Global Model's Ace, the Fiesta, Introduced Domestically | Ford

Ford Fiesta | Ford Fiesta

Ford's Global Ace Introduced to Japan

Ford Japan has announced that the B-segment entry compact car, theFiesta 1.0 EcoBoostnew Ford "Fiesta" will go on sale February 1st. The model being introduced is the single grade mentioned above, priced at ¥2.29 million. This marks the introduction of a B-segment model for Ford approximately seven years after the previous model's sales ended in Japan.

Text by SAKURAI Kenichi

Event Photographs By AKIZUKI Shinichiro (OPENERS)

A B-Segment Car Returns After Approximately Seven Years

The compact car "Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost" being introduced by Ford Japan is a global product developed under Ford's recent "One Ford" strategy. It follows the "Focus" and the "Kuga" models introduced last year. The current model was unveiled at the2012 Paris Motor Show.The vehicles sold in Japan will be produced at Ford's Cologne plant in Germany.

Since its European debut in 1976, the Fiesta has sold over 15 million units cumulatively, making it a crucial model supporting Ford's foundation. It is sold in over 140 countries, with 723,130 units sold in 2012, earning it the title of the number one selling B-segment model. This sales figure also ranked it sixth in overall vehicle sales by nameplate, demonstrating its immense popularity. For reference, the top-selling vehicle by nameplate in 2012 was Ford's own "Focus." With the arrival of the Fiesta, both of these highly popular global models are now available in the Japanese market.

At the announcement event, Ford Japan President and CEO Toshio Morita stated, "Ford has achieved year-on-year sales growth for four consecutive years in the Japanese market, and we aim to continue delivering high-quality cars and services to our customers with the introduction of the Fiesta in 2014. As part of this effort, we have newly introduced two models and updated three existing models to new generations from 2010 to last year. With the addition of the Fiesta, our lineup now comprises a total of six models (Fiesta, Focus, Kuga,Mustang, Explorer, Lincoln MKX, and Lincoln Navigator), allowing customers to choose from a variety of segments, including compact cars, sports cars, and SUVs."

In addition to expanding its model lineup, Ford has also been enhancing its dealer network. Between 2010 and 2013, seven new dealerships were opened, and in January of this year, a new dealership was established in Osaka, demonstrating a commitment to improving customer service and satisfaction.

Ford Fiesta | Ford Fiesta

Ford's Global Ace Introduced to Japan (2)

A Surprise Before the Fiesta's Full Details Were Revealed

Following this, President and CEO Toshio Morita introduced the powertrain, stating, "The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine has received high global acclaim, winning the 'International Engine of the Year' award for two consecutive years in 2012 and 2013."

The engine in the Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost being introduced to Japan, as its name suggests, is a 997cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine, the smallest in Ford's gasoline engine lineup. Combined with technologies such as direct injection turbocharging, Ti-VCT (Intake and Exhaust Variable Cam Timing), and the "6-speed PowerShift" 6-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), it aims to achieve both excellent fuel efficiency and dynamic performance.

Just as the detailed explanation of the vehicle was about to begin, a surprise announcement was made.

Without any prior notice, President and CEO Toshio Morita continued his speech by announcing, "Following the "Fiesta," we will introduce the new "EcoSport" in the latter half of 2014." While simply presenting images or videos might be considered commonplace, Ford went a step further by bringing a pre-production model of the EcoSport to the venue and displaying it in a separate room. This was nothing short of a major surprise, eliciting a gasp from the assembled press.

The B-Segment Crossover, "EcoSport"

The EcoSport, scheduled for introduction in the latter half of 2014, is a compact crossover sharing the same platform as the Fiesta. The current model is the second generation. The first generation was developed exclusively for the Latin American market and produced at Ford's Camacari plant in Brazil.

With the transition to the second generation, Ford positioned the EcoSport as a global strategic vehicle under the "One Ford" initiative, announcing its European launch two years ago. Models produced at the Indian plant have been on sale since late 2013. This announcement is part of that ongoing global strategy, and this surprise reveal clearly indicates the high expectations and confidence Ford has for the EcoSport's introduction in Japan.

Ford EcoSport

Currently, details such as the engine and specific specifications have not been released. However, the fact that the vehicle displayed at the venue was a right-hand drive model suggests that it is planned for introduction as an entry-level crossover with right-hand drive to meet market needs.

The exterior, featuring Ford's "Global Design DNA" similar to the Fiesta, conveys an active image. The design also incorporates a rugged feel with a spare tire mounted on the rear hatch and larger tires than those on the Fiesta.

Ford Fiesta | Ford Fiesta

Ford's Global Ace Introduced to Japan (3)

The Appeal of the Fiesta Extends Beyond Its Engine

While the EcoBoost engine, with its 1.0-liter displacement delivering a maximum output of 74kW (100ps) and peak torque of 170Nm (17.3kgm), along with a fuel efficiency of 17.7km/liter under the JC08 mode, is certainly noteworthy, the Fiesta offers much more. Its sporty appearance, embodying Ford's new generation with the evolved "Kinetic Design" and "Global Design DNA," and its distinctive, high-quality interior are significant highlights.

The interior, in particular, features a sculpted dashboard with effectively placed controls, designed with ergonomics in mind for intuitive operation. It also includes "SYNC," which allows for voice control (in English) of digital audio players and mobile phones connected via Bluetooth. Furthermore, it comes standard with features that belie its class, such as an 8-speaker audio system, cruise control, and automatic climate control.

Additionally, the Fiesta is equipped with driver-assist features as standard, including "Active City Stop" for avoiding low-speed frontal collision risks, seven airbags including SRS knee airbags, the "AdvanceTrac" vehicle stability control technology also found in the Focus, "Hill Start Assist" for easier hill starts, and a "Rear View Camera." Despite being an entry-level compact, no compromises have been made in terms of safety and convenience.

Incidentally, this new Fiesta was honored with the "Women's World Car of the Year (WWCOTY)" award in 2013, chosen by female automotive journalists worldwide. It will be interesting to see the impression the Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost makes on Japanese female drivers.