Ford soon to highlight local 'Vision'

[pearlhead]

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257B9C000ACCFE

Revised Fiesta range detailed as Ford gears up for major local event in August

2 July 2013
By TIM NICHOLSON
FORD Australia is preparing to stage a 'Vision for Australia' event in Sydney next month, that is expected to showcase key new imported and potentially locally designed and engineered models.

The Ford Motor Company's executive vice-president of global marketing, sales and service (and the Lincoln brand), Jim Farley, will host the event, and although Ford Australia is keeping details of the new models under wraps, new models soon to reach Australia include the facelifted Fiesta range - including the hot 134kW ST turbo, here in September - and the Indian-built EcoSport mini-SUV.

As GoAuto has reported, an all-new Australian-engineered SUV based on the T6 Ranger is also nearing production and could make its world debut at the August 13 event, while Ford Australia has previously confirmed that the forthcoming reskinned Falcon large car was scheduled to be shown this year ahead of its launch in the third quarter of 2014.

A similarly upgraded Australian-built Territory SUV and Falcon ute are due at the same time, following on the heels of other imported models including a redesigned Mondeo mid-size range and a new Transit van.

Ford Australia this week released preliminary details for its updated Fiesta light-car, which will be headlined by the ST hot-hatch when it arrives in September.

The facelift will also spell the end of the diesel powertrain option, which is to be axed in favour of the frugal new 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine from December.

The ST will be the second performance model to join Ford's local small- and light-car car line-up, alongside its larger 184kW Focus ST sibling launched locally last October.

Australian-spec Fiesta STs will be a three-door-only proposition as it is sourced from Europe, rather than North America where it is built in five-door guise.

The Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine producing 132kW and 240Nm of torque (growing to 147kW and 290Nm with the overboost function engaged) which like the Focus ST is matched exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox.

When the new model arrives, Ford Australia will discontinue the Fiesta Metal warm-hatch that went on sale in September last year, making way for the more powerful ST to top the range.

The updated Fiesta gets a refreshed front-end design featuring the now-familiar Aston Martin-esque trapezoidal grille that also appears on the upcoming Mondeo/Fusion mid-sizer and is likely to show up on the facelifted Focus range due sometime next year.

A redesigned bonnet and updated headlights add to the changes at the front end, while at the rear the Fiesta gains a spoiler and more detail in the tail lights.

Bringing the Fiesta even further into line with the Focus, Ford will offer as standard its hands-free Sync connectivity system that includes voice-activated access to mobile phones and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming.

The current engine line-up will be replaced by a pair of new engines, with Ford confirming it has dropped the 66kW 1.6-litre Duratorq diesel currently available on mid and top-spec models due to slow sales.

Ford recorded strong early sales of diesel variants, with diesels making up 11 per cent of overall Fiesta sales in 2011, but these have dropped off to just three per cent this year.

The loss of the diesel makes room for Ford's award-winning 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine that is found under the bonnet of a number of Ford models in international markets, and has taken out top gong at the International Engine of the Year awards for the past two years.

The EcoBoost produces 92kW of power at 6000rpm and 170Nm of torque at 1400-4500rpm, while fuel economy is a diesel-like 4.9-litres per 100 kilometres for the five-speed manual and 5.3L/100km with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

While the EcoBoost won't be available in Australia until December, Ford is offering a 1.5-litre four-cylinder Duratec unit from the September range launch, delivering 82kW of power at 6300rpm and 140Nm of torque at 4400rpm and mated to the same five-speed manual and six-speed dual clutch transmission as EcoBoost models.

The 1.5-litre unit is slightly down on power compared to the outgoing 1.6-litre petrol (88kW), but fuel economy has also dropped from 6.1/L100km to 5.8L/100km in manual or auto guise.

Ford says it has improved the ride of the Fiesta by including new front suspension bump-stops for better cushioning, changes to shock absorber specifications and retuned electric power steering to match the suspension upgrades.

