Ford At The Johannesburg International Motor Show

The FINANCIAL -- Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa will showcase its latest product offering at this year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS), with the recently launched Ford Fiesta taking centre stage on this year’s stand.

“The exhibition provides local consumers an opportunity to view the extensive range of product offerings under one roof,” says Casper Kruger, General Manager, Ford. “The Ford stand will feature the new Fiesta – a model that clearly illustrates the refreshed and revitalised Ford range of the future.”

Designed and built to the same fundamental principles that created the Model T 100 years ago, the Fiesta is a significant model in the Ford line-up. From the outset, the new Ford Fiesta has been designed and developed using global resources to meet the differing needs of customers around the world.

Ford carried out extensive research on customer needs, wants and desires when planning the new small car. The result is not just a new car but a process, which will dictate the future of Ford product development and through which other Ford cars will be born.

“The new Fiesta is the first product of Ford Motor Company built under the ‘One Ford’ vision – a single global company designing and building cars for a single, global customer base, not divided by regional or national borders,” explains Kruger.

The Fiesta brand initially made its debut in 1976. It was designed to appeal to the European small car market with modern features and a respectable price tag. The brand became ING rained in European culture attracting a loyal and dedicated following. South African buyers got their first taste of the Ford Fiesta in 1994. The car was well received and in 1998 the Fiesta walked away with the South African Car of the Year title.

“The new Fiesta is a landmark moment for Ford. It’s our most significant global vehicle project since the Model T and heralds the future for Ford Product development,” continues Kruger.

“The Fiesta marks a new beginning for Ford,” adds Kruger. “A new global car range will follow in the future with a much shorter time between regional models being unveiled and launched. This is the future.”

The show also marks the unveiling of the newly freshened Bantam line-up. The popular half ton vehicle will now be offered with an additional engine variant in the form of a 1.4 TDCi. Minor cosmetic enhancements give the Bantam a fresh new face, Noise Vibration and Harshness is improved as is the body sealing.

Also on display will be the upgraded Focus and upgraded Ikon. Both models are due to arrive early in 2009 with a number of enhanced features that will make both models even more enticing.

Performance enthusiasts will enjoy the new Focus ST that was recently launched. The sporty model offers revised styling and enhanced specification levels making it an even more attractive choice for consumers.

Other models on display at this year’s show are the Ford Ranger with a soon to be introduced automatic transmission.

“It’s an exciting time for us at Ford. The much anticipated new Fiesta is here just weeks after its international debut. It's a striking and dynamic vehicle and we are sure that over the next few days the Fiesta will be a popular attraction with the show goers. The Fiesta is a prelude of things to come from Ford in the future and we hope that the public is as excited about this new direction as we are. In addition to the Fiesta we will be launching the freshened Bantam at the show. It's a model that has its roots firmly planted in South Africa and one that many will no doubt be eager to view.”

Products on display:

New Ford Fiesta
Ford Ikon – 2009 MY
Ford Focus – 2009 MY
Recently introduced Focus ST
Freshened Ford Bantam
Ford Ranger Automatic

Ford Fiesta

The new Fiesta will be introduced with a choice of three powertrains: a 1.4-litre petrol, 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre turbo diesel. The updated 1.4-litre petrol motor has a maximum output of 71kW at 5750rpm and a maximum torque output of 125Nm at 4500rpm. As with all the Fiesta models fuel consumption is frugal with a combined cycle consumption of 5.9 litres/100kms.

The introduction of the new Fiesta also sees the introduction of a 1.6-litre Duratec Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) petrol engine to the range. The new motor produces 88kW at 6000rpm and has a torque peak of 149Nm at 4250rpm. Despite its feisty character the 1.6-litre petrol engine obtains a combined cycle fuel consumption measuring in at 5.9 litres/100km.

The state-of-the-art common-rail Duratorq TDCi engine features new technologies, enhanced fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and improved performance. The diesel motor serves up 66kW at 4000rpm and has a torque peak of 200Nm at just 1500rpm. The average fuel consumption on the combined cycle is just 4.2 litres/100km.

