Ford Fiesta returns 21.86 kmpl during test run in Thailand

Ford’s new Fiesta sedan has proven itself as a leader in fuel efficiency in a test conducted by Ford in Thailand to prove Ford’s commitment to delivering class-leading fuel economy in its vehicles.

This will be delightful news for Indian customers who are waiting for the new Fiesta to be launched later (June-July) this year.

“The results of our independent test drive have really highlighted the superior fuel efficiency of the Ford Fiesta,” Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford Thailand said on the company’s official Facebook page. Also read: New Ford Fiesta unveiled in New Delhi!

He added that with fuel prices rising constantly, the added value of exceptional fuel economy will become an even bigger consideration among savvy Thai consumers and the Ford Fiesta clearly delivers on that front.

Ford has specified all the details of the journey from Chiang Mai downtown to Bangkok outskirts in the Fiesta sedan. The route was a highway driving with AC turned on and set to level 2 for the entire drive.

The fuel tank lid on the test car was sealed shut and the tire pressure was 31 psi at the front and 26 psi at the rear. Two passengers were on board on the Fiesta sedan with 2 small bags as well, when the mileage rally was conducted.

The driver and passenger of the car switched at midway point of the trip to know the car’s mileage for different driving styles. Ford recommends many fuel-saving tips such as keeping tires inflated at recommended pressure, gradually accelerating and smoothly braking, minimizing use of AC, turning off the engine while idling etc. Also read: Ford Endeavour 3.0-litre 4×2 AT road test

Though the test run was done on the highway, expect the Fiesta to return at least 16 – 19 km/litre under normal traffic conditions and on Indian roads.

Ford had given a preview of the upcoming Fiesta for India in New Delhi on April 14^th2011. Though the company had not specified the details of the engines and any other specifications, CarToq learned that the new Fiesta will be powered by two new engines, a 1.6-litre, TiVCT petrol and a 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine both of which will be mated to 5-speed manual gearbox.

The interiors of the Fiesta are spacious for front occupants, but slightly cramped for those at the rear. Especially when compared to its key rivals the Hyundai Verna and Maruti SX4. Also, the new Fiesta doesn’t have rear AC vents that are offered in Volkswagen Vento and Fiat Linea.

The new Fiesta will have a mobile-inspired central console and offers many features such as USB port, aux-in connectivity, voice-activated control system and electronic cruise control system. The dashboard instrumentation includes 4-inch LCD screen displaying audio settings and phone functions.

The new Fiesta to be launched this June or July is expected to be priced ranging from Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 11 lakh depending on the engines and other features.