Ford's small car range, Fiesta, is set to receive a distinctive new look, as revealed at the Australian International Motor Show earlier this month.

The freshening actions will see Fiesta afforded distinctive new exterior styling, fresh new interiors, vibrant new colours and an impressive list of cutting-edge technology and features.

"Australians have been really impressed with Fiesta in the 18 months it has been on sale," said Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Mark Winslow.

"Fiesta offers German engineering, superb driving dynamics combined with an outstanding combination of European style, performance and safety features.

"The enhanced look of the 2006 model will add to this appeal, and help maintain Fiesta's position at the forefront of the small car segment."

The Fiesta range consists of two body styles and three series variants. All models come standard with a 1.6 litre Duratec all-alloy engine, which develops 74 kW at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 146 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

It is available with either a slick shifting 5-speed manual or an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic.

Fiesta also boasts an ultra strong and stylish body, an advanced chassis and finely tuned suspension and steering.

Distinctive new exterior and new 'designer' interiors

Fiesta will get a fresh new look inside and out. The exterior changes include new bumpers and grille, new headlamps, new rear lamps, thicker body side mouldings and body coloured handles and mirrors on selected models.

Inside, a redesign concentrates on improving the feeling of quality and space. Highlights include a stylish new fascia with easier to read instruments and a soft-feel upper section to the instrument panel.

A selection of modern new seat fabrics and fascia colour combinations gives the 2006 Fiesta interior an exciting, trendy feel. New vibrant exterior colours for Fiesta include Tango, Sea Grey and Jeans Blue.

New cutting-edge features

Fiesta’s electronic system features a Controller Area Network (CAN) that can circulate specific data throughout the car, as required.

Much of this technology is working out of the driver's sight. There are visible examples such as the duplication of the radio station name and tuning information in the instrument cluster ahead of the driver, and the automatic speed-related volume control. Additionally, the hazard warning lights operate automatically under emergency or heavy braking above 100 km/h.

The 2006 Fiesta range goes on sale in Australia early in the new year.

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