The new Fiesta will be offered in a choice of either 5-door or 3-door body styles with three specification levels on offer: the entry level 'Ambiente', the 'Trend' and the top of the range 'Titanium'.

The Ambiente model offers a warm, inviting cabin, and features a light contrast instrument panel. Despite being the entry level model, the Ambiente offers an extensive array of features including a radio/CD with 6 speakers, air conditioning, power steering, front operated power windows, steering wheel audio controls, tinted windows, rear fog lamps and a headlamp delay feature. The exterior styling features include body colour bumpers and a rear spoiler, self colour door and lift gate handles as well as 15” steel wheels. Safety is also of the highest standard with dual airbags, a driver belt reminder, ABS with EBD and a centre high mounted stop lamp providing peace of mind.

The Trend series takes inspiration from designer clothing to emphasise a contemporary feel. In addition to the features already found on the Ambiente model, the Trend series boasts features such as heated power mirrors with integrated indicators, remote central locking, illuminated double locking, trip computer, rear electric windows and a Bluetooth vehicle interface with voice control. Body colour door handles, front and rear mud flaps and 15” alloy wheels further enhance the exterior appearance.

The top of the range Titanium model employs high contrast finishes for a sleek, technical appearance, inspired by premium technology brands. Aesthetic lighting and map reading lamp further enhance the dynamic appeal of the Titanium series. As do the exterior styling cues that include chrome accents, 16” alloy wheels, halogen projector headlamps, front fog lamps with chrome bezel and a partial body kit that includes a bumper grille and rear spoiler. The partial sport body kit with 16” alloy wheels, an ICE (In Car Entertainment) audio and Bluetooth system with voice control and a USB jack further enhance the dynamic appeal of the Titanium series. In three door body style the Titanium model benefits from the addition of a full body kit.

The use of colour and kinetic design elements allowed the design team to create more contemporary interpretations of established models and to incorporate new considerations such as street fashions.

One of the challenges for the design team was to improve the interior space and stowage for driver and passengers, without increasing the overall dimensions of the car. In five-seat mode, the Fiesta offers 284 litres of luggage space. Front legroom is also impressive with 1069mm available. Various storage compartments in the cabin provide plenty of room for oddments with large front door bins capable of storing 1.5-litre bottles or a road atlas.

Designers focused strongly on the handling characteristics in the new Fiesta. The Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) replaces the traditional hydraulic power-assist system of the previous-generation Fiesta. Extensive effort was devoted to detailed tuning of the Fiesta’s EPAS system to ensure that it delivers the precise steering feedback expected from a Ford vehicle.

Safety was another key focal point for the design team. Designers used high-strength steel extensively throughout the car to create a very strong body structure protecting occupants in the event of a collision. The Fiesta is also about 10 percent stiffer torsionally than its predecessor.

Dual front airbags for driver and passenger are available on all derivatives, three-point safety belts are on offer for all passengers while the front safety belts feature dual-stage digressive load-limiting pretensioners. Furthermore all Fiesta models are equipped with ABS brakes with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution).

Ford Ikon – MY2009

The Ford Ikon range is due to receive some minor revisions during the course of 2009. The upgraded Ikon range is on display at the Show giving consumers a taste of what’s to come.

The Ford Ikon established itself as a major player in the B-segment over recent years. The Ikon is geared towards dependability, affordability and low running costs all without sacrificing space, practicality and interior comfort.

A new audio system including four speakers and a single radio / CD player with MP3 compatible Audio Jack will become available on the upgraded model range due in 2009.

Upgraded models will boast an enhanced interior environment with Camel fabric colour being replaced with Ebony and Jasper Blue. Fabric inserts in the door panels and the seat covers have been enhanced to create a more dynamic appearance.

