Ford Expo 2010: Meeting the Fiesta and the Shelby

Last October 16-17, Ford Group Philippines staged the largest ever Ford Expo at the SM Mall of Asia open grounds. Since Mechanical Engineering is a class of its own, I decided to drag my Mapuan brother to witness Ford’s lineup of vehicles.

The Ford Fiesta

The event featured Ford’s newest baby and the most anticipated car in the Philippines, the Fiesta. For European peeps, the Fiesta needs no introduction since it has been plying their roads for years already. Very unique about this car as compared to its competitors is its Voice Control Technology which is available in the Sport version. You can literally talk to your car to control your mobile phone (via Bluetooth) or your music. It’ll also make a pretty good surfer’s car if you ask me.

Although it bears some external resemblance with the Mazda 2, the Fiesta has the upper hand because of its engine power (121 bhp at 6,000 RPM and peak torque of 15.1 kg-m at 4,050 RPM in the 1.6-liter version). Also, the best part is the price. It starts at Php. 670,000 for the 1.4L sedan with a manual transmission and goes at Php. 816,000 for the top of the line Sport version. This is the Fiesta’s advantage over the Honda Jazz. In comparing it with the Chevrolet Cruze as to fuel efficiency, the Fiesta is our winner because basically the former weighs more.

A replica of the Ford Fiesta DC-Ken Block Rally Car was also available for special display. Ken Block hails from the U.S.A. and is widely known for his amazingly insane stunt driving. He is reported to be visiting Manila this early December (Update: His visit will not push through.). I was stunned after watching him do donut tricks with the Fiesta. Try searching “Ken Block gymkhana video” at youtube to see what I mean. Pity the tires.

The Ford Shelby

The event also showcased the 2009 Mustang Shelby GT500. Expect 540 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque with this muscled-up car’s 5.4-liter 32-valve Quad Cam V-8 engine. This eye candy also sports a set of 18-inch alloys aside from the racing stripes. Of course, don’t forget the requisite Cobra badge.

Test Drive & Racing Simulators

All vehicles were available for scrutiny. We were supposed to check out the Fiesta in both its sedan and hatchback variants for ourselves but unfortunately the test drive was only until 6PM.

Visitors were also treated to test their pro driving skills through the Focus-TRS Racing Simulators. Winners in the challenge received prizes from DC apparel and Ford Philippines. I did not participate and only tried the simulator because my gaming skills are already too rusty for competition.

Vroom!

In total, the Expo was a huge success and a great weekend alternative for the driving public. Aside from parading the usual steaming models, Ford Group Philippines did a great job in introducing the Fiesta. The marketing guys are also worth commending because of how informative they went in presenting the product while maintaining client interest all throughout, as compared to other dealers.