New Ford Fiesta automatic launched

* New 1.4 automatic model * Priced from £13,195 * On sale now...

New Ford Fiesta automatic launched

Ford has added an automatic model to its Fiesta range.

The 'Durashift' automatic gearbox is available with only the Fiesta's 95bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine, in Style+, Zetec or Titanium trims.

Prices start at £13,195 for the Style+ three-door model and increase to £14,695 for the Titanium five-door. There's a 1000 premium over manual models.

Ford says that the electronic throttle for the new model has been tuned to respond differently, depending on how much and how sharply it is applied more aggressive inputs give a sharper, sportier response, while gentle inputs give a smoother, progressive feel.

Average fuel economy for the automatic is 43.4mpg, compared with 49.6mpg for the manual version. CO2 emissions for the auto are 133g/km, which is 21g/km higher than in manual form.

The Ford Fiesta 1.4 automatic is on sale now.