The New Ikon?

When Ford presented a facelifted Fiesta hatchback at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1999, we got the Ikon three-box sedan with an identical front-end treatment.

Now, the big Blue Oval has unveiled an all new 2002 version Fiesta, which one can see in the flesh at Frankfurt in 10 days. The brief given to the Fiesta's designers was to create more space and add style without sacrificing manoeuvrability and economy.

No problem, the new car offers class leading rear leg room and a cargo area that's larger than others in its segment. This has been achieved by pushing the Fiesta's wheels even further to the corners of the vehicle, and lengthening the wheelbase.

 

The new Fiesta also stands wider and taller than the current model, while the pronounced wheel arches are filled by 14" tyres. The headlamps have become larger, and at the rear, the car gets high-mounted tail lamps like our very own Indica.

The insides boast a new 'stacked style' dash, which is punctuated by large circular air vents. One Duratorq diesel and four Duratec petrol engines will power the new Fiesta.

The safety checklist includes intelligent dual stage front airbags as standard. Over 10 million Fiestas have been produced since 1976, and now, it looks like this freshly packaged model will be a best-seller in the same mould. So, Ford India, any chances of giving us a new-look Ikon?