Goodbye To The Ford Fiesta That Put A Smile On Our faces For 46 Years

Ford is synonymous with fun-to-drive cars and that is not just limited to the expensive models. All throughout its portfolio, Ford made sure its cars were engineered to go around corners with a poise that is unmistakable. Chassis and dynamics are its forte and it is reflected in everything from an entry-level hatchback to a full-blown SUV. 

Bringing fun motoring to the general masses at an affordable price is what the Fiesta is all about. Sadly, the time has come to bid farewell, as Ford announced it will end the Fiesta’s production in June 2023, leaving behind a rich legacy that dates back to 1976. Ford desired a small car in its lineup and decided to act on the ‘Project Bobcat’, despite the American market’s obsession with plus-sized cars. Although destined to be called the Bravo, Henry Ford II picked Fiesta (Spanish for celebration) since the tiny hatchback was initially produced in a factory in Spain. 

There have been seven generations of the Fiesta over the last 46 years and the brand has sold over 22 million Fiestas up until now. The first-generation Fiesta also gave birth to the Fiesta XR2, which is the great-grandfather of the riot we know as the Fiesta ST. All generations of the Fiesta followed the same recipe of cheap thrills backed by solid engineering and potent engine options. Over the years, the Fiesta has attained a cult following and has always been the choice of the younger crowd, thanks to its playful handling. A Fiesta cornering hard and picking up its inside rear wheel will always be etched into our minds. 

Us petrolheads in India also got a good taste of the hatchback as the MK4, MK5 and MK6 Fiestas were available in India, although in different names and forms. 

The Ford Ikon (Fiesta MK5)

Following the dire sales of the Escort in India, Ford shipped in the MK4 Fiesta’s sedan guise and labelled it the Ikon with a marketing campaign that called it the “Josh Machine ''. Well, whoever came up with these two words definitely had a go in the car. Overshadowed by its Japanese counterparts of that time, the Ikon was one of the most fun cars for that kind of money. And that holds true even today, especially if it’s the 1.6-litre ROCAM engine that produced 90PS/130Nm. These figures are misleading as the Ikon is an absolute hoot to drive with its telepathic steering, slick gearbox, beautiful chassis and the legendary throttle response of the ROCAM unit. 

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Launched in 1999, the sedan actually established Ford in India and roped in adequate numbers. The Ikon was also available with a 1.3-litre petrol engine, sluggish 1.8-litre diesel and later a more advanced 1.4-litre diesel engine option. We got two facelifted versions of the Ikon over the years until Ford pulled its plug in 2011. 

The Ford Fiesta (Fiesta MK5)

In 2005, Ford wanted to continue the Ikon’s success and launched the Fiesta sedan in India with the original nameplate. It was a substantial step over the Ikon and a mature sedan with more space, good ride and handling, and better engine options, which included the debut of 1.4 Duratorq diesel, 1.4 Duratec petrol and the gem of a 1.6-litre Duratec petrol engine in the country. The Fiesta also got a facelift in 2008 and was later rebadged to Fiesta Classic during the end of its lifecycle. 

In 2008, along with the facelift, Ford introduced the Fiesta 1.6S. What Ford did was take one of the best-handling FWD cars in India and make it even better with the 1.6S. It has attained a collector status in the country and is so involving to drive that it is often known as the poor man’s BMW. Major changes included a stiffer set of dampers and springs, wider 195/55/R15 section wheels and tires, cabin with a hint of sportiness, and a neat cosmetic package that included a full body kit and a spoiler.  Like all Fords, it’s got the perfect seating position, brilliant steering that lets you know even the texture of the tarmac and a torquey 1.6 Duratec in a tight chassis that turns in so fast and flat that the rear hardly keeps up. 

The Ford Figo? 

Wondering what the Figo is doing here? Well, the Figo is basically an Indianised version of the Fiesta MK5 hatchback sold abroad. It is underpinned by the same chassis as the Fiesta MK5 sedan and it shows. The Figo was one of the most successful models for Ford India and it was a worthy competitor to the dominating Swift. It came at an affordable price in comparison to the Swift and two engine options including the diesel, but the Figo’s standout trait was its impeccable ride and handling balance. It was perfect if you ask us and it is a shame that Ford did not offer the Figo with the 1.6-litre Duratec engine as a sportier offering. The later generation Figo or the Aspire cannot hold a candle to the old Figo’s handling prowess. It’d have been a proper warm hatch if it had a strong engine to back the chassis’ capabilities. 

The Global Fiesta (Fiesta MK6)

We still have a grudge against Ford for not launching the MK6 Ford Fiesta hatchback in India. Instead, we got yet another sedan; but this time around, the Fiesta failed to draw enough customers and ended up being a sales dud. For starters, the Global Fiesta looked odd in the sedan guise, was priced steeply, and suffered from poor legroom in the rear. Despite all this and being powered by the then-latest 1.5-litre TDCI diesel and a TI-VCT petrol engine that lacked the oomph of the outgoing 1.6 Duratec, the Global Fiesta happens to be one of the finest handling cars in India. 

The chassis was a leap over the MK5 and introduced us to a new ride and handling balance benchmark in its class. The Global Fiesta drove like something from a segment above and it has one of the best EPS (Electric Power Steering) units we’ve experienced. It was also loaded, for its time, with many first-in-class features. Although the least popular version of Fiesta in India, Global Fiesta’s biggest strength is that it actually handled better than the Fiesta 1.6S with better body control and composure. 

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When we think about it, we did not get the best Fiesta versions in India. We always got the sedans and never any hatchbacks or something as special as the Fiesta ST. Still, with all generations of sedans that were launched in India, the Fiesta sure did leave an impression on us and spoiled us with its handling and involving chassis. The name might or might not make a comeback in the future as an all-electric hatchback. But we sure hope that happens and Ford brings back the fun and feisty little hatchback.

Fiesta 1.6s image credits: Rohil Nair