Ford is yet to confirm a standard features list but said the Fiesta will be available with optional rear parking sensors and hill-start assist as well as the usual array of safety gear that includes drivers knee, front passenger, side and curtain airbags.

The Blue Oval is yet to confirm specifications, but the upgraded Fiesta may drop the current variant names (CL, LX and Zetec) in favour of those of its larger Focus sibling (entry-level Ambiente, mid-spec Trend and range-topping Titanium).

[westy73]

Once they drop Falcon, Falcon Ute and Terry sadly the cars I aspire to own and that suit my needs will be history and so Ford loses my custom.

[jpd80]

This has allready happened elsewhere, Crown Victoria fans, US Ranger Fans and Body on Frame RWD Explorer fans
have either shifted onto new FWD/AWD products or moved on. Sadly, I can see a lot of mates calling it a day
while a completely new group of buyers begin flowing into Ford Australia as new products start delivery.

It's a hell of a time to be a Ford fan, especially a Falcon/Territory fan but change is upon us in the next three years.
I'm sure that Holden fans will be equally as gutted when they realize the jig is finally up for them too....

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by jpd80

This has allready happened elsewhere, Crown Victoria fans, US Ranger Fans and Body on Frame RWD Explorer fans
have either shifted onto new FWD/AWD products or moved on. Sadly, I can see a lot of mates calling it a day
while a completely new group of buyers begin flowing into Ford Australia as new products start delivery.

It's a hell of a time to be a Ford fan, especially a Falcon/Territory fan but change is upon us in the next three years.
I'm sure that Holden fans will be equally as gutted when they realize the jig is finally up for them too....

Challenge: don't mention Holden in your next forum post :-)

[malazn mafia]

Well Ford aims to be the new Toyota. And who can blame them, after all business is about being profitable. The new Ford range looks about as appealing as a McDonalds menu, might be to the taste of many, but certainly not mine.

[FPV GTHO]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

Well Ford aims to be the new Toyota. And who can blame them, after all business is about being profitable. The new Ford range looks about as appealing as a McDonalds menu, might be to the taste of many, but certainly not mine.

Why does Toyota have to be a dirty word though? Other than being whitegoods on wheels, they compete in almost every market segment with largely the same vehicles globally. Much like VW. This is what Ford is trying to replicate.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

Why does Toyota have to be a dirty word though? Other than being whitegoods on wheels, they compete in almost every market segment with largely the same vehicles globally. Much like VW. This is what Ford is trying to replicate.

Hmm

Toyota make/made Supra, NSX, GT86 and under the name LEXUS made ISF, LFA

Ford make/made Taurus, Mondeo, Fusion, KA, Fiesta, Festiva

So which of those are "white goods on wheels"?

[imugli]

Originally Posted by flappist

Hmm

Toyota make/made ...NSX

Did they? I'm sure Honda would argue they didn't

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by flappist

Hmm

Toyota make/made Supra, NSX, GT86 and under the name LEXUS made ISF, LFA

Ford make/made Taurus, Mondeo, Fusion, KA, Fiesta, Festiva

So which of those are "white goods on wheels"?

Nice way to leave out the good cars Ford currently make, and the great ones they have made in times past. For every great car Toyota has ever made, Ford would have made three.

Ford has lost it's way, and is now only interested in a streamlined, uniform design of bland, FWD, volume money makers. The company may have been in the best position it ever has been in since One Ford, but at least the cars weren't trading in soul and character for it.

[jpd80]

So Ford is losing it way because it's finally getting all the missing vehicles in its showroom that people want to buy?

I know lots of people are steamed over Falcon's demise but that's no reason to decry all the good moves Ford is making
and sure, none of those vehicles will probably interest the falcon faithful in the slightest but it's what Ford should have
been doing years ago, it's why every other car maker has made gains on Ford and Holden over the past decade.

