More space in new Ford Fiesta
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• A longer load bed, greater load volume, a bigger payload, better brakes, more comfort, and improved economy are all claimed for the new Ford Fiesta (CM 24-30 March 1989). The company also claims that the cost of ownership is reduced, although it has not yet released the price.
The Fiesta will be offered with a I.0-litre 33kW petrol engine matched to a four-speed gearbox, a 1.1-litre 40kW petrol engine with a five-speed gearbox; and the Escort's 1.8litre 44kW IDI diesel engine with a five-speed gearbox.
The petrol units are Ford's lean-burn concept engines, and will run on unleaded fuel. They also have reduced water capacity in the cylinder head to speed engine warm up (Ford has discovered that the average Fiesta journey length is only 13.7km, with 60% of journeys under 8krn).
Ignition timing is by an electronic flywheel sensor that calculates the engine speed using the Hall effect.
The Fiesta has an on-board computer to convert the information received from the sensors into optimum ignition characteristics. Twin coils mounted on the cylinder block provide each plug with its own independent ignition source: if the whole system fails it will revert to average values, allowing a driver to get the vehicle home before calling out a mechanic.
The new Fiesta's bodyshell is 94mm longer than the old one, and its load space has been increased by 22% to 0.94m3 DIN. Payloads are 400kg (petrol) and 385kg (diesel).
Greater track and an increased wheelbase are said to improve stability while new mountings for the Macpherson-type struts, rosejoint mounts between the body and front suspension, and horizontally-linked trailing rear suspension arms should give the van better handling than its predecessor.
The suspension is over 20% softer than the old model. Individual wheel movement has also been increased and sealedfor-life hub bearings are used throughout. Larger front disc brakes all round have asbestosfree brake linings.
The seats in the new van have been designed using an automated high-volume seat design process, jointly patented by Ford and Gammar AG. The technique reduces the time spent on design, and the seat pads are easily replaceable as a result. The heater matrix has also been enlarged, and combined with a three-speed fan to improve ventilation.