2012 Ford Fiesta Gets New Options for Better Customization
After only a year on the market, Ford recently announced that it is adding some new options on the Ford Fiesta for 2012 to give the car a higher degree of customization for buyers. The 2012 Ford Fiesta SEL and SES trim levels will now be available with a new exterior sport appearance package as well as two new interior packages. Ford has yet to announce the pricing or availability of the 2012 Ford Fiesta or these new packages, but it is looking to better capitalize on the fact that 40 percent of all 2011 Fiestas were sold with at least one optional accessory.
From the outside, the new 'premium sport appearance package'? will be easily recognizable from other Fiesta models by the numerous exterior components painted Tuxedo Black. The door mirrors, rear spoiler, lower grille and rear license plate trim will get the sparkly black paint, while the headlights will get a smoked background to add to the new styling package. Ford says that this blacked-out look is meant to take cues from the European-spec Ford Focus RS. Models equipped with a manual transmission will also receive 16-inch polished aluminum wheels as well as a shorter final drive ratio (4.25 compared to 4.07) to improve the car's performance.
One thing that has yet to be determined is whether the availability of this package will be affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan since Ford's Tuxedo Black paint is manufactured there and the color is one of a few different colors that are currently not available for order on new models.
'The black trim pieces are the perfect way to complement the exterior of Fiesta and give it a completely unique look that our customers are looking for,'? said Richard Anderson, planning manager, Ford Vehicle Personalization. 'Fiestas outfitted with this package will give off a race-like, sporty feel that's unique to this vehicle.'?
New for the inside, the 2012 Fiesta will now be available with a pair of interior appearance packages that add an even more intense level of contrast than the new exterior package. The cabin will now have a more dramatic effect with certain interior pieces adding either Race Red or Oxford White accents. The seats will get the contrasting color added to the center section of the seat back, seat bottom and head rest, and they will receive unique ribbing similar to the leather seats of the Ford Mustang. This same color will then also be used on the door panels, steering wheel, center stack and around the HVAC vents. One final treatment is that the front seat backs will also get a debossed Fiesta logo.
'The inspiration for this package is mainly a result of the trends we're seeing in fashion,'? explained Mark Conforzi, chief designer, Ford Vehicle Personalization. 'Designers like Stella McCartney use bold, contrasting color similar to these interior packages, adding a one-of-a-kind design that looks amazing.'?
In addition to these new packages, Ford still offers many other options on the Fiesta including exterior graphics, or 'tattoos'? according to Ford, that give customers a choice of more than 22 vinyl wraps to personalize their cars. Ford says that these graphics, along with custom shift knobs and rear hatch spoilers, have been the most popular accessories for Fiesta to date. Ford also stated that there is a 10 percent take rate for the Illuminated Interior Accessory Package and Metallic Interior Accessory Package on Fiestas equipped with manual transmissions.
'The Fiesta customer loves accessories and personalization. These packages extend the desire the customer has to make the car more tailored to his or her own personal tastes,'? said Lew Echlin, Global Car marketing manager. 'Personalization has been key since the Fiesta launched, and with the new packages we're featuring the latest design trends so customers can do even more with their car.'?