And if Ford had been given access to those sorts of vehicles years ago, maybe pressure would have been off Falcon and Territory
so that they could be all they could have been with styling changes and what not.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Buntz

Ford has lost it's way, and is now only interested in a streamlined, uniform design of bland, FWD, volume money makers. The company may have been in the best position it ever has been in since One Ford, but at least the cars weren't trading in soul and character for it.

No offence but isnt that the point of being in business? No point in making something that most people dont want like the car that will stop being made soon.
As for bland FWD i wont touch that, bit of a generalisation there.

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

Well Ford aims to be the new Toyota. And who can blame them, after all business is about being profitable. The new Ford range looks about as appealing as a McDonalds menu, might be to the taste of many, but certainly not mine.

Mrs LeadFoot81 just bought a Focus Titanium, it's not so much a Cheeseburger as it is a Filet Mignon...puts every luxury Falcon/Fairmont I've been in to shame.

Looks sensational inside and out (looks are subjective, fair enough)
Well built
Too many standard features/gadgets to list
Goes like stink
Economical
Fun to drive

There is a world outside of Falcon/RWD saloons. Open your eyes.

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by LeadFoot81

Mrs LeadFoot81 just bought a Focus Titanium, it's not so much a Cheeseburger as it is a Filet Mignon...puts every luxury Falcon/Fairmont I've been in to shame.

Looks sensational inside and out (looks are subjective, fair enough)
Well built
Too many standard features/gadgets to list
Goes like stink
Economical
Fun to drive

There is a world outside of Falcon/RWD saloons. Open your eyes.

Some of us don't give two hoots about fuel economy. And buying a Ford for its gadgets is like a lady going to K-mart to buy the latest fashion or best jewellery. I thought henry Ford's vision was for the car to become an affordable, durable item, not a class leading ultimate driving machine for bankers and accountants, loaded with more gadgets than dick smith powerhouse.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

Some of us don't give two hoots about fuel economy. And buying a Ford for its gadgets is like a lady going to K-mart to buy the latest fashion or best jewellery. I thought henry Ford's vision was for the car to become an affordable, durable item, not a class leading ultimate driving machine for bankers and accountants, loaded with more gadgets than dick smith powerhouse.

I'm sorry but I think your opinions are in the minority with most buyers putting high priority on
fuel economy and desiring well appointed smaller vehicles that have all the features you would find in larger vehicles.

[RedHotGT]

Originally Posted by jpd80

I'm sorry but I think your opinions are in the minority with most buyers putting high priority on
fuel economy and desiring well appointed smaller vehicles that have all the features you would find in larger vehicles.

Time for some facts and figures - just to give you some perspective... And this goes back to my first RANT about people not caring about $XX per week for something.... you can justify small amounts of money being spent for your own personal satisfaction....

2013 Focus Ambiente (4cyl auto petrol) FG XR6 (6cyl auto petrol) vs FG GT-P (8cyl auto petrol)
6.5lt per 100km (combined economy) vs 9.9lt per 100km (combined economy) vs 13.7lt per 100km (combined economy)

Now - lets say on average you're gonna do 35,000km in a year...
And lets say the average petrol price is $1.40 per litre...
The Focus is going to use: 2275 litres (which is $3185.00 of fuel)
The XR6 is going to use : 3465 litres (which is $4851.00 of fuel)
The GT-P is going to use : 4795 litres (which is $6713.00 of fuel)

So - here is where the big costs really stand out.

$61.00 a week to fuel the Focus
$93.00 a week to fuel the XR6
$130.00 a week to fuel the GT-P

Now - given the Focus costs approx $20k, double that for the XR6 ($40k) and then double that again for the GT-P ($80k) and it all starts adding up doesn't it....

And - just quickly while i'm spitting out FACTS.... If we were doing this on FINANCE: (Based on a 5 year loan, 9% interest, weekly repayments)

Focus $20k loan = $95.00 per week (and total interest of $4,825)
XR6 $40k loan = $190.00 per week (and total interest of $9,650)
GT-P $80k loan = $380.00 per week (and total interest of $19,298)

So really what I'm saying is - if you can afford to drive around in a GT-P... you could alternatively afford to drive around in a Focus and also own an investment property instead.......

