Click above to view the Ford Fiesta S in hi-res
China will undoubtedly be an important market for the new Ford Fiesta. Originally unveiled in European spec at the Geneva Motor Show last month, the Chinese version has just made its debut this week at the Auto China show in Beijing. The Chinese Fiesta is scheduled begin production before the end of the year at Ford's $510 million Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA) plant in Nanjing, China.
Styling is by and large the same as its European counterpart, only the Beijing show car, displayed in S trim, features a sportier, more aggressive trim package that could preview what a future hot-hatch Fiesta ST or RS could look like. Did Ford hit the sweet spot in Geneva or in Beijing? Take a look at the Chinese and European versions in the galleries below and share your thoughts in the comments.
[Source: Ford]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Aprime @ Apr 21st 2008 6:36PM
I know it's cliché, and I know that gaping mouth will pretty much act like a shovel during the Winter, but I still want it.
Tinu @ Apr 21st 2008 7:15PM
And why can't Ford sell this in US, again?
imoore @ Apr 21st 2008 7:54PM
Because Ford thinks we're not good enough for It. the current attitude is "Give them a dressed-up old Focus with Sync and they'll be happy."
Seoultrain @ Apr 21st 2008 8:41PM
Ford can't sell it in the US because our dollar isn't worth sh**. Would you buy a subcompact starting at over $20k?
Judy Zik @ Apr 21st 2008 10:01PM
Have any of you clowns been paying attention? They ARE planning on selling it in the US. So start saving your allowance so you can put your money where your mouth is.
TriShield @ Apr 21st 2008 6:43PM
Apparently we are going to get this car in the US as well. It can't come soon enough.
Xcountryflyer @ Apr 21st 2008 8:31PM
Sooner than later would be better so we can forget our ugly a** Focus.
nardi @ Apr 21st 2008 7:49PM
Looks so much better as a 3 door, dont get why the 'S' would be 5 door and the regular is 3, dont they know a hot hatch Should be a 3 door. Mind you Subaru dont know this either!
Very nice looking car though.
Phil M @ Apr 21st 2008 8:15PM
Now it's even more obvious that the Guangzhou Linian you presented earlier is a total copy of the Fiesta.
Franz @ Apr 21st 2008 8:17PM
I think it looks pretty good.
ken_aisin @ Apr 21st 2008 8:49PM
Even the Chinese are getting better looking Fords than we do.
Berto @ Apr 21st 2008 8:57PM
@Tinu: Because as soon as we get it we will find something to whine about and not buy it.
Trevor @ Apr 21st 2008 9:23PM
WoW you guys must not keep up with Ford.
this car is coming to the U.S.
Jrejre @ Apr 21st 2008 9:23PM
I'd hand over 14k for that little green one.
vwboyaf1 @ Apr 21st 2008 9:33PM
Had a chance to drive a 1.3 liter demio wagon while in japan last december. It felt very good for a small car, similar to my 2003 accord. avg'd about 48 mpg too! After driving that, I was very interested in driving the 1.5 sport hatch, which is basically the same car as the new fiesta. This is what the new focus should have been. It should give the fit fits.
Philip @ Apr 21st 2008 10:52PM
China, China, China, its all we hear these days, America you might as well face it, you are a second class citizen in todays world.
China is a new market and will get to sample everythng first, Maybe they will get a Ranger before we get a replacement too.
Its a SAD world, everyone has jumped ship.
China might make what I consider second class junk but 10 years from now they will make everything and make it well, The American car will be gone forever.
Papi L-Gee @ Apr 21st 2008 11:02PM
To everyone who is saying "this is what the Focus should have been," this car is a subcompact; it slots below the Focus.
We'll get this and the next (global) Focus in a matter of years.
GOT @ Apr 22nd 2008 4:23AM
I like it! And I like the 5-dr better than the 3-dr.
The only thing I think could be better is the placement of the side mirrors. They might look better in the corners of the A-pillar.
NOreasonY @ Apr 22nd 2008 9:14AM
i really cant wait to have an internal debate in my head someday between buying this and the focus...granted they both show up here in some form of hatch back.....DONT LET ME DOWN FORD
Rodrigo Arteaga @ Apr 22nd 2008 10:34AM
You don't have to wait 2 or 3 years to get an Euro Focus, just go south the border anf buy it in Mexico, check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahdMWKKkqv8
oh, almost forget it, the Fiesta is going to be here too in a year or two, becouse it will be produced in Mexico for all America (the continent) so, bring your dollars...