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Ford recently announced the 2011 Fiesta for India and a select few got to get behind the wheels as well. After driving the new Fiesta, I can confidently say that Ford has a winner. But what is the new Ford vehicle all about? Lets find out!

The new Fiesta is based on the Mazda's B2E platform. For those not in the know, this platform has won multiple awards for the fantastic balance of ride and handling. But we will come to that a bit later. First lets talk about the looks of the new Fiesta.

Most of us believe, atleast I do, that a car should look good, no matter how it drives. This is the foremost criteria for me to even consider a car. The new Fiesta is a right step over the old Fiesta (now called the Classic). It looks absolutely stunning from the front, slightly bulbous at the side, whereas the rear has a large overhang. What ever said and done, this car is indeed quite attractive. I like it alot.

Getting inside, one will notice the large, yet sloping dashboard. Black colours with chrome inserts are the theme inside, with the seats tremendously supportive. The leg room at the rear is more than average whereas the overall interior feels airy. The car features a segment first, voice activated controls. It basically lets you execute commands without having to press buttons. Simply use your voice to switch on the aircon or change the audio track. Overall the cabin is a comfortable place to be.

Start the 2011 Ford Fiesta and you will immediate realise the fantastic noise vibration and harshness levels (NVH) Very low noise persists in the car and both petrol and diesel motors do an adequate job to get you around city and highway traffic. But the car is no dragster with power clearly being compromised for economy. I would choose the diesel over the petrol anyday and found it be fun to drive. Torque in the TDCi motor is plenty and it never feels devoid of power at any time. However the petrol could have done with some more power, specially when others in the segment like the Honda City and the new Hyundai Verna Fluidic boast of 118bhp and 122bhp respectively.

Ford is yet to launch the new Fiesta, which is set to officially go on sale in July, 2011. Prices are yet to be disclosed either but we suspect the entry level model to cost Rs. 7.99 lakhs with the top end nudging around Rs. 11 lakhs. At these prices, the Fiesta will set the cat among the pigeons.