Mabuyane Kekana

Mabuyane Kekana

The B-segment of the South African motor industry has always been dominated by Toyota and Volkswagen.

However, the VW Polo and Toyota Yaris have now mesmerised new car drivers.

Last year saw the launch of the new Opel Corsa (which has not picked up well) and the Mazda2.

Mazda2 took the market by storm and actually surprised many, given the badge.

Launched last week in Cape Town, the new Ford Fiesta is expected to reach even bigger numbers. The new Ford Fiesta is dynamite. It has changed so much from its predecessor to a better car.

In my opinion, you no longer have to be young and single to get into the Fiesta. You could be a family man or woman and still drive one.

Looks can deceive. The moment you open the doors of the Fiesta, you realise the spaciousness and ample legroom inside.

A car looking that fabulous with no list of options brings a sigh of relief. Sitting in the new Fiesta feels like being in a bigger sedan. It even feels and drives like a bigger car. The 1,4-petrol engine took me by surprise. It held its own uphill. I even thought we were driving a 1,6. Good engine indeed!

The Ford Fiesta was launched in the following models: the Ambiente (in a 1,4 and 1,6-litre petrol engine); the Trend (in 1,4 and 1,6-litre petrol engine) and the Titanium (1,4 and 1,6-litre, petrol both three and five door).

Pricing starts from R136990 for the base model 1,4-petrol 5-door Ambiente up to R168990 for the top of the range 1,6-petrol d-door Titanium.