ECU tuning specialist Superchips has released a new software upgrade for the UK market Ford Fiesta Zetec S. In factory tune, the Ford's 1.6-liter Ti-VCT twin independent cam timing engine delivers 120-horsepower.

After Superchip's engineers optimize the engine control unit (ECU), the four-cylinder powerplant gains an additional 10 bhp at 5,986 rpm and 13 Nm of torque at 4,390rpm.

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As we are nearing closer and closer to the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held for the public from September 15 to 25, automakers are slowly releasing more details about their plans.

Today, Ford revealed that it is planning four global product presentations in Frankfurt including "a new design concept" and what the company described as "details of the next Focus performance car".

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Building on the success of the European market Fiesta Sport + (called the 1600S in the UK and Sport S in Germany) that was launched this past February, Ford has unleashed a new Sport Special Edition that includes further enhancements inside and out.

The latest sporty Fiesta is available with two engine options, the most potent of which is the 1.6-liter Duratec Ti-VCT petrol unit delivering 134-horses and 160Nm torque at 4,250rpm.

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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.

Ken Block got off to a bad start before his third WRC event of 2011, crashing violently during the shakedown of the Vodafone Rally de Portugal yesterday. Even though the Ford Fiesta RS WRC was destroyed, lucky the American race driver and his copilot Alex Gelsomino managed to walk away from the incident without any injuries.

It's the first major crash for Ken Block in a World Rally Car and this means the Californian will have to watch this weekend's rally from the sidelines. The next WRC event for Block will be Rally Argentina (May 26-29). Check Block's unintentional stunt after the jump.

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Ford's Fiesta sub-compact has gained three new packages, two for the interior and one for the exterior, for the 2012 model year. The two interior packages are the Race Red and Oxford White and offer a personalized appearance with two-tone colored components.

Said to be inspired from the world of fashion and available on the Fiesta SEL and SES models, the interior packages feature contrasting interior accent colors on the center console, door panels and rings that surrounding the air vents.

The two-tone leather seats and steering wheel feature contrast stitching, while the shift knob is covered in black leather. Finally, the seats are also decorated with a debossed “Fiesta” logo.

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Ford's booth at the Geneva Motor Show hosted the world premieres of the Ranger Wildtrack series and the B-MAX, a pre-production concept version of the firm’s upcoming Fiesta-based small MPV. Now we have videos of both models that you can check out after the break.

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Ford's booth at the Geneva Motor Show hosted the world premieres of the Ranger Wildtrack series and the B-MAX, a pre-production concept version of the firm’s upcoming Fiesta-based small MPV. Now we have videos of both models that you can check out after the break.

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There’s been a lot of hype surrounding the U.S. launch of the Fiat 500, with many predicting a commercial success for the Italian mini even before it landed on this side of the Atlantic. However, there’s one industry executive that doesn’t believe in Fiat’s retro-penned hatchback. We’re talking about Ford CEO Alan Mulally. When asked about the market prospects of the Fiat 500 in the United States in an interview with Italian-language news magazine Panorama, Mulally said: "I do not see large market in the U.S.A. for a smaller car than the Fiesta. Those that tried failed.”

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There’s been a lot of hype surrounding the U.S. launch of the Fiat 500, with many predicting a commercial success for the Italian mini even before it landed on this side of the Atlantic. However, there’s one industry executive that doesn’t believe in Fiat’s retro-penned hatchback. We’re talking about Ford CEO Alan Mulally. When asked about the market prospects of the Fiat 500 in the United States in an interview with Italian-language news magazine Panorama, Mulally said: "I do not see large market in the U.S.A. for a smaller car than the Fiesta. Those that tried failed.”

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The latest generation of the Fiesta, which is also sold in the States, is proving to be quite a hit for Ford in Europe as sales have reached one million units. The milestone was achieved 28 months after the supermini first went on sale in the continent in October 2008. The European market versions of the three- and five-door Fiesta models are produced in Ford’s plants in Cologne, Germany and Valencia, Spain. Ford said that the Fiesta’s cumulative sales in Europe since the introduction of the first generation model in 1976 have so far totaled 14 million units.

