Ford Launches New Fiesta Four-Door in Guangzhou China

On the same day that Ford’s stylish new Fiesta hatchback narrowly placed second in a shootout against Opel’s Insignia for title to European Car of the Year, the blue-oval brand debuted the official four-door version on the other side of the globe during China’s Guangzhou Auto Show.

Even though the hatchback version didn’t take the Euro award, losing by a single point with 320 total, the car in four-door or five-door trim is an obvious winner.

“We set out to design a truly exciting, desirable small car that exceeds all expectations,” said Chelsia Lau, chief designer of China/ASEAN Programs, Ford Motor Company. “Today, we are keeping our promise that was made with the Verve Concept notchback last year.

“The all-new Fiesta sedan is sleek and contemporary,” added Lau. “The interpretation of kinetic design on the four-door body has given the Fiesta sedan an independent identity while retaining the emotional appeal of its five-door sibling.”

The Fiesta sedan will be available to Chinese consumers in a matter of months thanks to it being manufactured at Ford’s new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nanjing, China.

“This Fiesta writes the next chapter in our small car success story and builds on the widespread appeal of the Ford brand in China,” commented Robert Graziano, president and CEO, Ford Motor China. “Style-aware Chinese consumers will appreciate the uniqueness of this car that expresses their individuality, style and aspirations.”

Ford’s Chinese operations promise the same advanced manufacturing technologies as its European counterpart will enjoy, with a body structure made from high- and ultra high-strength steel for added rigidity for better handling and impact absorption, plus reduced weight and enhanced fuel efficiency.

While the Fiesta shown in these photos has been specifically tailored for the Chinese market, it’s a near duplicate to the North American-bound four-door Fiesta expected in 2010, produced in Mexico. Ford also has a plant in Thailand allocated for Fiesta production. While it’s not known if the five-door Fiesta will make it to North America, the four-door will certainly be sold in Europe.

“Launching the all-new Fiesta sedan to the world in China signals the importance of China and the Asian region in Ford’s global strategy,” said John Parker, executive vice president, Asia Pacific and Africa, Ford Motor Company. “This is a sophisticated small car. Design combines with advanced technology to deliver very high levels of refinement, safety and class-leading fuel efficiency. This new Fiesta proves Ford’s leadership in small car design and development.”

While the new Fiesta will bolster Ford’s overseas operations, the automaker and its dealers need this car in North America now.