#RideRoundup: New Ford Fiesta, Datsun Go Special Version

New Ford Fiesta

The eighth generation Ford Fiesta gets many new design features, inside and outside. This, among other things, include simplified, straighter lines and de-cluttered surfaces, as well as a wider grille and sleek headlamps that offer a new wrap-around effect.

According to Ford, the Fiesta interior execution is influenced by consumer interactions with smart devices and tablets. It delivers a more spacious and premium ambience through the use of ergonomic design and soft-touch materials.

Safety

The car's body features 36% more boron steel for greater strength in key areas. Redesigned door cross sections are said to further protect occupants against side impact intrusion, and the doors also now contain pressure sensors that enable restraint systems to be activated several milliseconds sooner. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard fitment across the range.

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Pedestrian protection is enhanced with headlamps that are designed to travel rearwards on impact, and a collapsible cowl and wiper spindle assembly designed to give way in the event of head impacts.

All models include ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), as well as Hill Launch Assist (HLA) Electronic Stability and Traction Control (ESC).

Ford's six-time International Engine of the Year, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, is offered in two variants in the all-new Fiesta. In the Trend model with a new six-speed manual gearbox, as well as the Trend and Titanium equipped with a conventional six-speed torque converter automatic transmission, the 1.0 EcoBoost produces 74kW of power and 170Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 r/min. The Fiesta Titanium mated with a six-speed manual transmission uses the 92kW version of this engine.

The 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel is exclusively available with a six-speed manual gearbox, producing 63kW and a torque peak of 175Nm.

A new Eco button for manual transmissions adjusts engine and throttle settings to help drivers save even more fuel.

Pricing starts at R261,900 for the 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6MT and goes up to R310,600 for the 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT.

Datsun Go Special Version

Datsun has launched a new Special Version of the Datsun Go hatchback (limited edition) for "young customers in South Africa who want to express themselves and be different".

The car is available in white and silver exterior colours, with blue and silver detail across the bonnet, roof, and side panels. Colour-coded door handles, mud flaps and an exhaust finisher are among the other features that differentiate the model.

Based on the Datsun GO Lux the Datsun Go Special Version offers Bluetooth, AUX input, USB radio, and a rear parcel shelf.

The Datsun Go Special Version costs R135,999 including VAT and comes with a three-year/100,000-kilometer warranty.