New Ford Fiesta Automatic Launched

India’s growing C-segment of passenger cars has seen the increasing presence of an automatic gearbox variant across multiple models and manufacturers, and while the acute pricing for these AT sedans has inevitably kept them at the top of the upper trim level pyramid, the joy of driving one as compared a manual has been less than satisfactory.

Just like its arch rivals Volkswagen, Honda and now Hyundai, Ford has now introduced an automatic version of its internationally acclaimed Ford Fiesta model in India. However, what you see here isn’t some old 4-speed tranny, but Ford's very own 6-speed dual clutch auto box with its patented PowerShift technology.

Weighing just 73 kilos, this gearbox has been designed to work with engines producing a maximum of 250Nm of torque and hence is said to be far more efficient and smooth compared to any other auto box currently on offer in this pedigree of vehicles.

What’s more is that the Fiesta automatic also gets a feature called grade assist that intelligently selects lower gears while ascending or downshifts and uses engine braking while going downhill, a function that can be turned on or off by pushing a button next to the gear lever.

Speaking at the launch of the Fiesta PowerShift Automatic, Michael Boneham, President and Managing Director of Ford India, said “The all-new Fiesta Powershift Automatic really opens up the segment by making the aspirational become achievable. With class-leading features like voice-control with Bluetooth, cruise control and rear-parking sensors, it offers our customers the next level of comfort and convenience.”

Currently being offered only with the 1.5-litre Ti-Vct petrol engine that produces 109PS @ 6,045rpm and 140Nm@ 4500rpm, Ford claims its intelligent AT box needs no maintenance and comes with a life expectancy of  2,40,000km or 10 years whichever is earlier.

Sadly, there's no manual tiptronic option or even paddleshifts behind the steering wheel as on other dual clutch transmission cars, but for those who are already sold to this new age of stick-shift free locomotion, Ford has priced the new Fiesta Automatic at a starting price of Rs 8.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for its basic Style variant and Rs 9.70 lakh for the high-end Titanium + (ex-showroom Delhi), which is quite understandable considering the basic high price range for the manual cars to begin with.

However, the inclusion of the Ford PowerShift technology on the new Fiesta (Read : First Drive) may just turn out to be the American auto giant’s secret recipe for India’s ripening C-segment, and it looks quite able of taking the fight right up to the competition.