The current engine line- up will be upgraded with the 1.4-litre petrol powerplant being replaced by a more powerful 1.6-litre petrol motor producing 74kW at 6500rpm and 143Nm at 4000rpm.

Consumers will therefore have a choice of the 1.6-litre model and 1.4-litre TDCi Diesel in Ambiente spec or the 1.6-litre petrol in Trend guise. The Ambiente model features driver and passenger airbags, body colour bumpers and door handles, 15” steel wheels and a full size spare wheel.

Comfort and convenience features include keyless remote central locking, remote tail gate boot release, rake adjustable steering column, power windows front and rear and radio/CD with four speakers.

The 1.6-litre Trend model offers additional features including a sport suspension, 15” alloy wheels, body colour bumpers with fog lamps, headlight with chrome bezel integral indicators and body colour door mirrors. Aluminium interior door handles and painted gear shift and park brake further enhance the interior package.

The Trend models also feature the newly introduced audio system with MP3 compatible Audio Jack.

The 1.4-litre turbo diesel powerplant remains unchanged with a state of the art modern diesel with a turbocharger and electronically controlled direct injection, offering excellent torque output, remarkable fuel economy and notably low emissions. It produces a maximum power output of 50kW at 4000rpm and 160Nm of torque at 2000rpm.

Ford Focus- MY2009

The upgraded Ford Focus, on display at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, is a prelude of what’s to come in 2009. The 'C' segment, in which the Focus competes, is fiercely competitive. The dynamic new look incorporating Ford’s 'kinetic design' styling cues is aimed at keeping Focus at the top of its game.

A fresh, new 'kinetic design' exterior, upgraded interior, new features and technologies, combine with outstanding environmental credentials and acclaimed driving dynamics to keep the Focus at the front of the medium car market.

A new body-colour one-piece bumper design for both front and rear bumpers is complimented by a new bonnet design. Fog lamps and bezels have also been added to the front face of the Focus. Si derivatives receive further cosmetic treatment with Sport Body Colour rear bumpers with a self-coloured diffuser area.

The interior design will be enhanced with new door trim and new seat trim material.

New Focus also delivers new levels of technology for connectivity and in-car systems. Any portable audio device can be connected to the car's audio systems either via a conventional 3.5mm jack or now, a new USB port with connectivity module. The latter is particularly significant for users of latest generation Apple iPod players, as this connection allows full control of the unit's functions through the main audio system. Bluetooth connectivity and Voice Control are also available.

The Ford Focus has always been acclaimed for its driving quality, particularly its dynamics, and the new range remains true to this heritage.

Detailed changes have been made to make the Focus quieter, particularly the diesel models, and manual transmissions benefit from reduced friction by using a new low viscosity transmission oil which does not only contribute to a better fuel economy, but also helps to reduce the forces required for a gear change by up to 14 percent.

The Focus range will also be expanded with the addition of a new petrol engine in the form of a 1.8-litre petrol powertrain, which replaces the current 1.6. Other changes include the addition of two new body colours. The upgraded Ford Focus is expected to arrive in SA in the first quarter of 2009.

Ford Focus ST

An upgraded version of the Ford Focus ST was revealed earlier this year. The 2008 rendition is more refined in its appearance whilst still staying true to its sporty heritage. The Focus ST continues to be available in both three-door and five-door configurations.

The recently launched model received a number of cosmetic enhancements including a new front bumper with integrated new fog light housing; a larger air intake for better cooling and a new honeycomb grille. The hood has been changed to integrate with the new head lamp design and its new lights cluster arrangement.

The fender has also been re-designed to fuse with the new bumper design. The rear tailgate sports a new diffuser-style bumper, which improves high speed stability and merges with the newly styled rear lights.

The ST continues to be identifiable by its signature Electric Orange and Performance Blue colour options. Both models continue to feature body coloured: spoilers; door handles; mirrors and body side mouldings. Neat attention to detail in the form of special ST badges on the front wings and the highly sculpted, five-spoke wheels with low-profile tyres further distinguish the ST model.

