out there. | Reply
 Stark Vasdev (16 November 2009 21:42) Reply to Rajesh
Rajesh..I agree with you completely...Even I own a Fiesta and facing the same problem. There is somethin fishy.. | Reply
 Darshan Nair (18 November 2009 18:49) Reply to Stark Vasdev
Ford management please look into it, or else you will have an end in India like Premier/Fiat, i do like your car therefore would like to see your end
 Darshan Nair (18 November 2009 18:50) Reply to Stark Vasdev
Ford management please look into it, or else you will have an end in India like Premier/Fiat, i do like your car therefore would not like to see your end
  • Jenaphillippe (10 November 2009 14:56)
    I really feel the pain of all car owners riding themself their car. Many foreign car are available but our technician are not able to handle the specific technologies to repare car. I'ts a pity to see how they dirt the seat covers when servicing a car. I'ts a tragedy to realise how bad technician are tunning engine! | Reply
  • MIHIR N MANIYAR (10 November 2009 14:31)
    I AM PLANNING TO BUY A FORD FIESTA DIESEL. WOULD LIKE TO HAVE FEEDBACK FROM ACTUAL USERS, ESPECIALLY REGARDING AFTER SALES SERVICE.THANKS | Reply
 M Kumar (10 November 2009 15:44) Reply to MIHIR N MANIYAR
Go ahead buying the Fiesta Diesel. Great car, great fuel efficiency and no problem machine and overall vehicle itself. The regular service is also OK at any place as long as it includes replacing the fluids and little bit tuning here and there. However finding a reliable service station may not be entirely easy. If you are living in a place where more than one service stns can be chosen then it is better to have two opinions for replacing any costly parts before following the advice of "ford doctros" blindly. This of course results into unnecessary wastage of time. | Reply
  • Satyawadi harishchandra (10 November 2009 10:22)
    Ford always sells old european versions in india as new cars...may it be Fiesta, Endavour or figo...quality standards also are different for India...Indian poople should not buy a generation old car....Wake up guys.... | Reply
 irfan (10 November 2009 21:03) Reply to Satyawadi harishchandra
I do not know what prevents ford/GM from launching latest model and technology in India, which they have already launched in US,UK, Europe | Reply
  • Vikram (10 November 2009 08:50)
    Ford vehicles should definately be avoided,I own a Ikon for last 4 years and cannot say how much pain and expense the car has given. | Reply
  • Suresh (10 November 2009 08:26)
    another month and another edition from ford!!! pityful and listless models from ford whos cars are very good value for money every where else but india... | Reply
  • Roopen Patel (09 November 2009 23:17)
    Apart from this dealership network and services from ford there are a lot of things to discuss. The way ford is doing in India could be well but for sure ford is not treating the indian car market fairly as they are launching the latest technology to other countries apart from india. Just visit the ford.co.uk or even frod.com for uk and us markets and see the latest fiesta hatch, mondeo,ka (for uk ) or even capri or cougar and you'll know that how the indian fiesta looks dull and deaf. see the technology used in these car and think yourself about the miles ahead ford from indian ford. so instead of being on local things go and think about ford abroad. you'll find the real difference and realize that how ford is doing the backward things to indian market. | Reply
 Cedric Vaz (10 November 2009 11:12) Reply to Roopen Patel
Mr Patel , I work in a dealership in the Middle East for Ford. Now I am on the same platform when it comes to lack of additional technologically advanced add ons for the Ford brand in the Indian Market. However this is the case for most of the Asia-Pacific Region.What you must be made aware of is that every country/region demands options / specifications.Every sector of the industry has marketing strategies set in line for different regions based on economic and technical factors.If Ford has to come off with high end variants for their models , you must note all this would come with a considerably high amount to pay for. In the middle east itself , where fuel consumption is no issue , consumers be it , the locals or expats are all purchasing vehicles based on what price tag it comes for.So please do not go around accusing ford or any company of discriminative nature before shortlisting possible reasons for this trend. | Reply
 Rahul (11 November 2009 08:39) Reply to Cedric Vaz
Well Mr. Cedric Vaz, could you please explain how Honda and Toyota are able to launch their latest versions in India at the same time when it is launched in rest of the world. I love Ford cars but I hate their strategy for India, what does this company think of Indian consumers. Do you think they will be ever able to clinch top 3 position in Indian market share with such strategy. I don't think so. | Reply
 Cedric Vaz (11 November 2009 11:23) Reply to Rahul
Rahul.I do welcome your comments. Like I said , every company has a different strategy. Toyota/Honda Middle east look cheap as compared to the toyota/honda launched in India. People in the middleeast keep wondering why certain variants with optional items are not available for order here.All that said , yes Ford strategy is a bit off track for now but Im sure it's not discriminatory , specially for the prospective Indian Market.
 sambit (18 November 2009 14:56) Reply to Rahul
Dear Rahul,You are right Japanese auto majors are doing wondors in indian car market....But historically Indian consumers are biased towards "Made In Japan" goods...Again companies from Asia Pacific understand Asian market better...Hence,Its high time for Ford ,GM and other European car makers need to take few lessons from their Asian counter parts...
 user (10 November 2009 21:07) Reply to Cedric Vaz
Mr. Cedric, you answer is defensive and not factual. What prevents ford/GM from launching latest model and technology in India, which they have already launched in US,UK, Europe | Reply
 Cedric Vaz (11 November 2009 11:28) Reply to user
I am not being defensive , I dont have to be.There are a lot of factors any automotive company has to consider before introducing it in the market. I had the same opinions earlier myself , but then exposure as to why this/that does not happens seems to justify all your doubts to a considerable extent.