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The latest generation of the Fiesta, which is also sold in the States, is proving to be quite a hit for Ford in Europe as sales have reached one million units. The milestone was achieved 28 months after the supermini first went on sale in the continent in October 2008. The European market versions of the three- and five-door Fiesta models are produced in Ford’s plants in Cologne, Germany and Valencia, Spain. Ford said that the Fiesta’s cumulative sales in Europe since the introduction of the first generation model in 1976 have so far totaled 14 million units.

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Scheduled to make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show this week is Ford's brand-new B-MAX concept that previews the firm's upcoming small MPV, designed to replace the current European Fusion and rival the Opel Meriva. Based on the Fiesta platform, the almost production-ready minivan has some striking features, the most obvious being the new door concept. It has no B-pillar and the twin doors have a conventional opening system in the front and a sliding system in the back.

By eliminating the traditional B-pillar, Ford promises best-in-class access to the cabin without compromising safety. With both front and rear doors open, the aperture measures 1.5 metres, around twice the width offered by competitors, according to Ford.

“With its unique door format and dynamic design, the B-MAX sends a strong message that customers looking for a compact, stylish and versatile vehicle will soon have an exciting new choice,” said Stephen Odell, CEO of Ford Europe. Another highlight is the lack of door handles, with the opening system being remote-controlled.

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Scheduled to make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show this week is Ford's brand-new B-MAX concept that previews the firm's upcoming small MPV, designed to replace the current European Fusion and rival the Opel Meriva. Based on the Fiesta platform, the almost production-ready minivan has some striking features, the most obvious being the new door concept. It has no B-pillar and the twin doors have a conventional opening system in the front and a sliding system in the back.

By eliminating the traditional B-pillar, Ford promises best-in-class access to the cabin without compromising safety. With both front and rear doors open, the aperture measures 1.5 metres, around twice the width offered by competitors, according to Ford.

“With its unique door format and dynamic design, the B-MAX sends a strong message that customers looking for a compact, stylish and versatile vehicle will soon have an exciting new choice,” said Stephen Odell, CEO of Ford Europe. Another highlight is the lack of door handles, with the opening system being remote-controlled.

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Chevrolet Cruze
The compact Cruze is headed to the U.S. after making its debut in Europe and Asia. Buyers can choose from three trim lines and two four-cylinder engines, including a new 1.4-liter turbocharged version that Chevrolet says will achieve as much as 40 mpg on the highway with a manual transmission. Either engine is available with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Ten standard air bags, electronic stability control with rollover sensing, and OnStar are among the safety features. The Cruze will be priced between $17,000 and $23,000.

Nissan Juke
Aimed at young buyers, the Nissan Juke is a sporty crossover based on the Versa hatchback and is meant to combine attributes of a small car and an SUV. The U.S. version has a direct-injection, turbocharged, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that will deliver 180 hp. It is matched with either a continuously variable automatic transmission or six-speed manual. Front- or all-wheel drive will be available. Pricing is expected to start at less than $20,000. Standard features include six air bags, antilock brakes, and ESC. Optional features include leather seats, push-button start, navigation system, and power sunroof.

Ford Focus

The next-generation Focus will be available as a four-door sedan or hatchback and will be based on a platform used for 10 models around the world. Here it gets a direct-injection, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. New available features include push-button start, a rearview camera, a semiautomatic parallel-parking system, and a new version of Ford's Sync infotainment system. Pricing will start at about $17,000. An electric-powered model will arrive later in 2011.

Fiat 500

Chrysler's new parent, Fiat, returns to the U.S. for the first time since the early 1980s with the tiny 500, a two-door hatchback with seating for four. Sized between a Smart ForTwo and a Mini Cooper, the 500 will be offered first with a 100-hp, 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a six-speed manual transmission. A sportier, turbocharged Abarth model is expected to follow, along with a semiconvertible with a roll-up canvas top. An electric version will arrive in 2012. Prices have not been announced, but the 500 starts around $14,000 in Europe.


