When Ford launched its facelifted Focus range last week with new 1-litre turbo versions starting from R212 900, we found it strange that the company had actually priced it below the Fiesta.
Now the Fiesta has jumped on the bargain bandwagon with a range expansion that also sees the 1-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol models coming in at a lower price than before. In fact, they're even cheaper than the equivalent 1.4-litre models, which Ford has retained at R194 030 for the 1.4 Ambiente and R204 900 for the 1.4 Trend.
New to the range is a 1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente, which for now is only available paired with Ford's six-speed Powershift dual-clutch gearbox, and priced at R199 900, but Ford will be introducing a more affordable manual version in the fourth quarter of this year. This will no doubt be the price leader.
Yet right now you can get a 1.0 EcoBoost Trend manual for just R199 900 (down from R227 630) or 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium for R219 900 (was R247 900) and both can also be paired with the Powershift self-shifter for ten grand more.
VERY IMPORTANT: If you're thinking of paying list for a Fiesta 1.4, please print this article and consult your nearest psychologist immediately.
Ford has confirmed to us that there is no error in the odd pricing mix and the official stance is that some customers still feel there's no replacement for displacement. Sure, you would have less durability anxiety.
Yet our bet is that the market simply won't support the 1.4-litre models at that price point, which means if you walk into your dealership awake, you'd have enough bargaining power to secure a big discount on one and they’d surely be happy to get rid of the stock.
That's if you can resist the turbo temptation of Ford's award-winning three-cylinder gem. In five-speed manual form it delivers a rather warm and fuzzy 92kW at 6000rpm and 170Nm of twisting force 1400 and 4500 revs. Powershift versions are detuned to 74kW, but maximum torque remains the same. The normally aspirated 1.4 is good for only 71kW and 128Nm.
Against the clock we're talking a 12.2-second 0-100km/h sprint for the 1.4, versus 9.4 seconds for the 1.0, according to Ford's official figures. Claimed average fuel consumption amounts to 5.7 l/100km for the 1.4 and 4.3 in the case of the 1.0.
And lest we forget, Ford still offers two 1.6-litre TDCi turbodiesel models, delivering 70kW and 200Nm and starting at R210 030.
All models in the new range are well appointed, coming with a six-speaker audio system with steering wheel controls, Sync, Bluetooth and voice control, as well as air conditioning, dual airbags and ABS. Trend versions add electric windows, height-adjustable driver's seat, powered and body-coloured mirrors, fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Servicing is also on Ford's tab for the first 60 000km (up to four years) and there's a four-year/120 000km warranty to back you up.
PRICES
1.4 Ambiente - R194 030
1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente - TBA
1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente PowerShift - R199 900
1.0 EcoBoost Trend - R199 900
1.4 Trend - R204 900
1.0 EcoBoost Trend PowerShift - R209 900
1.6 TDCi Ambiente - R210 030
1.6 TDCi Trend - R216 900
1.0 EcoBoost Titanium - R219 900
1.0 EcoBoost Titanium PowerShift - R229 900
1.6 EcoBoost ST 3-door - R275 900