The interior design has an all-black and metallic theme. Whilst this might appeal to a few, the majority of Indians still prefer a lighter (Beige) treatment which offers a more luxurious as well as a spacious feel and it is strongly required for Fiesta. The butterfly console instantly grabs the attention, though the looks maybe subjective. The very same design with minor changes is also likely to take place in the upcoming Ford Ecosport. The controls are intuitive with the top buttons focusing on the four inch display (non-touch screen). This display is predominantly for showing the audio, Bluetooth (Phone integrated), clock and some system display messages. The tiny central locking / unlocking buttons are also located in the middle. Though an odd location to place one but the positive side being that even the co-passenger can use it. There are a few more buttons but the operations are akin to using a cell phone. Ford calls this function as a Human Machine Interface Strategy (HMI).
The lower part of the console has controls for the ACC (Automatic Climate Control) and it’s ergonomically convenient to use. Air conditioner is also quite effective and chills the cabin in no time. The rest of the gauges are pretty much standard. The fuel consumption, temperature and other warning lamps lit right behind the steering wheel and not on the center display as a few of us might think. Although it’s fun to watch the tachometer dancing in an automatic since the shifts are fast. The Bluetooth pairing works fine and throughout the Mumbai – Bangalore Trip, I had paired my cell phone to make as well as receive several calls. Sound quality and microphone pick up was excellent. In terms of audio system’s sound quality, I have to give it to Ford. It’s a fantastic set up for an OEM in this segment. Much much better than my Mahindra XUV500. The need of an aftermarket ICE is certainly diminished (Hardcore audio freaks exempted). Both, the sound quality of radio and via USB were top notch. Thanks to six speakers (including two tweeters) which offer a cocooned world of your own.
Another interesting feature on offer is the voice control. It provides a hands free control over mobile phone, radio, audio, and climate control. Although I find it quite unnecessary as it will be practically never used apart from demonstrations and show off purposes. Hope the car manufacturers do not spend too much R&D towards such features; rather it’s simply easier and faster to access ergonomically spaced buttons. The only thing I would like about voice control is if it could start the engine using a personalized voice command. Well, remember the Bentley in movie 2012?
The interiors finish is quite good barring the a few cheap plastic bits such as the inside door opening handle. There was no rattling whatsoever in a car that had clocked 6,042 kms when I received it.
The steering wheel has a chunky feel along with good grip levels; it is one of the best EPAS units in the class. Set of buttons on either sides, one for controlling the audio and the other for cruise control, good ergonomics and access. The stalks on the steering are on the reverse of what you would typically expect i.e. side indicator on the left and wiper on the right. This could be considered as a cost-cutting attempt from Ford by leaving the same unit untouched that they offer on the European markets. Overall stalks are of good quality and I quite liked the design, which was a combination of side push and up / down standard ones
The ingress and egress are no problem at all. The front bucket seats are phenomenally sporty and offer great overall comfort. As I mentioned in the travelogue, I had no fatigue whatsoever. The seats are all black leather with the usual manual adjustments available. Overall, an overdose of black for the interiors is what I felt, though looks and colors are a matter of personal choice. It’s a bit too much black inside to my liking. The rear seats are a bit of design drought as compared to the front, though the legroom on offer is better than Fiesta Classic, the seat contours and under thigh, support could be better. The rear hence looks a bit bland; there is a small hump, which runs through the center so it’s not exactly flat either. Ford seems to have taken the Fiesta’s “Driver’s car tag” a bit too seriously, the rear deserves better treatment. As far as a few special features are concerned, Ford has managed to squeeze a lot into a car this segment. Highlighting a few that differentiates it:
> Voice Control
> Cruise Control
> Electronic Stability Programme
> Pull Drift Compensation Technology
> Hill-Launch Assist and Ford Grade-Assist
Door plastics are generally of good quality with enough recesses to keep bottles etc. There are enough cubby holes to keep your cans and nick nacks. There is also a storage drawer under the front passenger seat.
The light and Fog lamp switches are placed beside the right of the steering in the dash and fairly easy to use. Rear and Front fog lamps have separate switches.
There is a usb as well as aux in to connect your iPod along with a 12v charger.
Rear and overall visibility from the car is very decent. Reverse parking sensors exist and do their job as meant to be – though feedback is audio only.
Both Sun visors had a mirror in it, make or break deal for lady owners, so Ford have taken care. There are lights and reading lamps available.
Both ORVMs can be electronically adjusted, also driver side power windows have both one touch up and down – very handy in my view.
A rear seat view of New Fiesta (Manual). The legroom is certainly not the class leading but should suffice for passengers with an average height.
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