The new Focus ST delivers new levels of technology for connectivity in in-car systems thanks to the Bluetooth® connectivity function with Voice Control.

The advanced system allows you to utilize your cell phone even if it is in your briefcase or handbag with no wiring or cradle required. The system supports various phone operations including: digit dialing, last number dialing, incoming calls and voice tag dialing. In addition, the system will dial a number requested from the driver's phone address book. The voice control can be used for the phone, radio, CD player and climate control (5-door only).

The Ford Power start button is also a new feature allowing easy, keyless vehicle activation that has been added to the already impressive specification list of the Focus ST.

Other interior features remain unchanged with full leather trim standard on the Focus ST 5-door and optional on the Focus ST 3-door. Sculpted rear seats are also standard on both models, while leather and brushed-aluminium finishes further characterise the interior environment.

The Focus ST is powered by the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged powertrain. It produces 166kW at 6000rpm and has a torque peak of 320Nm at 6000rpm. Mated to a slick shifting six-speed transmission the Focus ST moves from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240km/h.

The ST’s handling has been tailored to reward the enthusiast driver but at the same time allow for refined driving. Reduced ride height, quicker steering ratios, stiffened front and rear springs, and rear anti-roll add to the agility and handling characteristics of the car.

The Focus ST is equipped with a high-performance braking system: four-piston brake calipers bite into 320 millimetre ventilated brake discs at the front, while at the rear two-piston brake calipers combine with 280 millimetre discs.

In addition, Ford’s Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) offers safe and controllable braking under extreme conditions. Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system is also available on the Focus ST. ESP intervenes in critical handling situations, assisting the driver by braking individual wheels as needed.

Ford Bantam

Ford will unveil its freshened Bantam range at the Johannesburg International Motor Show. The unveiling of the new range sees the introduction of a diesel model in the form of a 1.4-litre TDCi. Additional changes include various cosmetic enhancements, improved Noise Vibration and Harshness and improved body sealing.

This year sees the Bantam celebrate 25 years of service in South Africa. Over the years the Bantam has developed a reputation for comfort, reliability and affordability. With over 100 years experience in the LCV segment, Ford has a comprehensive understanding of what customers are looking for. With this in mind they have tweaked certain aspects of the Bantam to make it relevant and up to date with current market requirements.

There are three Bantam powertrains on offer: the 1.3-litre petrol, 1.6-litre petrol and now the 1.4-litre turbo diesel. The state of the art DuraTorq TDCi engine utilises a turbocharger and electronically controlled direct injection system to create a peak power output of 50kW at 4000rpm and a maximum torque output of 160Nm at 2000 rpm.

Noise reduction technology makes the 1.4TDCi one of the smoothest and quietest diesels in its class. The innovative technology incorporates a system called ‘Accelerometer Pilot Control’ (APC) - an ING enious system that monitors combustion noise levels. APC makes adjustments every 0.3 milliseconds to the pilot main injectors, to ensure an incredibly quiet drive.

The entire Bantam range will now be offered with a revised front and rear lamp design. The front bumper and bonnet have been re-designed, while 14” alloy wheels complete the new profile of the Bantam. Other changes include: improved body sealing and on the inside a new instrument cluster and upgraded interior.

Comfort and convenience remain key features on the Bantam making it the perfect partner for both the corporate and the private sector. Under the skin the layout remains unchanged. Riding on gas shocks and Macpherson struts the Bantam provides a comfortable driving experience normally associated with passenger vehicles.

The petrol powertrains remain unchanged with the 1.3-litre RoCam power plant producing 55kW at 5500rpm and 110Nm at 3000rpm while the 1.6-litre RoCam unit offers 70kW at 5500rpm and 137Nm from 2500rpm.

Various specification levels are on offer. The base model comes equipped with air conditioning and a radio CD as an optional extra, while the XL model features two speakers, radio CD, a rear step bumper, cab protector and body side mouldings as standard.

