Ford's Fiesta is a smash hit. It's on top of the subcompact segment but Ford isn't sitting on its laurels, pretending that all is good and will remain that way.
With the impending arrival of the $4 gallon of fuel, small cars will continue to gain in popularity and one of the ways to ensure that your product will be considered by the masses is to make it attractive. That's one “check” in favour of the Ford Fiesta. The other is to introduce new technology and offbeat powertrains that are sure to entice the younger crowd, the budget-minded and eco-conscious.
Ford will be introducing a 1.0L 3-cylinder in the Fiesta sometime in 2012, give or take a few months, in various world markets. This diminutive 3-pot will be EcoBoosted and feature variable-valve timing, offset crankshaft and numerous other technologies. Output has not yet been divulged however for says that hp-per-litre of displacement can easily reach 120. The current 1.6L mill in the Fiesta makes 120hp.
Production of the lump begins in spring 2012 and it will be offered in the Ka, Figo and Fiesta. For certain, the first two vehicles will not be coming to North America any time soon if ever so finding it in a Fiesta on a dealer lot in St-Louis or Vancouver makes sense.
No exact date has been given for its arrival here but we'll venture a safe guess and say early 2013.
