Ford Fiesta Classic to be launched on April 7th

Ford India is all set to launch the Fiesta Classic on April 7^th, 2011. The ‘Fiesta Classic’ is nothing but a stripped-down version of the existing Fiesta and re-badged to avoid confusion with a new-generation Fiesta that Ford plans to launch in the second half of this year.

Updated 7 April, 2011: Ford Fiesta Classic launched; priced at Rs. 5.49 lakh – Rs 6.89 lakh! It looks like the Fiesta Classic can now provide serious competition to the Toyota Etios, Swift Dzire and the Tata Manza.

Hence, it is obvious that Ford India, which celebrated a milestone achievement of selling 1,00,000 Fiesta cars in the country, wants to sell the new Fiesta alongside the current, highly successful Fiesta model. The ‘Fiesta Classic’ will be a marginally stripped-down version of the current Fiesta and may sport a starting price tag of Rs. 6.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The reduced pricing will not only prevent cannibalization of the upcoming Fiesta but also help Ford tap into prospective buyers of the Toyota Etios, Maruti Swift Dzire, Tata Manza and Mahindra Logan. Also read: Ford Fiesta India launch update

However, expect no changes in the engine, transmission and other mechanicals of the Fiesta Classic. The Classic will be powered by the same engines as in the existing Fiesta: a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 1.4-litre diesel mill that put out 100 bhp and 68 bhp respectively. Ford may mate the engines to an automatic transmission besides the standard 5-speed manual gearbox on offer.

The all-new Fiesta, on the other hand, will sport brand-new motors under the hood. It will be powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine that produces 120 bhp and a 1.6-litre diesel motor that develops 90 bhp. The new Fiesta will likely be in the Rs. 6.80 lakh – Rs. 7.7 lakh price band.

The new Fiesta bears Ford’s new global kinetic design theme and is based on Ford partner Mazda’s ‘2’ model. Test mules of the new Fiesta have been spotted near Chennai plenty of times. The spy pictures indicate that the new Fiesta is the same model that’s already selling in the Chinese market. The new Fiesta is likely to have up-market, two-tone interiors, with comfortable seats and reasonable leg room for both front and rear passengers. Related: Ford Fiesta spy photos clicked in Chennai

Looks like the Honda City, Fiat Linea, Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento will soon get an able competitor!