The XLT receives further features including: 14”alloy wheels, two extra speakers, fog lamps, body colour bumpers and mirrors, power windows and mirrors, loadbox edge protectors and remote central locking.

Topping the range is the XLT with dual airbags, leather gear knob, leather steering wheel and body colour door handles. Leather trim is available as an optional extra on the XLT and XLE models with metallic paint an optional extra for all models.

The new 1.4 TDCi will be offered in its standard form, A/C and XLT A/C configurations.

Produced specifically to cater for South African requirements, parts are readily available and are priced cost effectively resulting in lower running costs for the consumer.

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger sets the highest standards as a no-compromise, powerful truck that offers style, comfort and refinement.

The Ford Rangers built locally at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa's Silverton Assembly Plant delivers exceptional style, practicality, durability and comfort. While the new Ranger boasts many new innovations it also builds on the strengths that have won it acclaim, around the world – its proven durability, impressive off-road ability, advanced safety features plus quality and ruggedness that inspire confidence.

The Ranger is offered in three different body styles to suit the diverse needs of pick-up customers. The four-door Double Cab has plenty of room for five adults – providing flexibility for both leisure and business. The four-door Super Cab boasts a pillar-less reverse hinged rear-door system for easy access to the back, and provides the versatility of additional storage space with load boxes. The two-door Single Cab is a two-seater that provides exceptional rear load space.

Exceptional performance, best of all 4x2's on the market, rapid engine response and great fuel economy are the characteristic traits associated with the 3.0-litre, common rail diesel engine. It produces 115kW at 3200rpm and 380Nm at 1800rpm. Other engine derivatives available include the 2.2-petrol, 2.5-litre diesel, 2.5-litre turbo diesel and the powerful 4-litre petrol V6.

Ford has now expanded the Ford Ranger line-up with the introduction of an automatic transmission to the 3.0TDCi Double Cab XLE and will be available in both 4x2 and 4x4 guises and comes well equipped with a variety of comfort and convenience features.

The electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission has wide overall ratio providing a unique combination of impressive off-the-line performance and remarkably efficient highway fuel economy.

A powerful 32-bit Powertrain Control Module (PCM) delivers benefits in the transmission, as well as the engine, by precisely controlling shift duration and shift timing. Throttle position, engine speed, load, environmental factors and other parameters guide the transmission shift schedule.

An electronic interface complements the added capability of the PCM, allowing it high-speed communication with the automatic transmission, and giving powertrain engineers the ability to match transmission controls with other sophisticated features such as variable cam timing and electronic throttle control. As a result, the entire powertrain works together to deliver smooth performance.

The Ranger also features a flexible storage system that is vital in meeting the needs of customers with a variety of cargo-carrying requirements. The side walls of the cargo box are 60mm taller than the previous model, enabling owners to store more equipment. This translates into an impressive cargo capacity of 1266 litres, an improvement of 166 litres over the previous generation. Tie-down hooks have been repositioned lower in the rear of the box for added security when carrying loads.


As more and more customers use their Ranger for day-to-day transportation, Ford’s no-compromise approach to safety ensures that all occupants are equally protected. The Ranger offers driver and passenger airbags, plus side impact airbags for the front seats in certain models. Seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners to ensure maximum passenger protection in the event of an accident. Four-wheel anti-lock braking is also available.

Ford Protect

Ford offers the most comprehensive warranty plan in South Africa, giving customers additional peace of mind.

All Ford passenger and light commercial vehicles come standard with a 4-year/120000km fully comprehensive "true bumper to bumper" manufacturer warranty.


Roadside Assistance, paint, perforation and the 5-year corrosion warranties are also included. All Ford vehicles except Bantam include a minimum of a 4-year / 60000km Service Plan. Customers also have the option to enhance their service experience beyond the offered terms through obtaining Extended Service Plans, Maintenance Plans, Roadside Assistance and Extended Warranty on competitive terms.

Source: finchannel.com