Ford FIESTA Parts | 1996-2001 | Mk4 CVH HCS Zetec TD #26PA26A5K
Fiesta has long been a family favorite when the fourth generation, Fiesta MK4, was launched in October 1995. Popularity does not always equal class competitiveness, and with a series of rivals offering a more contemporary style, Fiesta had to fight back. Besides Fords traditions of aggressive pricing, a wide dealer network, and predictable residual values, the Mk IV Fiesta climbed to the top of the supermini tree through its superb handling. A product of Richard Parry-Jones revolution within Ford, this Fiesta managed to divert attention from its venerable bases, offering a formidable fun factor. As a usual purchase, it still makes sense, only if you dont expect the same kind of interior space you would get with one of todays superminis. Models covered: 3 and 5dr hatch: 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 turbo diesel Encore, Zetec, Finesse, LX, Zetec LX, Si, Ghia, Zetec Ghia, Zetec-S. Ford Fiesta Mk4 History Launched back in the dark times of the seventies, the history of Fiesta is long and convoluted. It wasnt until the mid-90s that stricter company car regulations and tougher direct competition forced Ford to start producing mainstream cars that real people could buy with real money, rather than having attacked them. This fourth-generation Fiesta range launched in October 1995, although it had a similar shape (apart from the large oval front grille and larger rear window) it was quite different under the skin from previous models. Fiesta Mark IV (internal code name BE91) was launched in October 1995 and became the best-selling car in the UK from 1996 to 1998, a replacement for the Ford Escort, which was permanently withdrawn from the market in 2004. The model featured a series of new Zetec SE engines, available in 1.25 L and 1.4 L forms, the 1.8-liter diesel engine was slightly modified for Mark IV, now marketed under the name Endura DE. Lower specification models remained available with what would be the final edition of the 1.3 L OHV Kent engine, now known as Endura-E. In addition to major chassis changes, Mark IV also benefited from a new interior and exterior style, including a soft-painted instrument panel for the first year of production, although it retains similar dimensions to Mark III, along with the platform and basic body structure, most visibly the side door openings. The RS1800 and RS Turbo models were not carried over to the updated Fiesta range. As an exercise in badge engineering, the Mazda 121 and Ford Fiesta Mark IV shared their design, were built on the same production lines, and used almost all the same parts. In JD Power reliability studies of the time, Mazda was reported to be significantly more reliable and attracted higher levels of customer satisfaction, despite being a slower seller than Fiesta. In Brazil, a 1.0-liter version (Endura Engine) was available at the popular trim level. Also, a 1.3-liter (Endura) and a 1.4-liter 16V (Zetec-SE) were available at the CLX trim level; it was sold in Argentina and Chile. The British trim level lineup saw relatively few changes over the years: (1995, Encore, LX, Si, Ghia; 1996, Ghia X added as a range-topper; 1998, Si replaced by Zetec, petrol LX models briefly renamed Zetec LX, Ghia X models axed; 1999, Finesse added between Encore and Zetec). In 1997, Mark IV was introduced in South Africa, the first time Fiesta was sold in that market. Only one engine was available, the 1.3-liter Endura E. Later, it won the South African Car of the Year award. The 1.3-liter engine was replaced with the 1.4-liter PTE (CVH) engine in 1999. It was also sold under the name Mazda 121 Soho in South Africa. Mark IV was not sold in North America. The German-built Ford Puma was based on Mark IV, sharing its underpinnings. For this reason, the 1.7 VCT engine from the Ford Puma became an extremely popular engine swap in the Mark IV and Mark IV facelift Fiesta. This gives the popular hatchback an extra 100cc over the previous largest available engine size, and the better gearbox, while maintaining a factory finish, as all components are a direct swap. Fiesta was initially designed by the Bobcat team led by Trevor Erskine (not to be confused with the later variant of the Mercury from Ford Pinto) and approved for development by Henry Ford II in September 1972, shortly after the launch of two comparable cars - Fiat 127 and Renault 5. More than a decade earlier, Ford had decided to produce a new small car to rival the BMC Mini, as the production cost was considered too high, but the 1973 oil crisis saw an increase in demand for smaller cars. Fiesta was an entirely new car in the supermini segment and was the smallest car manufactured by Ford. Development goals indicated a production cost $100 lower than the current Escort. The car had a longer wheelbase than the Fiat 127, but with an overall length shorter than the Ford Escort. The final proposal was developed by Tom Tjaarda at Ghia, overseen by Ford of Europes then-chief stylist, Uwe Bahnsen. The project was approved for production at the end of 1973, with Fords engineering centers in Cologne and Dunton Ford estimated that 500,000 Fiestas per year would be produced and built a completely new factory near Valencia, Spain; a transaxle factory near Bordeaux, France; factory extensions for assembly facilities in Dagenham, UK. Final assembly also took place in Valencia The name Fiesta (which means party in Spanish) belonged to General Motors, used as a trim level on Oldsmobile station wagons, when the car was designed and was given freely for Ford to use in their new B-class car. After years of speculation by the automotive press about the new Ford car, it was subjected to a succession of carefully crafted press leaks from late 1975. A Fiesta was displayed at the Le Mans 24-hour race in June 1976, and the car went on sale in France and Germany in September 1976; to the frustration of UK dealers, right-hand drive versions only began to appear in January 1977. Its initial competitors in Europe, besides the Fiat 127 and Renault 5, included the Volkswagen Polo and Vauxhall Chevette. Chrysler UK was also about to launch the Sunbeam by this stage, and British Leyland was working on a new supermini which was launched as the Austin Metro in 1980 Ford Fiesta MK4 has been around for a long time now, so most of you have probably driven one at some point. As such, you probably expect a small, no-thrills hatchback, suitable only for first-time drivers and midwives. Well, if so, think again. This Fiesta 1.25i Zetec is a nasty engine. It leaves a bit of its conservative exterior - yes, it had a facelift makeover, but it only suggests the millennial design found in other Ford types. The first thing you notice as you pull away from the curb is the engine. The 1242cc, 16v, Zetec electronic injection range seems a step ahead of the average superminis and pulls with a lot of attention, making city driving a more engaging experience. Soon, as you spin through your first corner, you lean into it to counter the anticipated body roll from a muscular suspension, but there isnt any! The car remains composed, and soon, it becomes a joy to throw things into corners faster and tighter than you would dare in other small hatches. So, its fun around town, but can it earn its keep on the open road? Yes, quite a bit. This Zetec engine can take you to 103 km and cruise quite happily on the highway. My criticism here would be that the standard power steering, while light around town, is too light for fast cruising and requires attention to avoid drifting off the line.
2026