Fiesta updates to keep up with its peers

Not content to let arch-rivals Holden and Toyota make all the news with their all-new Barina and Yaris models respectively, Ford is about to launch a revised version of its smallest player, the Fiesta.

Due on sale next month, the 2006 Fiesta features a host of changes aimed at keeping it competitive in an ever-changing light-car field. Outside, a new grille, bumpers, headlights and tail-lights help to give the established shape a fresh feel, while inside a new, higher quality dashboard with a soft-feel upper section, clearer instruments and a selection of new colour combinations makes an appearance.

Under the skin, the Fiesta has been all but left alone, which is no bad thing because the sprightly 74 kW 1.6-litre all-alloy four-cylinder engine and sweetly tuned suspension and steering have received nothing but praise.

The Fiesta's electronics, however, have been updated. Drivers will see and hear evidence of this in the repeating of the radio and tuning information on a screen in the instrument cluster and in the stereo's new automatic speed-related volume control.

Ford has also revised the Fiesta's value. Air-conditioning is now standard across the range, while ABS with EBD can now be optioned on manual LX models for $700.

The real saving, however, comes when you order the optional four-speed auto, which has been slashed from $3000 to $2200 on LX models and from $2300 to $1700 on the Zetec and Ghia - the higher cost in the low-level model is due to the auto being packaged with ABS and EBD.

Prices for the revised Fiesta range start at $15,990 for the LX three-door, while the LX five-door starts from $16,490 - a drop of $1000 from the outgoing model. The sporty Zetec three-door and luxurious Ghia five-door, meanwhile, start from $18,490 and $20,490 respectively.

Prices and details correct at publication.