New Ford Fiesta Metal scores in Auto Express top ten
The new Ford Fiesta Metal special edition 134PS hot hatch is in the top 10 of motoring magazine Auto Express’ Performance Cars of the Year 2011. Ford’s supermini ranks seventh amongst 30 finalists, rated higher than entries from Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Maserati and Lotus.
Auto Express motoring writer, Luke Madden said: “The Fiesta Metal evokes the spirit of an old-school hot hatch. It’s simple, lightweight and has an engine that doesn’t produce peak power until 6,700rpm. For such an affordable hatch to make such a big impression is a real achievement. Few cars provide as much enjoyment as the Fiesta.
“Every time we drive the supermini we’re reminded of the magic Ford’s engineers have sprinkled on the chassis. On the road its supple ride, perfectly weighted steering and sharp responses come to the fore.”
Priced from £15,695 on-the-road, and limited to just 1000 examples, the Ford Fiesta Metal boasts 134PS at 6,700rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4,250rpm from its 1.6-litre, Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine, and can reach 62mph in just 8.7sec.
Anthony Ireson, Ford of Britain's marketing director, said: "The Ford Fiesta has a significant heritage as a great driver’s car. The Auto Express accolade is a testament to how much work we put into making our cars special for today’s drivers."
Based on the popular three-door 120PS Ford Fiesta Zetec-S, the Fiesta Metal boasts: chrome twin exhaust pipes, silver-painted front grille surround, front aerofoil and front fog light bezels, Piano Black painted centre stack bezel, air vent rings and door pulls, Ebony Black leather sports seats with silver contrast stitching, unique floor mats with silver piping, stainless steel door scuff plates with Fiesta logo, 17" Black alloy wheels and sports tuning with lowered ride height.
The new Ford Fiesta Metal's standard specification includes: Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Home Safe headlights, Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), Intelligent Protection System (IPS), front, side and knee airbags and anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). It is available in Panther Black, Midnight Sky and Frozen White.
