Introduction
Two years is a long time in the world of commercial vehicles, especially if your name’s Ford. Such is the size and reputation of the company that it’s taken as a matter of course that when it comes to overall light CV sales figures the blue oval will be out there in front, and the vehicles themselves will be there or thereabouts when it comes to performance.
But since January 2002 it has been without a replacement for the Fiesta Van and, as the saying goes, time waits for no man. Buyers have inevitably looked elsewhere and the market is now dominated by the Peugeot 206 and Vauxhall Corsavan with 32% and 25% respectively – in 1999 the Fiesta van held a phenomenal 65%
But now Ford has returned with an all-new model, based on the Fiesta passenger car.
One of the drawbacks with CDVs is that they’re not originally designed with commercial tasks in mind. That may limit their appeal in some ways, where payload and space are the key factors. But if you want a basic array of tools or light materials, need to zip around in town traffic and park up at a moment’s notice, these vehicles provide a practical balance of size and space.
Product Profile
A brief look at the spec and price confirms that Ford has done its homework. The range has been kept simple with just two engine options: a 1.4-litre TDCi producing 67hp and 160Nm, and a Duratec 1.3-litre petrol unit with 69hp and 106Nm on tap. Ford expects 95% of sales to be diesels.
You certainly can’t fault Ford for lack of ambition – it aims to sell 4,000 vehicles a year in a market that totalled 6,285 in 2002, and has priced its new baby accordingly. The petrol version starts at £7,650 while the diesel is £9,000 – both are on-the-road prices.
This just beats the Vauxhall Corsa which is £8,264/£10,395. The company will not be producing an LPG option, though there are a number of independent companies who will be able to handle conversions.
Standard equipment is also generous for a vehicle in this class, including ABS, driver and passenger airbags immobiliser, remote control central/double locking and a half-height full-width bulkhead) we won’t mention the standard radio/cassette player). But for those who need that little bit extra, side airbags, metallic paint, air-con and a mesh upper for the bulkhead can also be requested.
And for £150 extra you get the ‘Convenience Pack’, which comprises electrically operated and heated door mirrors and electrically operated front windows.
The Fiesta Van comes backed by a three-year/60,000 mile warranty and 95 ‘Backbone’ dealerships around the country which specialise in CVs and the particular needs of customers in this sector.
Productivity
With a vehicle this size, especially in diesel guise, you’ve got to expect decent fuel economy. And 58.0mpg for a laden run around our Kent test route doesn’t disappoint; it compares favourably with the Corsa’s 57.7mpg (CM 01 April 2004), though both were outdone by Renault’s Clio with 58.7mpg (CM 28 March 2002).
Bringing up the rear was the Rover Commerce 2.0TD (bigger engine accepted) with 55.1mpg. When it came to unladen consumption the Fiesta came top with 62.2mpg followed ever so closely by the Corsa with 62.1mpg.
The Clio did 60.5mpg and the Commerce improved with 59.7mpg. It shows what a tightly contested market the Fiesta will have to compete in.
While the size of the load area for this category of vehicle is never going to raise any eyebrows it helps to have easy access as the main users will typically be couriers and tradesmen who will constantly be retrieving or loading goods/tools.
The rear door opens above head height, avoiding any uncomfortable clashing. Payload is set at 494kg (465kg with the petrol engine) and the VDA-rated load capacity is 1.01m3 compared with 1.06m3 in the Vauxhall Corsa, its nearest rival.
Where the Fiesta does score points is in its load length – a best-in-class 1,320mm. Loading height is a low 647mm and the maximum load height is 957mm – again a best-in-class figure. Kerbweight for the Fiesta is 1,165kg with a GVW of 1,585kg.
Though the Fiesta comes with a half-height bulkhead as standard, anyone carrying goods above this level will definitely have to specify the optional mesh upper at £100 as sharp braking may encourage the load to take a front seat.
And for those who are carrying expensive tools/goods the rear screen mesh (at £75) will also offer enhanced security.
Ford has paid particular attention to service costs (repairs, tyres and servicing) and reckons that the Fiesta saves between £80 and £386 over three years compared with its nearest rivals. Residual values are also predicted to be strong.
