Hi,

Currently I have a used 2003 honda civic 1.7 vtec auto (4 gear) with LPG. I want to buy a new car that can benefit 100k excise rebate (in my mother in law's name so she is eligible).

Because I drive a Honda, I was thinking to buy Honda City 1.5 Automatic before. It comes with 5 gear auto, which is a plus compared to its alternatives. Ford fiesta had 6 gear auto in 1.6 liter engine only, however it seems they brought 1.5 liter engine models to benefit from excise tax. It seems ford uses dry clutch gearbox in fiesta, which is lighter, cheaper and maintenance free for 10 years - 240,000 kms. Normally I am not so eager to use semi automatic dual clutch systems due to unforseen high expenses in future but Ford's solution looks brilliant. In indian websites they also claim 16.97 kmpl (5.9 lt / 100 km) fuel consumption. However none of these information available in Ford thailand website.

I talked to Honda recently and they told me wait time is about 2 months so I have to order car 2 or 3 months before 30 october 2012 (deadline for excise promotion). I never talked to ford but I am guessing their wait time should be somewhat less than Honda.

Honda city trim levels doesn't mean much. You can get base model or top model but there is little difference for what you are paying extra. For example Honda City's 650k midline model is inferior to Ford Fiesta's base model (Trend) in every regard. If I buy Ford Fiesta Sedan Sport (689k baht), I get leather seats which is not available in Hatchback and a few extras. 2 Airbag + ABS/EBD and ESP is standard in all fiesta trims.

Considering that I will order car in cash after 15 - 20 august, can anyone share their experiences both with city and fiesta? To be honest, I am still hesitated to buy powershift gear.

No opinions?

Not sure it's too late to reply. I am buying a new car to take advantage of Thai excise tax refund too. I am considering Ford Fiesta 1.5 Hatch , Honda Jazz and Jazz Hybrid.

Fiesta is good for its handling and DSG transmission. Good for long range driving. Not so good service centers and resale value.

Honda Jazz is in its final year of this model. not as good mpg as Fiesta. not as good transmission and handling, but superb interior, space and seat configuration.

Jazz Hybrid: not worth the premium over Jazz. Not that much fuel saving, harsh ride. Cannot run solely on electric. Electric motor acts like a power booster only, unlike Toyota Prius.

Let me know what car you bought. I am leaning towards Ford Fiesta for a fun to drive car.

I can't speak for the Fiesta but I bought my wife the new Focus 2012 Sport + which comes with the dual clutch gearbox. When the car is driving at anything above walking pace its great and the gear changes are really smooth. However, when you are driving really slowly e.g in a traffic jam or going up a ramp in a car park the gear box is a bit snatchy or jerky.

I can't speak for the Fiesta but I bought my wife the new Focus 2012 Sport + which comes with the dual clutch gearbox. When the car is driving at anything above walking pace its great and the gear changes are really smooth. However, when you are driving really slowly e.g in a traffic jam or going up a ramp in a car park the gear box is a bit snatchy or jerky.

I looked on youtube and there is a couple of items about that. Seemingly in the US there has been an update on the gearbox computer. I dont know if the same here.

sent from my Wellcom A90+

Got a breand new Fiesta, 1.6, but love it. Had a JAzz in Aus, but not prepared to wait 6-7-8 months.

Bought a new Fiesta in 2011, Love it. No issuses so far and that is with my Wife(New Driver) driving it all over Isaan Country. It has the 1.5 and Auto, which does have a little jerk to it on occasion. But this seems to be the standard now in my opinion when it comes to auto, my Nissan Cube Car in Japan did the exact same thing.

Just as I didn't know where to pop this one... But here is a review of the Ford Fiesta by cars.com.

Mixed impressions to say the least... My own experience, as recounter in another thread, was that the steering was way too flimsy, but it was a very easy car to manoeuver and park in confined spaces. As to the interior, well, too cramped to my taste.

http://www.cars.com/ford/fiesta/2012/expert-reviews/?revid=58981