Auto Expo is one of the biggest events for car enthusiasts in India wherein firms from different parts of the world participate to showcase their products. The biennial event was last held in 2012 and it marked the presence of large number of car manufacturers. At this event, Ford was also present and used the platform of 2012 Auto Expo extensively for unveiling its new products on a large scale. Out of the models that the company showcased, the automatic version of Fiesta caught the attention of Indian car buyers. The car was loaded with PowerShift automatic transmission system, which in turn gave better fuel economy to the vehicle. The car was later on launched in February 2012 and speaking on the launch event, Michael Boneham, President and Managing Director of Ford India, said “The all-new Fiesta Powershift Automatic really opens up the segment by making the aspirational become achievable. With class-leading features like voice-control with Bluetooth, cruise control and rear-parking sensors, it offers our customers the next level of comfort and convenience.”
In terms of engine specifications, Ford Fiesta automatic comes with a 4-cylinder Ti-VCT engine that has a displacement 1499 cc. The car has an ability to generate a peak output of 79 bhp alongside top torque of 140 Nm. The engine of Fiesta automatic version is mated to a 6-speed automatic dual clutch system, which transmits power to the rear wheels of the car. Offered in two trim levels, namely Style and Titanium+, Ford Fiesta is priced at Rs. 9.29 lakh (ex-showroom) for its basic Style variant while for the higher end Titanium + trim, the ex-showroom price further goes up to Rs. 10 lakh.
The distinct new feature of Ford Fiesta Automatic is its grade assist technology that automatically lowers the gears while ascending and engages the engine braking mechanism while going downhill. This feature can be turned off using the push button that is placed next to the gear lever of the car. Talking fuel economy, the Ford Fiesta AT gives exceptional mileage statistics owing to its Powershift Automatic system that controls the fuel consumption resulting in less torque. With this advanced technology, Ford Fiesta AT has an ability to give a fuel economy of 16.97 kmpl as claimed by the company.
Owing to the stiff competition in the segment, the car of Ford did not perform as per the expectations of the company. At present, the car still continues to feature in the line-up of cars for Ford. As far as the competition of Ford Fiesta's automatic version is concerned, it is competing against the likes of Renault Scala, Honda City, Hyundai Verna diesel as all of them are available in automatic transmission variants.