BUT - People don't look at these facts in detail when they are buying a car. Buying a car is an 'emotional' decision. If it was based on 'rational' thinking - we'd all be driving a white Focus... or worse - a Prius.....

But - we're car enthusiasts.... we love our cars and enjoy driving them.... and sometimes the costs don't matter when you're getting a smile on your dial each and every time you turn the key...........

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

Some of us don't give two hoots about fuel economy. And buying a Ford for its gadgets is like a lady going to K-mart to buy the latest fashion or best jewellery. I thought henry Ford's vision was for the car to become an affordable, durable item, not a class leading ultimate driving machine for bankers and accountants, loaded with more gadgets than dick smith powerhouse.

Yep I don't care about fuel economy either....

A New FG XR6T isn't that bad on fuel, is that what you have?

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

Some of us don't give two hoots about fuel economy. And buying a Ford for its gadgets is like a lady going to K-mart to buy the latest fashion or best jewellery. I thought henry Ford's vision was for the car to become an affordable, durable item, not a class leading ultimate driving machine for bankers and accountants, loaded with more gadgets than dick smith powerhouse.

So you're one of 'those' guys are you? I won't waste any more of either of our time.

[Polyal]

I guess it was not done in Melbourne to stop the whole of Geelong from catching the train and gate crashing?

[mikeeman_ford]

Even though the falcon is going to be a thing of the past i have some of that sitting in my driveway.

The next generation will love the turbo hatches, and blueblood pride will live on. Our generation if we can hold onto our falcons will have a piece of history and the cars will be sought as future classics, as 80-90% of people use them as a means of transport,the rest of us will keep the brand alive mantaining and caring for these cars.

Who knows, the Mustang may come out here, and they may make it to take on the corvette. Ford are not stupid, they know there is a market for muscle cars. just depends how long it takes them to bring it out.

Given the "one ford" policy, there should be a V8 mustang here.

[LeadFoot81]

On the Ford Oz website there's an interactive 3D Fiesta thats badged as an 'S' (just like the Focus Sport) it will share the same hierarchy as Focus/Juga.

Bring on the Fiesta ST!

[pearlhead]

I'm quite excited for the early unveiling of the Falcon/Territory and T6 Ranger TBH. Quite alot to look forward to and a great move by Ford IMO.

[westy73]

Originally Posted by pearlhead

I'm quite excited for the early unveiling of the Falcon/Territory and T6 Ranger TBH. Quite alot to look forward to and a great move by Ford IMO.

Unfortunately it doesn't seem to have the same build up as in previous releases. It's more of a white flag raising episode, here is our last Terry/Falcon. Buy it if you want otherwise don't. we don't really care. At least that's what it feels like to me. Ford Australia themselves have lost the love of the Falcon and Terry. Sad days ahead. Not the workers mind you just the top brass.

[csv8]

About time the Fiesta Titanium came here...

[RedHotGT]

I'll be there to watch it unfold.

[R-Design]

Can't wait to see the last Falcon I was worried that we wouldn't get a chance to see it this year after the Motor Show was cancelled.

The new Mondeo is really the main drawcard for me though, if they incorporate some of the Lincoln technology in our local range (i.e. V6 AWD) the thing is really going to kick some goals here.

The King is dead, long live the King!

[Wretched]

exciting times indeed

[russellw]

We have received an invitation to the Sydney event and will be attending with interest to see what the vision holds for the future.

Cheers
Russ

[pearlhead]

Originally Posted by russellw

We have received an invitation to the Sydney event and will be attending with interest to see what the vision holds for the future.

Cheers
Russ

Awesome! Congrats on the invitation and looking forward to future reports on the new models.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by russellw

We have received an invitation to the Sydney event and will be attending with interest to see what the vision holds for the future.

Cheers
Russ

What, all of us?

How big is the hall.....

[DMENTDGT]

Whats the date for Sydney event?