Festival OF Kineticism- Advertorial

The Global Ford Fiesta is the first of 8 new products to come to India by the middle of the decade. How does it compare to the Volkswagen Vento? Read on to find out…

The Global Ford Fiesta is a great product that delivers class leading technologies to its owners. Backed by Ford’s initiatives to lower Cost of Ownership, an ever expanding sales and service network and a simplified line up with pricing in alignment with the segment, it’s a vehicle that is a superior overall package that’s hard to ignore. But the credibility of a vehicle’s credentials are best brought to light in the harsh light of comparison against a competitor. So read on to find out how the diesel version of the Global Ford Fiesta, which is the first of the eight new Ford products slated for an Indian entry by mid-decade, compares with the Volkswagen Vento.

Looks and design

Thanks to its adherence to Ford’s Kinetic design philosophy, the Global Fiesta is one of the best looking sedans available in the market today. Its trapezoidal grille, swept back roof line and multi-element headlamps give it a sporty and dynamic stance that is indeed hard to ignore, even when the vehicle is at a complete standstill. The Fiesta is not only dynamic to look at but is also contemporary stylish and Smart as it aids the car’s aerodynamics, which helps better the car’s fuel efficiency by reducing wind drag. Quality inside too is top notch and passengers will find that the quality of plastics used or other trim materials quite good. The Volkswagen Vento, though classy with its simple lines, is more understated in its presence. Its neutral lines are pleasing to the eye but it lacks the Fiesta’s pizzazz when it is left parked. The front end of the Vento is near identical to that of the Polo hatchback, barring some minor differences, and the vehicle has a long wheelbase. While the long wheelbase does release quite a bit of space inside the cabin and makes the car look stately and elegant, it also raises some clearance issues.

Interiors – design, space and features

While the Global Fiesta and the Vento are well matched when it comes to the question of quality of materials used inside the cabin and the build quality, where the Fiesta simply drives off leaving the Vento in the dust is in its offer of new technologies. Sample this, for instance. The passenger can talk to the Global Fiesta and the car will respond to the passenger’s bidding! The first in class Voice Control feature of the Global Fiesta not only lets you control aspects such as adjusting the volume of the stereo system but also maintaining the right cabin temperature through voice commands.

As a result, one can enjoy the convenience of complete hands free operations while driving the Fiesta. Not to forget, this technology also adds to the safety package of the car as at no point in time does the driver need to remove his hands from the steering wheel. Additionally, there’s cruise control, climate control, steering mounted controls, 6-speaker music system with aux-in, USB and Bluetooth telephony, auto fold electric ORVMs, dual front airbags, and more. It boasts classy yet funky instrumentation, which includes a multi-information display, comfortable seats and a cabin that can easily accommodate five adults. And there’s 430 litres of luggage space too for the cargo requirements of the five adult passengers.

The Vento, in comparison, feels lackluster. The most obvious omissions are the lack of cruise control and Voice Control. Then there’s no auto fold for the ORVMs or Bluetooth and USB compatibility for its music system. It too can comfortably accommodate five adults but has more legroom to offer thanks to a longer wheelbase. Boot space too is more, at 500 litres.

Engine – performance, power, torque, fuel economy, smoothness

The Global Fiesta is available with a fantastic diesel engine - the1.5 litre Duratorq TDCi engine, which develops a healthy 90 BHP at 3750 RPM and 204 NM of maximum torque at 2000-2750 RPM. It’s a quiet engine and ARAI has rated it to deliver a fuel efficiency of 23.5 kmpl, which is fantastic for a performer like the Fiesta. It has ample power for highway runs and will cruise at high speeds for the entire day without hiccups. Overtaking is easy too as all that’s required is a dab of the throttle to pass the slow moving vehicle in front. The engine in question is not only reliable but also boasts high levels of refinement, ensuring that the Global Fiesta offers its occupants with lowest in class NVH (noise, vibrations and harshness) levels.

Under the bonnet of the Vento is a 1.6 litre DOHC 4 cylinder TDI common rail diesel engine that puts out a maximum of 104 BHP at 4400 RPM and a peak torque of 250 NM from 1500 RPM – 2500 RPM. As is evident the Vento therefore has the edge over the Global Fiesta when it comes to power delivery. However where the Fiesta nudges ahead is in the fuel efficiency aspect, since the Vento boasts a fuel economy figure of 20.54 kmpl as rated by ARAI.

Suspension – Ride, comfort and handling

The Global Fiesta offers classic Ford DNA of superior ride quality and superb dynamic abilities. As a result the cabin of the Fiesta is not only a quiet place to be in but also a comfortable place to be as bumps and potholes are taken care of without the vehicle breaking into sweat. Push it hard around bends and the car’s minimal body roll and taut chassis are bound to take you by surprise as it keeps things stable and inspires confidence in the driver. Under braking too the Global Fiesta remains composed at all times, aided by its ABS (antilock braking system) and EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) systems. The Vento is well matched when it comes to its suspension set up. Volkswagen has fine tuned to the suspension to offer good dynamic abilities without losing out on the ride comfort of the Vento. As a result passengers can remain comfortable over bad roads while drivers can have a spot of fun around corners. Like the Fiesta, the Vento too is stable under braking and boasts both ABS and EBD.

Verdict

At Rs. 9,13,900 (ex-showroom in Delhi) for the base Ford Fiesta TDCi Diesel Style and at Rs. 10,15,000 (ex-showroom in Delhi) for the top-of-the-line Ford Fiesta TDCi Diesel Titanium+, the Global Fiesta is a truly value for money package, especially considering the amount of equipment and class leading technologies it offers its customers.

It is a well balanced vehicle that looks good, offers superb features and is a great combination of practicality and a fun to drive factor. The Volkswagen Vento too is a balanced package but falls short when it comes to offering new technologies and features to its customers. In addition, Ford’s growing network of 230 sales and service outlets across 123 cities in India means easier access to both the Ford Fiesta and Ford after sales service.