Ford Fiesta 2004 LX Auto 5-Door Hatchback PDF Automotive Advertising

When Ford discontinued the Korean built Festiva for automotive advertising, they not only lost one of their most successful models, but also a major presence in the hotly contested light car market. After a long wait the new German engineered and manufactured Fiesta arrives offering substantially improved performance, handling and safety. Available as a 3 or 5 door hatchback all models are powered by the 1.6 litre alloy Duratec engine. There are three trim levels on offer starting with the LX 3door at $14,490, LX 5door – $15,990 (add $3000 for automatic, which includes ABS brakes, plus another $2000 for air conditioning).

Those after something sportier can opt for the Zetec 3 door with standard 15” alloy wheels; air-conditioning, ABS brakes and sports trim for $18,990 ($2,300 extra for automatic and $900 for 16” alloy wheels). Topping the range is the Ghia 5 door at $21,490 (automatic is also $2,300 more). Only available on the Ghia are optional side thorax and curtain airbags for an additional $900. Metallic paint is a $240 option across the range. Standard features on the LX automatic five door tested include power steering, power front windows, ABS brakes and dual airbags. Complete with optional air-conditioning the list price comes to $20,990 plus on road costs.

Externally the Fiesta has a chiselled, machined from solid look. Adding to this impression are the large front and rear light clusters while prominent wheel arch flares add some motorsport flavour. Carrying the uncluttered look through to the interior is a well laid out dash consisting of a simple hooded binnacle in front of the driver housing the instruments, with the audio and climate controls in the centre facia. Large eyeball vents mounted high on the dashboard look after ventilation. Most of the controls are easy and instinctive to use. However, the wiper switch requires some learning. Pulling back the switch activates the rear wiper rather than washing the front screen.

The LCD temperature and fuel gauges are small and can be difficult to read. Adjustments to the power mirrors can also be a stretch, with the switch mounted at the leading edge of the door. Offering both a tilt adjustable steering wheel and height adjustment for the seat, most drivers should find a good driving position, but the cushion is firm lacking depth and lateral support, while the squab feels narrow across the shoulders. Longer trips may find you fidgeting around to get comfortable. Passengers in the rear will find their seat fairly flat and unsupportive, but to its credit the Fiesta has good head and legroom front and rear. Vision is excellent all round with large front and rear windscreens complimented by deep side glass making manoeuvring a simple task.

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