  • sudip raina (09 November 2009 22:30)
    i own a ford fiesta since the last 4 years. i think it is a brilliant drivers car with a great pick up, wonderful gear shift and sharp steering. i have never experienced a problem with servicing and infact it has been a better experience than Toyota which is the other car i own. i think it has become customary to criticise Ford regarding servicing and so called running costs. a lot of bunkum. i am totally satisfied with the ford experience. | Reply
 Rajesh (10 November 2009 17:26) Reply to sudip raina
Hi Sudp,Where are you from? In case Mumbai do let me know which dealer services your car. I love Ford cars but actually bugged up with the way my Fusion is handled and serviced at 2 of Mumbai services centres. everytime I give it for servicing, I get it back with some or the other problem requiring a spare replacement..that too a costly one. I drove Santro and Bolero before and I can not compare the services on any scale. | Reply
 M Kumar (10 November 2009 20:07) Reply to Rajesh
The posting here speaks more about Toyota than Ford! I too would like to know where is this good dealer. I am willing to drive a few hundred kms to reach this place. If the dealer is so good there is no harm in mentioning its name and place for the benefit of all owners. | Reply
 Ajai (13 November 2009 11:58) Reply to M Kumar
So true...
  • G Singh (09 November 2009 18:59)
    I am planning to buy ford fiesta 1.6 zxi. But after going through USER'S COMMENTS, now I am confused whether I should go for this car or not | Reply
 RAVI PUROHIT (18 November 2009 21:32) Reply to G Singh
IT IS CERTAINLY BEST DRIVERS CAR. EXCELLENT DRIVING EXPERIENCE. EASE OF HANDLING IS FANTASTAIC. RAVI PUROHIT | Reply
 S Manohar (09 November 2009 22:54) Reply to G Singh
You won't be disappointed with a Ford Fiesta. | Reply
 Muthukaruppan (09 November 2009 19:09) Reply to G Singh
looks like linea will be a better buy, its more safer than fiesta..........wait for linea 1.4T-jet, 120 bhp | Reply
  • dpbhasin (09 November 2009 17:28)
    I own fiesta, it's power stearing is hard, not good at all | Reply
  • Animesh (09 November 2009 17:03)
    I agree with Mr M Kumar and also an owner of Ford Ikon and I would say apart from metros to get a ford vehicle serviced is a real pain.... | Reply
 M Kumar (09 November 2009 20:22) Reply to Animesh
Dear Animesh. My concerns are even bigger. Even in the places where you get a few service stations, the situation is not satisfactory. In the past 4 years I have gone to 4 differrent dealers (their service stns) in the Delhi NCR. In one case the service was really very poor and perhaps Ford did the right action there and it does not exist anymore. At another service station during one of the services, they changed the stepney with the old one. I forced them to buy a new tyre as the case was pretty evident. So you can imagine that they agreed to what they had done! The same service centre told me that suspension of my Fiesta was bad. I asked them not to change it anyways and they complied. However their supervisor gave me a written note that the suspension of the vehicle needed change but the customer refused.That was my last visit to that service station. After that I have been to two different service centres and have always asked them to let me know the condition of suspension. Both of them certify it to be OK even after 40 K kms since this issue was "invented" by one the dealers in NCR region. In another experience, during my last visit to the last possible option in Delhi NCR, I explained the service personnel the slight sound that I heard in my vehicle at extreme rotations. They informed me that this is normal behaviour of Fiesta and to satisfy me they demonstrated two other Fiestas with the same problem. He claimed that even the new Fiestas have this problem, which I disagree. Bottomline is that you cannot trust these dealers cum service stations that Ford has, at least in the Delhi NCR region. Hence this is high time that Ford allows these dealers to sell the parts in retail so that customers can get the fair opinions in the market regarding what needs replacement etc. | Reply
  • drman  (09 November 2009 16:55)
    are there ford focus hatchback in india, its quite nice car and good looking sporty look too .. | Reply
  • M Kumar (09 November 2009 16:18)
    Great effort. Please do something to revamp the dealership network as well. The present set of dealers offer hopeless service. It is time to seriously consider selling the parts in retail (even through the present dealers) so that customers could get a better and transparent service outside. This is coming from a Diesel ZXi owner for past 4 years. | Reply
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