Scion iQ

Designed for city dwellers who want something easy to park and fuel efficient, the iQ is a tiny two-door barely larger than a Smart ForTwo. The cabin seats four. The rear seat is tiny, but the front is roomy. Space-saving features include a compact air-conditioning system, electronic steering, and slender seatbacks. The engine is a 1.3-liter four-cylinder matched with a continuously variable transmission. Scion claims fuel economy will be in the high-30-mpg range. ESC and 10 air bags are standard, including an industry-first rear-window curtain bag. We expect the iQ to be priced starting at $15,000.

Ford Fiesta

Designed by Ford of Europe, this subcompact is about the size of a Honda Fit and available as a four-door hatchback or sedan. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency for 38 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city. A manual transmission is standard; a new six-speed automated manual is optional. The interior has an upscale look and feel and seating for five. High-end models have a leather interior. Safety features include front, side, and curtain air bags as well as a driver's knee bag. ESC is standard, and prices start around $14,000, including destination charges.

Mazda 2

This subcompact provides seating for five and is available only as a four-door hatchback. It's already a hit in Europe, and the version sold here has a 100-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Mazda claims the 2 will get up to 35 mpg on the highway. Two trim levels are offered. Standard safety features include ESC and curtain air bags. Prices start at $14,730, including destination charges.

Mini Countryman

The largest Mini yet has four doors, roomier rear bucket seats, available all-wheel drive, and the look of an SUV. The cargo area has generous underfloor storage, folding rear seatbacks, and a pass-through. Powertrain choices include the 1.6-liter naturally aspirated or turbocharged four-cylinder engines found in other Minis, matched with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Both engines get a slight horsepower increase for 2011. The Countryman is expected to sell for about $30,000.

Honda Odyssey

Honda says its redesigned minivan has more interior room and better aerodynamics and rear visibility and gets up to 28 mpg on the highway. The engine is the same 3.5-liter V6. We're told there are no plans for an all-wheel-drive version, so the Toyota Sienna is the only minivan offering AWD. Pricing will start around $27,000.

Volkswagen Jetta

The redesigned Jetta sedan, measuring 3.5 inches longer overall, has more rear leg room and a lower base price of about $16,000. Gasoline and diesel engines are carried over, and a hybrid version is coming. Most versions will have the 2.5-liter, five-cylinder that got 24 mpg overall in our Golf. The Jetta wagon is unchanged; Volkswagen says it will retain the sporty demeanor and upscale interior.

Kia Optima

This midsized sedan has been redesigned with a wider, lower stance; a 3-inch-longer wheelbase; and a more spacious cabin. The new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine is good for 200 hp, and the optional V6 has been replaced with a turbocharged, 274-hp version of the four-cylinder. A hybrid model will arrive early next year. The Optima is expected to be priced in the low-$20,000 range.

Kia Sportage

This small SUV has grown longer, lower, and wider. Kia claims its 176-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine will deliver more power and better fuel economy than the outgoing V6. We got 22 mpg overall with the similar Hyundai Tucson. A more powerful turbocharged version will arrive later. The engine is mated with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Curtain air bags and electronic stability control are standard. Pricing starts at about $19,000.

Ford Explorer

The Explorer has shed its trucklike, body-on-frame platform for a carlike unibody design shared with the Taurus and Flex. It will seat up to seven in three rows of seats. Ford promises much better fuel economy, thanks to improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, a six-speed automatic transmission, and the turbocharged, direct-injection EcoBoost engine that's optional on front-wheel-drive versions. Safety features include available rear inflatable safety belts claimed to provide better protection for children. The base price is about $29,000.

Latest Hybrids

Of several new hybrid models, the Honda CR-Z and Lexus CT 200h are the only dedicated hybrids, with no conventional counterparts.

The CR-Z, now on sale, is a small two-seater for buyers who want sporty looks with their fuel economy. But an early drive shows that it's not that sporty to drive or very fuel efficient for a hybrid. Pricing starts at $19,200.

The 200h, expected in early 2011, is a premium compact hatchback that's about the size of an Audi A3. Its hybrid powertrain is similar to the Prius', but it's based on a Toyota Corolla version sold in other countries. Pricing is expected to start around $30,000.