Ford India, a subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company, announced its plans to introduce its latest model, a top-end luxury version, Fiesta 1.4 ZXI Duratorq diesel, in select markets on Thursday. The car will be priced at Rs 7.8 lakh (ex-showroom).

"The new Fiesta 1.4 ZXI diesel offers class, leading fuel efficiency, comfort and performance," said Arvind Mathew, Ford India President and Managing Director.

Ford Fiesta 1.4 ZXI diesel has leather upholstery, alloy wheels, 6 CD in dash audio with 6 speakers and electrical adjustable outside mirrors, programmable keyless entry and auto re-locking, clock, date and outside temperature display in instrument panel and optional ABS, efficient acceleration, fuel economy, and reduced emissions.

Ford India posted an impressive growth of 69 per cent in April 2006. Most of its growth came from Fiesta and Ikon.

According to the company, Ford has received an overwhelming response with over 9,000 bookings of Fiesta till date.

Fiesta was launched by Ford India in December 2005. According to the company over 6,250 units of Fiesta have been delivered to dealerships across the country.

"It is because of such growing demand that the company decided to launch its latest Fiesta model," said company in its release.

The Ford Fiesta 1.4 ZXI diesel will be available only in Andhra Pradesh and Punjab for now. But later it will be launched across the country, company officials said.

In a study by J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2005 India Customer Satisfaction Index, Ford ranked among the top three automotive brands.