Any new vehicle can’t be called global if it doesn’t have a presence in India, one of the world’s fastest growing automotive markets. With Ford touting the worldly credentials of its latest Fiesta, it was only a matter of time before the American automaker brought the subcompact to this country of more than 1 billion inhabitants.
The Indian market Fiesta will be available in sedan format, and in four trim levels: Style, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Plus. Customers will have a choice of gasoline and diesel-powered 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engines, though the only transmission available will be a 5-speed manual. The Fiesta enters a hotly contested small car market, currently dominated by Maruti-Suzuki. Hyundai and India’s own Tata Motors are also key players in the segment.
Roughly 20 years ago the Indian auto market was limited to a few outdated offerings, such as the Hindustan Ambassador and Padmini Premier. While the market still places an emphasis on value and economy, today’s Indian car buyer is as demanding and tech savvy as any around the world. Fittingly, Ford has outfitted the Fiesta with features such as Bluetooth and voice-activated controls.
“While adding dynamism and diversity to our showrooms across the country, this premium and engaging sedan brings in Ford’s global essence to the Indian market,” said Nigel Wark, executive director of marketing, sales and service at Ford India. The Fiesta will be built at Ford’s plant in Chennai, the sixth manufacturing facility to build the subcompact sedan and hatchback.
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